The accidental death of Rich , his best friend , in 1974 devastated him for years .
The accidental death of Rich , his best friend , in 1974 halted his career until he performed with Dwight Yoakam in 1988 .
The accidental death of Rich , his best friend , in 1974 devastated him for years and halted his career until he performed with Dwight Yoakam in 1988 .