History of Broadminded Music

Richard Fagan (1947–2016) was a Nashville-based singer and songwriter whose pen crafted songs that reached millions. Raised in Philadelphia, he was first championed by Tom Oteri Sr., who helped him land a breakthrough when Neil Diamond recorded Fagan’s “The Good Lord Loves You” in 1980. From there, Fagan’s move to Nashville cemented his place as a prolific hitmaker.

Over the course of his career, Fagan’s songs were recorded by artists including George Strait, John Michael Montgomery, Patty Loveless, Shania Twain, Collin Raye, Shenandoah, Clay Walker, Ricochet, George Jones, and Hank Williams Jr. His work helped shape the sound of 1990s country, with John Michael Montgomery taking “Be My Baby Tonight,” “Sold (The Grundy County Auction Incident),” and “I Miss You a Little” all the way to No. 1 on the charts.

Richard Fagan was more than just a songwriter—he was a performer with a unique voice, a personality larger than life, and a relentless creative spirit. Though his journey was marked by both triumphs and struggles, his music remains his true legacy, still connecting with audiences today.