Friends speak out on the impact and legacy of Jim Casey
With the sudden passing of Jim Casey, who is a music icon of northeast Nebraska, people close with Casey talked about the impact he had and his legacy.
By News Channel Nebraska
NORFOLK, Neb. -- With the sudden passing of Jim Casey, who is a music icon of northeast Nebraska, News Channel Nebraska reached out to some people who worked closely with Casey over the years to talk about the impact he had.
A person who worked with Casey frequently on Quarantine Tonight, Chad Barnhill, had this to say about the sudden passing of an icon around northeast Nebraska.
“Jim is a true icon of Norfolk, not only in music but in life. He made an impact in the music world wherever he went. The stories he would share with you were always memorable. And then there was the "Jim Casey voice". You always knew that voice in the room. We will now be sharing stories about Jim for a long time. Jim's memory will live on for generations to come.”
A person who ran sound for Jim for many years, Kevin Becker, released a statement to NCN along with his wife, Deb, about the impact Casey had on them.
"The entertainment industry is saddened by the passing of Jim Casey. He was not only a great entertainer, songwriter, and promoter, but a 'GREAT' friend and mentor to me and many others. Whether working a show or just getting together and watching sports, he always made my wife and I feel like family. You will always be in our hearts."
Casey was a nationally known entertainer and songwriter born in Norfolk. He had been a professional songwriter since he was a teenager, signing with Gold Dust Music, based in Memphis, Tennessee, and a member of the Nebraska rock band The Smoke Ring.
In 2015, Rolling Stone reported on an album by Casey and Vince Matthews. It was an album that took 40 years to release and received backing from Kris Kristofferson, Johnny Cash and Cowboy Jack Clement.