Daron Norwood Found Dead in His Apartment [VIDEO]

Country singer Daron Norwood has died at the age of 49. I'm still processing this news. I've met a lot of artists over the years, and my dinner with Daron was one of the most memorable. He was larger than life, full of life, and full of fun.

Daron Norwood never found great success in Country Music. He had some moderate hits with songs like "Cowboys Don't Cry,' 'If It Wasn't For Her I Wouldn't Have You,'  and 'Bad Dog No Biscuit' in the 1990's. It was an era of one-hit wonders who abruptly disappeared after one or two recognizable songs. Careers dissipated almost as quickly as they flourished.

But for Norwood, his disappearance wasn't so much the result of diminishing record sales, as a self-imposed exile. Norwood has said in interviews that he was averaging 25 shots of Jack Daniels a night while performing. He got sober in 1995 and started a program called 'Keep it Straight,' an effort to warn kids of the dangers of alcohol and drugs.

I can confirm the alcohol issue. Daron visited our station in the 1990's, during a time when new artists made radio tours to shake hands and do personal interviews. After our on-air conversation, Daron and his record executive/handler invited us to dinner. We went to The Greenhouse, which was a very nice, elegant restaurant in the 1990's.

Daron was a Texas boy, with a big voice that, at times, covered all other conversation in the room. We were giving our drink orders of mostly beer and, as others at the table were telling the waitress what they wanted, Daron leaned over and asked me 'Do you LIKE beer?' I answered that, while I do like beer, when I want a harder drink it's usually Jack Daniels. He immediately put his hand over his heart and said 'Oh, a girl after my own heart!' He then ordered a round of shots of Jack for the whole table. He was funny, sweet, and so full of life that you had to like him.

But there's a reason why I referred to the record guy who accompanied Daron around the country as a 'handler.' He told me later that it was one of the toughest jobs he ever had. Daron was always drinking and sneaking off to meet women. He didn't have a long career, but he sure had fun!

Norwood's body was discovered in his Texas apartment Wednesday by his landlord. He was 49 years old. According to EW, police don't suspect foul play and the cause of death is under investigation.

Rest in peace, Daron. Thanks for your music. And for one of my favorite memories from my 28 years in Country Music.