Joe Carlos Scaife

Joe Carlos Scaife passed away on June 12, 2024, at his home in Franklin, TN.  He was surrounded by his loving family; his wife, Danielle, daughter Jaela Scaife Harris, and son Joe Tristan Payne Scaife.  Joe was born on November 26, 1955, in Helena, Arkansas, to the late Sherytha Payne Scaife and the late Cecil Scaife. 

Joe moved to Nashville, TN when he was in first grade where his father opened up Phillips Studio after working at Sun Records.  He spent his childhood on Music Row hanging out at his father's Hall of Fame Recording Studio. Joe attended Belmont University, where he majored in Music Engineering and Recording.

While working on Music Row, he met his future wife, Danielle Godwin Scaife.  Danielle worked at Decca Records, and after marriage, Joe and Danielle ran Joe Scaife Productions and their four publishing companies.

Joe always said that despite his many awards, his greatest accomplishments were his children, Jaela and Tristan.  He was a proud father who cherished spending time with them.

As a producer, engineer, and singer, Joe sold over 80 million records, and his music has been streamed over 2 billion times.  Joe's music has been heard around the world.  Joe received numerous awards, including CMA  Awards, BMI Awards, ASCAP Awards, and was an ACM and Grammy-nominated producer.  Some of his greatest hits that he produced and contributed vocals to were "Achy Breaky Heart", "Redneck Woman", "Here for the Party", and "80's Ladies".  Joe sang on the Tonight Show, at the Washington Monument, and on countless albums.  He worked with Alabama, Billy Ray Cyrus, The Van Zants, K.T. Oslin, Montgomery Gentry, Lionel Ritchie, Loretta Lynn, Shania Twain, Glen Campbell, Gretchen Wilson, Lou Rawls, Vince Gill, The Oaks Ridge Boys, Toby Keith, Reba McEntire, Rhett Akins, Charlie Daniels, Trace Adkins, and many others.  As a music publisher, he published many songs, including the #1 song, "She Got the Best of Me" by Luke Combs.

Joe was always quick to fire up the grill for a poolside party at their home in Franklin or to host friends at the family's home on the Buffalo River in Perry County.  He taught Jaela and Tristan how to hunt and fish, his favorite pastimes. Joe spent most of his spare time on the water or in the woods.  He enjoyed nothing more than being surrounded by his family and friends. 

Those mourning this huge loss, include his wife, Danielle Godwin Scaife; children, Jaela Scaife Harris (Prather) and Joe Tristan Payne Scaife; his sister LaRawn Scaife Rhea (Richard); his mother-in-law Dianne DePriest Sanford, and many loving family members and friends.

A private burial was held in Perry County on June 15, 2024, and a Celebration of Joe's life will be held on Music Row at a later date.  Thank you to all our family and special friends who helped us through this difficult time.

Joe's father, Cecil Scaife, was instrumental in starting the Mike Curb College of Entertainment and Music Business.  For those who wish to send a memorial in Joe's honor, you can donate to the Cecil Scaife Music Business Endowment at Belmont University. P.O. Box 128079, Nashville, Tennessee 37212.

To send flowers to the family, please visit our floral store.