Singer-Songwriter Buzz Cason, Best Known for ‘Everlasting Love’ Dies at 84

Lauren Novak July 3, 2024

Nashville singer, songwriter and producer James Elmore “Buzz” Cason has passed away. He was 84 years old and while the Country Music Hall of Fame and Museum confirmed the news, a cause of death was not given. Cason is best known for writing the hit song “Everlasting Love” with Mac Gayden, which has been covered by many artists over the years and achieved No. 1 on the charts with the band Love Affair.

The combined versions of “Everlasting Love” have received over 10 million plays, making it one of the most successful songs to come out of Nashville. It has appeared in many films and television shows over the years since its release in 1967, including The Bold and The Beautiful and more recently Belfast.

As a teenager, Cason sang with the group The Casuals eventually moving on to the group Ronny & the Daytonas. He wrote the band’s hit song “Sandy.” He was also a backup singer for Elvis Presley and Kenny Rogers. As he grew up, he transitioned more into writing than singing and performing. In 1970, he founded his own recording studio called Creative Workshop, and stars such as Jimmy Buffett, Dolly Parton and many more recorded there. He wrote an autobiography about his life and career in 2004 called Living The Rock ‘n’ Roll Dream.