Jake Landers (1938-2018) was a musician, singer, songwriter and performer, recognized nationally and internationally as one of bluegrass’s top songwriters. In the 1960s, Landers performed as a member of the Dixie Gentlemen. Songs written by Landers include “Secret of the Waterfall,” “The Girl I Love,” and “The Last Request.” His song “Walk Softly on this Heart of Mine,” recorded by the Kentucky Headhunters, was a crossover success with more than 22 million copies sold.  He toured or recorded with many bluegrass greats including Bill Monroe’s Bluegrass Band, The Country Gentlemen, The Osborne Brothers, Vassar Clements and the Bluegrass Cardinals. Landers was inducted into the Alabama Bluegrass Music Association’s Hall of Fame in 2009.