NASHVILLE, TN (Feb. 21, 2005) - Grand Ole Opry member Johnny PayCheck died earlier this week at Vanderbilt University Medical Center after a lengthy battle with emphysema and asthma.

PayCheck, 64, was best known for his 1977 mega-hit "Take This Job and Shove It", which became a working man's anthem. PayCheck was performing by age five and became a professional musician by age 15. After a stint in the Navy in the '50's, he soon became bass and steel guitar player in George Jones' band. He also played for Faron Young, Porter Wagoner and Ray Price. He was an accomplished songwriter, penning "Apartment #9," (Tammy Wynette's first hit and ACM Song of the Year) and Ray Price's "Touch My Heart."

In the '70's, PayCheck received two Grammy nominations for "Take This Job and Shove It" and "Don't Take Her, She's All I've Got." Other hits included "Slide Off of Your Satin Sheets," "The Outlaw's Prayer," "Fifteen Beers," "Old Violin," "Mr. Lovemaker," and a duet with George Jones on "You Can Have Her."

After a rocky 80's, PayCheck was back in the '90's with a new outlook, new band and new look and lease on life. On Nov. 8, 1997, PayCheck became a member of the Grand Ole Opry and made his last Opry appearance on May 15, 1998.

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