Keith Gattis, the writer of Texas country standard "El Cerrito Place," died on Sunday (April 23). The Tennesseean reported that the Johnson City, Texas-born singer, songwriter and producer was killed in a tractor accident at his Nashville home.
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In the early '90s, Gattis was a traditionalist singer-songwriter in Nashville with a major label deal. His debut single, 1996's "Little Drops of My Heart" was a minor hit, stalling just outside of the Top 50.
Gattis also worked as a composer and guitarist with George Jones, Sara Evans and Dwight Yoakam. The latter gig followed Gattis' early aughts move from Nashville to Los Angeles.
"Keith in addition to being a fantastically talented Texas born guitar 'slinger,' singer and songwriter, had as pure a musical soul as anyone I ever met," shared Yoakam on Twitter.
Gattis moved back to Nashville in 2006. During this stay, he found his greatest success yet as a sought-after songwriter. Kenny Chesney upped Gattis' demand after recording two of the Texan's songs for the 2012 album Welcome to the Fishbowl: Top 15 hits "El Cerrito Place" and "I'm a Small Town." "El Cerrito Place" was first recorded in 2004 by Charlie Robison. George Strait cut Gattis originals, as well, most notably the singles "I Got a Car" and "Let It Go." Other old souls gravitated toward Gattis compositions, such as Wade Bowen, Brandy Clark and Jon Pardi.
Per a quote shared by the Tennessean, Gattis achieved his life goals.
"I got lucky and had a little success," he said. "It got me enough money to pay off debts, get square with the tax man [and] put a down payment on my house. I thought I was going to be a star, but I never really wanted that. I wanted a great career so I could play music for the rest of my life, and that's what I've ended up with."
Gattis is survived by his wife Penny and their children Delaney and McKenzie.
