Northeast Nebraska honoring Norfolk music legend Jim Casey

NORFOLK, Neb. -- Friends and family honored Norfolk music legend Jim Casey with a memorial walk on Thursday. Casey passed away suddenly on May 7.

Funeral services will be held for Casey Friday morning at 10:30 a.m. CT at Divots Ballroom in Norfolk.

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.

A move to Nashville, Tennessee preceded writing deals with Jack Music, Inc., as well as Welk Music and Universal Music.

His songs were recorded by country artists Charlie Pride, Bobby Bare, Sammi Smith, Waylon Jennings, and The Oak Ridge Boys.

Pop and folk artist Ritchie Havens recorded two of Casey's songs for the Miami-produced movie Sealed With a Kiss.

He also wrote Fade Away for legendary blues artist Albert Collins, as well as over fifty other songs recorded by various artists.

Among Casey's own recordings is the classic CD, Blue Oasis, which garnered national airplay for him after it's re-release in 2010.

His songs and musical stylings spanned multiple genres and numerous generations.

Casey was a also frequent guest on Quarantine Tonight.

News Channel Nebraska will live stream Casey's funeral. It will be available online only at newschannelnebraska.com.