Songwriter Alex Harvey–who was a native of Dyersburg and a graduate of Murray State University–has died. Harvey wrote “Delta Dawn” recorded by Tanya Tucker and “Reuben James” recorded by Kenny Rogers & The First Edition.
Harvey received his master’s degree in music from Murray State in 1969 and was an actor and singer as well as songwriter.
Tanya Tucker posted the following statement on her Facebook page: “I don’t guess I’d given a lot of thought to what my life would have been without the great song, ’Delta Dawn.’ But this morning I started thinking about it a lot with the passing of songwriter Alex Harvey. The song started everything off for me and has kept me going ever since. Even though my record was released in March of 1972, the song is still just as great 48 years later! I am so sad today with tears flowing. I thank God for him, his song, my life, my career and my fans — as I find myself grateful and thankful knowing my life would have been so different without the iconic ’Delta Dawn’ and her creator Alex Harvey. I know Alex was a man of God, and today he got his wings, to that mansion in the sky! Thank you, Alex. I’ll meet you there someday, when it’s my time to fly!”