Buzz Cason, the renowned singer and songwriter known for the hit “Everlasting Love,” passed away on June 16 at his home in Tennessee. Cason was 84.
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“Everlasting Love” continues to resonate in pop culture. Originally recorded by Robert Knight in 1967, the tune has been covered numerous times and featured in many films.
“Everlasting Love” charted in various versions, most notably Carl Carlton’s 1974 cover, which hinted at the rise of disco. In the U.K., the song became a #1 hit in 1968, thanks to the London-based pop band Love Affair.
Of course, the song, penned by Cason and his writing partner Mac Gayden, has been covered by an endless list of artists. These include Gloria Estefan, Rex Smith, Rachel Sweet, U2, German singer Sandra, Australian pop group Town Criers, and UK boy band Worlds Apart.
According to Deadline, the song has been featured in an endless list of TV shows and movies. Notably, it appeared in a 1994 episode of the daytime soap The Bold and The Beautiful. In the episode, cast members Bobbie Eakes and Jeff Trachta performed a duet as part of a concert storyline.
Meanwhile, the U2 version was used in the 2003 film Veronica Guerin, starring Kate Blanchett. Jamie Cullum’s cover was also included in the 2004 soundtrack of Bridget Jones: The Edge of Reason.
Of course, Cason’s song continues to be featured in recent films. In the 2021 film Belfast, Jamie Dornan’s character serenades his wife with “Everlasting Love” in a key scene. The song also appeared in the film’s trailers.
Buzz Cason Advocated for Rock and Roll Early On in Nashville
Cason, an early rock and roll advocate in Nashville, cited Gene Vincent, Bo Diddley, and the Clovers as inspirations. As a teenager, he sang with the Nashville doo-wop group The Casuals. The group also shared stages with Chubby Checker, Jerry Lee Lewis, and Brenda Lee.
In 1962, his song “Soldier of Love,” co-written with Tony Moon, was recorded by Arthur Alexander, a favorite of The Beatles. The Fab Four themselves performed a live version for the BBC in 1963. Meanwhile, the song went on to be covered by various artists, including Pearl Jam.
Meanwhile, by the mid-1960s, he became a member of the Nashville-based group Ronny & the Daytonas. He penned the band’s 1966 Top 40 hit ballad, “Sandy.” He later partnered with songwriter Bobby Russell in a music publishing venture. This led to the success of Russell’s songs “Honey” and “Little Green Apples.”
Cason is survived by his wife, Victoria Cason; daughters, Tammy, Kristy, and Leah; sons, Taylor and Parker; and numerous other extended family members.