Otha Young, Longtime Juice Newton Collaborator, Dies at 66

Singer-songwriter Otha Young, who was best known as the longtime musical partner of country and pop hitmaker Juice Newton, has died. According to the Hollywood Reporter, Young succumbed to cancer on Aug. 6 at UCLA Medical Center in Los Angeles. He was 66.

Young's biggest success as a writer came with 'The Sweetest Thing (I've Ever Known),' a No. 1 country and adult contemporary hit, and Top 10 pop hit in 1982. The pair first teamed in the 1970s as a folk duo, Dixie Peach, on the Northern California coffeehouse circuit, with Young playing guitar. He continued to play and sing on all of Newton's albums, including 'Juice,' which featured the smash crossover hits 'Angel of the Morning' and 'Queen of Hearts.'

Young had recently completed work as guitarist, writer, producer and vocalist on a Christmas album including standards and originals. He contiued to tour until March. He is survived by his wife, Brenda, and daughter, Makena.