Always On Our Minds

Category:  News/Obituary 

Wayne Carson, the Nashville Songwriters Hall of Famer behind the classic "Always On My Mind," has died.

Carson died Monday (7/20) in Franklin, Tennessee after suffering with various health issues.  He had become a hospice patient in June.  

Wayne Carson Thompson (ne Head) was born in Denver, the son of professional musicians.  His list of songs included two rock classics:  "The Letter" and "Soul Deep," both by the Box Tops.  On the country side, hits he wrote or co-wrote include "She's Acting Single (I'm Drinking Doubles)" by Gary Stewart, "Slide Off Your Satin Sheets" by Johnny Paycheck, "I See the Want To In Your Eyes" by Conway Twitty, and "Somebody Like Me" by Eddy Arnold.

It was "Always On My Mind," however, that made Carson a legend.  From the stunning, heartfelt rendition by Elvis following his divorce from Priscilla to the well-known chart-topping version by Willie Nelson, "Always On My Mind" is considered by many to be among the best songs of the 20th century in any genre of popular music.  Carson took home a "Song of the Year" Grammy for the tune in 1982.

His induction into the Nashville Songwriters Hall of Fame took place in 1997.

Wayne Carson, who'll be always on our minds, was 72.