BREAKING: Country Music Legend Found Dead... Fans Devastated Country music fans were saddened to hear the news that legendary guitarist Freddy Powers passed away this week. Powers was known for playing rhythm guitar with Merle Haggards band Shadows. He also collaborated with great artists, writing songs for Willie Nelson, Ray Charles, and George Jones. He also produced some lesser-known songs of his own. Friends of the music maven were devastated in 2004 when Powers was diagnosed with Parkisons. It progressed very quickly from there. When [Powers] was at his peak, he was the most energetic individual, Haggard said in 2008. Anytime either of us would mention anything that we wanted to dohell, build an airplane or play musicwe did it. We bought a nightclub; we built houseboats. We wrote number one songs. We accomplished a lot of things. Freddy and I share some gorgeous memories. Mary Sarah, who was a finalist on the popular TV show The Voice, posted about his death on Facebook: Just lost my second father today, she wrote. He was a man who never thought about himself but others. He taught me to trust myself, to give, to give it all every time, to love and so much more. He believed in me when no one else would. He opened his arms and took me under his wing and I will forever be grateful. I would not be the woman I am today without the love and support from Freddy Powers and his beautiful wife, Catherine-Allen Powers. Please say a prayer for Catherine and all the friends and family who had the honor of knowing this sweet, giving man. I miss him alreadybut I know that he is in a better place. Singing and playing his guitar like hes always meant to do. He will be with me forever. I love you Freddy. Always. 