Paul English, Willie Nelson’s Long-Time Drummer, Has Died

Paul English, who was Willie Nelson's drummer for more than 50 years, has died, according to Nelson’s publicist Elaine Schock. English passed at a hospital near his home in Dallas after contracting pneumonia.

English first showcased his drumming skills with Willie Nelson at a radio show in Fort Worth in 1955 and joined the band full time in 1966. He is best known to fans as the co-title named in “Me and Paul” which narrated English and Nelson’s lifetime adventures together.

Amy Nelson, Willie’s daughter said of English, “He always had our backs. He was like the co-patriarch of our family. Nobody can fill Paul’s shoes, ever.”

Here's how family, friends, and Twitter reacted to Paul's death: