Chronicle: Songwriter/industry vet Edward "Eddie" Ray passed away June 21 at the age of 99. His songs were cut by artists including Elvis Presley, John Fogerty and The McGuire Sisters, and, across his more than 60 years in the music industry, he spent time at MGM. Records, Imperial Records, Cream/Hi Records and Capitol Records. He also served as the first Exec. Dir. of the North Carolina Music Hall of Fame. Full obit here.

Longtime Black River Entertainment bus driver Michael "Maki" Victor Daniel passed away at the age of 76 after more than a decade of driving the label's artists and staff. "When you have a CEO who prefers traveling the country by tour bus instead of airplane, the driver of that bus becomes much more than an employee," says CEO Gordon Kerr. "He becomes a trusted friend, a protector, and ultimately, family." A Celebration of Life will be held July 7 at The Church at Lockeland Springs in Nashville at 11am.