NASHVILLE, TN. (Songs For The Planet, Inc.) - Ben Joseph Peters, Grammy Award winner and International
Music Songwriter Hall Of Fame member, went to be with the Lord, May 25, 2005. He died at approximately 10:38 p.m. of pneumonia and complications at
St. Thomas Hospital in Nashville, Tenn. He is best known for his 14 number one hits that crossed over from country to pop audiences, including Daytime
Friends and Nighttime Lovers and Kiss An
Angel Good Morning (written for his wife, Jackie Peters and recorded by Charley Pride).
A legend in country music, he moved to Nashville, Tenn., in 1962 and helped other legendary stars achieve fame by selling millions of albums with his songs. Recording artists for Peters include Eddy Arnold, Ray Charles, Freddie Fender, Engelbert Humperdinck, Alan Jackson, George Jones, Brenda Lee, Jerry Lee Lewis, Loretta Lynn, Barbara Mandrell, Dean Martin, Ronnie Milsap, Lorrie Morgan, Willie Nelson, Kenny Rogers, Conway Twitty, and Tammy Wynette. Born in rural Hollandale, Mississippi on June 20, 1933, he climbed to the top of the music industry with his classic love songs and positive music. He won a Grammy for Best Country Song in 1972 for Kiss An Angel Good Morning, two CMA Awards, 27 BMI writer awards, appeared on television, and was presented too many other distinguished honors to list. A gifted singer and musician of many instruments, Peters also recorded for Liberty and Capitol Records but ultimately chose songwriting over a performer's life on the road. Never forgetting his hardworking and humble Mississippi roots, he is honored by all walks of life. A graduate of the University of Southern Mississippi, and a U.S. Navy pilot, he is survived by his adoring wife and "Angel" Jackie (Macon) Peters of 48 years, daughter Debbie, daughter Angela (Tim Lauer), son Justin (Beth) and five grandchildren: Josh, Sophia, Olivia, Joseph, and Jackson. Visitation will be held Friday, May 27, 5-8 p.m., at Woodlawn Memorial Park and Funeral Home, 660 Thompson Ln., Nashville, Tenn. (615-383-4754). Services will be held Saturday May 28 at Living Word Community Church (409 Franklin Road, Nashville, Tenn.), with a visitation at 2 p.m. and the funeral at 3 p.m. The family has requested that any donations be made in Ben Peters' name to Music Cares.
In the words of Ben Peters, "I've always got a smilin' face, anytime and any place. Every time they ask me: Why? I just smile and say: You've got to kiss an angel good morning, Let her know you think about her when you're gone." Ben Peters leaves us smiling, knowing that he is thinking of us as we remember him always.
