William Joel "Taz" DiGregorio (January 8, 1944 – October 12, 2011) was a longtime member and keyboardist for the Charlie Daniels Band. He was self-taught on the keyboards, practicing from tunes by Elvis Presley, Fats Domino, and Little Richard following his attendance at a Ray Charles concert.

He fulfilled his goal of becoming a professional musician, initiating his career with the group Paul Chaplain and his Emeralds, best known for their minor hit "Shortnin' Bread" (1960). By the early 1960s, the group disbanded, leaving DiGregorio (who was seventeen) to find other gigs which included playing in a lounge band in Florida. In 1964, he met and joined Charlie Daniels who at that time was in a band called the Jaguars.

A few years later, DiGregorio was drafted and served with the US Army. Upon his return home, he resumed his career with Daniels and following some ensemble changes The Charlie Daniels Band launched what was to become a commercially successful body of work, beginning with their self-titled debut album in 1970. In 1979, their signature hit "The Devil Went Down To Georgia," which achieved a number 3 placing on the US Pop Charts, was co-written by DiGregorio. In addition to his work with Daniels, he recorded the solo projects Midnight in Savannah (2008) and Shake Rag (2008).DiGregorio was killed in a single car accident on Interstate 40 in Cheatham County, Tennessee, on October 12, 2011.[1] He was driving to meet the band’s tour bus, which was headed to a concert set for Wednesday night in Cumming, Georgia.[2] He was 67 years old.Taz was the always personable,  keyboard player. This author in having the pleasure of meeting him backstage always found him to be an articulate, friendly guy that sincerely enjoyed playing keyboards and  performing with the CDB.Currently the Charlie Daniels Band is still playing their concert dates, in Tribute to Taz, without a  keyboard player according to Paula Szeigis, Publicity Manager for the CDB.He will be missed by the CDB Band, Fans and Family. Our sincere thoughts go out to the family and friends of this awesome musician.(Referenced by Wiki pedia)

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A very special congrats to a very special big man!

Charlie recently turned 75 years young. And, is still singing and beating the drum for the USA. 


He has done many music tours of Iraq and recently brought several plane loads of musical instruments and equipment to our soldiers overseas donated by Fender Guitars and other suppliers.

The love and appreciation of this man is always shown at his concerts on base overseas and at his concerts at home where he always offer the chance to do a " meet and great" with this patriotic performer.

He recently completed his "Concert for Kids" without his good friend and Keyboard player, Taz DiGregorio, after his death in a recent car crash.

Bob and Kathy Hicks, of the Christian Country Coffee Club,  recently sent a custom made carpet honoring Charlie Daniels efforts with fund raising efforts for Kids for Christmas, as a thank you for Charlie Daniels.

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