Billy Earl McClelland, noted guitarist-songwriter and member of the Alabama Music Hall of Fame, died Thursday, October 3, 2013, from complications following a heart attack, at East Alabama Medical Center in Opelika, Alabama. He was 63. Born in Cusseta, Alabama, in 1950, McClelland grew up with dreams of becoming a musician and sharing his music with the world. Fortunately for his audiences, his talent and tenacity allowed him to live that dream. An instinctive translator with original sensibilities, McClelland absorbed the blues vibes in his native state before taking his perfected picking skills to Nashville, a literal boom town for talented musicians and songwriters in the late 70s. Before long, McClelland had found his niche with a soulful, yet raw-edged, rock-tinged country sound that complimented the shift in the genres search for a new crossover country style. He was there at the forefront helping set the pace. McClellands technique added depth to a musical composition giving it an intense emotional texture that became his trademark. Despite the competitive environment in Nashvilles closely knit musician-songwriter circle during the 80s, this son of Alabama laid tracks on sessions with Hank Snow, Willie Nelson, Mel Tillis, Brenda Lee, Townes Van Zant, Tony Joe White, B.J. Thomas, and many others. Although they were prominent songwriters in their own right, artists such as Waylon Jennings, Hank Williams Jr., Jerry Jeff Walker, T.G. Sheppard and others chose to record McClellands compositions. McClelland was an exclusive writer for Sony Tree Publishing Company, an enviable perch in the aggressive songwriter arena worldwide. Considered one of his most famous tunes, "Old Nashville Cowboy," co-written with Rock Killough and recorded by Hank Williams Jr., is still both a domestic and international favorite on radio playlists. Somewhat ahead of his time on the Nashville scene, McClellands rock oriented, blues-filtered style gained the attention of Elektra Asylum Records. The label released Zero Hindsight in 1980 and has a second unreleased album Ready or Not on McClelland in its vaults. In 1990, Skip McQuinn, renowned producer Chips Momans top engineer on award-winning Willie Nelson and Merle Haggard albums, set up a recording studio on Memphis famous Beale Street and tapped McClelland to move to the Bluff City to partner on his projects. McClellands soul could not have found a better home. His passion for the blues infused many recording, most notably his production of Big Bill Morganfields first album, engineered by the Mike Durff. Other important projects with McClelland at the helm include Mojo:Saint, a contemporary blues album, with veteran drummer David Brazeal and Wet Willies bassist Jack Hall. The song "Blue Monday" from that endeavor became the name of a band headlined by McClelland that played regularly. These intimate performances allowed audiences to experience the joy, sorrow, and excitement merged in McClellands unique style that simply reflected the personality of a fun-loving, lovable man whose need to share his emotions drove his career. Noted for his onstage charisma, matched only by major solo artists, McClelland was selected to play many blues festivals throughout the Southeast. After working with prominent blues artists such as Bo Diddley and Albert Collins, McClelland released his own album Judgment Day in 2000. Produced by McQuinn, the tracks captured the essence of McClellands live, intensely soulful performances by placing the musicians in a circle on the studio floor allowing McClelland to effortlessly release the personality of his live performances. All the major blues magazines embraced the album with rave reviews. McClelland is a BMI songwriter and has publishing companies with SESAC and ASCAP. McClelland is survived by his loving partner, Marie Leak, daughters Suzanne McClelland, Jessie McClelland-Shurum, and Jenna McClelland, son Michael McClelland. Grandchildren Alyssa Healy and Sarah Shurum. Brothers Paul (Beverly) McClelland , Micky (Marsha) McClelland, and Tommy (Beth) McClelland, numerous nieces, nephews, and special friends. The family would like to express great thanks to Bobby and Vivian Cooper. Visitation will be held on Friday, October 4, 2013 from 6-8 PM CST in the Frederick-Dean Funeral Home Parlor. Funeral services will be held on Saturday, October 5, 2013 at 12 PM CST in the Frederick-Dean Funeral Home Chapel. Interment will follow at Fairview Cemetery in Valley, Alabama at 1:30 PM CST. Frederick-Dean Funeral Home is in charge of the arrangements.