When it comes to country music, I tend to like stuff with a bit of a "bite" to it. Hence my appreciation of the music of Merle Haggard and Waylon. I have, however, grown to appreciate at least some of Eddy Arnold's music. I'm no fan of the "Nashville Sound" (that syrupy, string-laden brand of country music from the '60s and early '70s) that Eddy Arnold help pioneer, but there is something in his voice that I find very appealing. If you've ever heard the song Cattle Call, you'll know what I mean. His vocal control was flawless (even better than Haggard), and the sheer quality of his voice is mesmerizing. And to top it off, he was, by all accounts, a heck of a nice, decent guy. No whoremongering or drug or alcohol addiction there. That, in and of itself, is a rarity in the music industry.

Eddy Arnold died at the age of 89 this past May -- just two months after his wife of 66 years. The guy really was a hero in a lot of ways. I will be listening to more of his music in the upcoming days.

Rest in peace, Eddy. This world isn't likely to see any more of your caliber.