Singer-Songwriter A.J. Masters Passes Away

Nashville's music community has lost another important talent. Singer-songwriter A.J. Masters passed away on Monday (Jan. 12).

Country station KUAD-FM in Ft. Collins, Colo. broke the news Tuesday morning (Jan. 13). According to Music Row, Masters died from complications after battling prostate cancer.

Masters began his career at age 14, playing bass guitar in his older brother's band. He signed with Bermuda Dunes Records in the mid-'80s, releasing eight singles including 'Back Home,' which peaked at No. 48 in 1986. According to his biography at Atom Records, he was named Independent Male Vocalist of the Year and also received a nomination from the Academy of Country Music for New Male Vocalist.

He was best known for songs he wrote for other artists, including John Berry's 'Change My Mind,' for which he received a BMI Millionaire Award, and Faith Hill's 'Love Ain't Like That,' which was certified multi-Platinum. Other artists who cut his songs include the Oak Ridge Boys, Randy Travis, Diamond Rio and more.

"He was such a sweet and supportive man," KUAD morning man Brian Gary recalls. "He was so kind to everyone who encountered him. We could all learn a lot about how to treat others from the way A.J. lived his life. You will be missed, my friend."

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