Zeke Dawson, Former Fiddle Player for Loretta Lynn, Dead at 84

Zeke Dawson, a fiddle player and former member of Loretta Lynn’s backing band passed away on Monday (November 11) at the age of 84. His cause of death has not yet been revealed.

Along with being a member of Lynn’s band, The Coal Miners, for nearly a decade, Dawson played for other artists including George Jones. Additionally, he appeared as a member of the band in the 1980 biopic Coal Miner’s Daughter. He also contributed music to the 1978 horror film The Tool Box Murders.

Over the course of his long career, Dawson played in 48 of the 50 states and performed in seven other countries, according to his obituary. While music was his passion in life, Dawson also served in the United States Army. As a result, he will be buried with full military honors at the Middle Tennessee Veterans Cemetery.

“He was the type of man that never met a stranger anywhere he traveled and always had a good story to tell,” his obituary stated. This statement is backed up by tributes from his former Coal Miner bandmate, James Thornhill.

Former Bandmates Remember Zeke Dawson

Loretta Lynn’s former lead guitarist David Thornhill, wrote about Zeke Dawson’s passing on social media Monday afternoon. “Sorry to say but we lost another Coalminer this morning,” he wrote in the post. “Zeke Dawson, who was Loretta’s fiddle plate from 1974 for nine years, passed away this morning at 1 AM. Zeke was my roommate on the road, and quite a unique person,” he added. “He was always in a happy mood and kept things lively on the road. He will be missed. RIP my great friend,” Thornhill concluded.

Earlier this week, Loretta Lynn’s social media accounts shared a tribute to Dawson. “Every member of Loretta’s Coal Miner band was like family to her. Zeke Dawson was with her for nearly a decade. He will be missed by the entire Lynn family, they wrote. “This week, we are sending our love to his family.”

Those who wish to do say may make memorial donations to the Nashville Musician’s Union #257.

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