Rewinding the Country Charts: In 1997, Everybody Knew Kevin Sharp

Sharp was in high school when he was diagnosed with Ewing's sarcoma, an uncommon form of bone cancer. Through the Make-a-Wish-Foundation, he later met record producer David Foster, who would become a friend and mentor. Sharp eventually served as a spokesman for the charity and wrote the inspirational book Tragedy's Gift (2004).

Although Sharp's cancer went into remission, he suffered from complications due to chemotherapy and radiation and passed away on April 19, 2014, at age 43. Attendees at his service included Rich, who sang "Nobody Knows" in tribute.