Don Rollins, the Grammy-winning songwriter behind Alan Jackson’s 2003 hit “It’s Five O’Clock Somewhere,” has passed away at the age of 63. The Vidor, Texas native died Saturday evening, leaving behind a legacy that spanned both the country music industry and music education.
Rollins earned a Grammy for Best Country Song in 2003 and also penned songs for country music legends including Randy Travis, Reba McEntire, and Faith Hill, according to the Museum of the Gulf Coast. A 1983 graduate of Lamar University, he studied saxophone under Dr. James S. Simmons, the university’s President Emeritus.
Beyond his influence in country music, Rollins dedicated 17 years to music education, serving as a band director in Vidor, Woodville, and other Texas schools. His bands earned top honors in marching, concert, and sight-reading contests, while his jazz ensembles won multiple festivals, including the University of Houston Jazz Festival in 2001.
Following his breakout success in 2003, Rollins shifted his focus toward mentorship and education, teaching songwriting and speaking at institutions such as the Berklee College of Music and the Renaissance Center in Tennessee.
His passing marks the loss of a formidable talent and mentor whose influence extended far beyond the stage.
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