Freelance music writer Parry Gettelman and friends offer a touching tribute to the late Chris Gaffney:

Psychologists have identified seven stages of grief, but when Chris Gaffney died of liver cancer April 17, I realized there are actually eight; they forgot to count righteous indignation. That's where I'm stuck, because an unnecessarily cruel fate took one of the finest musicians on the planet at age 57, just when he was finally starting to enjoy some of the success he'd long deserved.
 
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The Oaks, just outside Austin, will host a tribute night May 25, with proceeds helping to offset medical and funeral expenses. The Gaffney family also is accepting donations through helpgaff.com.

The Hacienda Brothers' third and final studio album, Arizona Motel, will be available June 24.

I really enjoyed the Hacienda Brothers, especially Gaffney's gruff baritone and unique ability to infuse country with soul. He will be missed, and clearly already is.