Rick Diamond/Getty Images for Country Music Hall Of Fame And MuseumSinger/songwriter Steve Young, best known as the composer of “Seven Bridges Road,” died Thursday in Nashville at the age of 73. His son Jubal Lee Young, who made history last year by becoming the first contestant ever to propose on The Voice, announced his father’s death on Facebook.
“Turn supernatural, take me to stars and let me play. I want to be free, Alabama highway,” he said, quoting from a song his dad wrote. “My father, Steve Young, passed peacefully tonight… While it is a sad occasion, he was also the last person who could be content to be trapped in a broken mind and body. He was far too independent and adventurous. I celebrate his freedom, as well, and I am grateful for the time we had. A true original.”
Steve’s song “Alabama Highways” was featured in Heartworn Highways, the seventies documentary that chronicled the outlaw movement. The Georgia native also wrote Waylon Jennings’ iconic tune “Lonesome On’ry and Mean,” and had other songs recorded by the likes of Willie Nelson and Hank Williams Jr.
“Seven Bridges Road” first emerged on Steve’s debut album, Rock Salt & Nails, in 1969. In 1972, he made it the title track of his sophomore effort. In 1980, The Eagles recorded their iconic version for their Eagles Live album. It went on to become their final top-40 hit before their famed breakup, and an important piece of both rock and roll and country history.
Copyright © 2016, ABC Radio. All rights reserved.
