RIP Sonny Osborne

Robert Rogers · Post by **Robert Rogers** » 24 Oct 2021 3:01 pm

I saw on Facebook just a little while ago that Sonny Osborne passed away. This is really sad news. Sonny was always one of my heroes and I was always a huge fan of The Osborne Brothers. I always loved anything that they played or Sang. Another true legend gone home to be with our Lord and savior.

David Ball · Post by **David Ball** » 24 Oct 2021 3:36 pm

Sonny was great. Years ago, I was teaching banjo at the Smoky Mountain Banjo Academy. There was a class set up, "The Banjo Style of Dave Ball." I have been predominantly a melodic clawhammer style player for years.

Sonny was the only student I had in that session--needless to say, I was really intimidated. He had been one of my early heroes when I was first learning to play 3 finger style. But Sonny was serious--he wanted me to show him some licks, which I did. We had a good time--at least I did, and hope he did too!

Super great guy and great picker. We chatted many times after that rather embarrassing encounter, and he was always first rate. RIP to yet another great we've lost this year.

Dave

Larry Dering · Post by **Larry Dering** » 24 Oct 2021 5:28 pm

One of my early heroes. Rip Sonny. Prayers for friends and family.

Terry Wood · Post by **Terry Wood** » 24 Oct 2021 6:19 pm

Sonny and Bobby Osborne and my Friend Dale Sledd were one of the very Best Bluegrass Bands when I was growing up ! I love their music!

RIP Sonny and say hi to Dale for me!

Tommy Shown · Post by **Tommy Shown** » 24 Oct 2021 6:44 pm

Being from Kentucky, You would the Osborne Brothers, the Monroe Brothers always on the radio. Sonny and Bobby were innovators, they were the first to use an electric bass and steel guitar in their recordings.

Bob Womack · Post by **Bob Womack** » 25 Oct 2021 5:16 am

RIP Sonny. And "Hi!" to David Ball. Do you still have your Electar Zephyr amp? Great looking little amp.

Bob

Walter Stettner · Post by **Walter Stettner** » 25 Oct 2021 6:31 am

Really sad news, he was a fantastic musician...plus the Osbornes were one of the first and most popular bluegrass band to feature steel guitar on a regular basis. Hal Rugg was on so many of their records...

RIP, Sonny

Walter Stettner
Vienna, Austria

Peter Freiberger · Post by **Peter Freiberger** » 25 Oct 2021 8:37 am

Besides Hal Rugg the Osbornes recorded with Weldon Myrick and Buddy Emmons. Great records, very innovative.

Paul King · Post by **Paul King** » 25 Oct 2021 2:47 pm

A sad day in the country and bluegrass music world. I loved the Osbornes and especially his banjo playing.

Herb Steiner · Post by **Herb Steiner** » 26 Oct 2021 12:36 pm

He was a rock banjoist, one of the first (if not the first) to play blues/rock licks and phrasing on the 5-string in the bluegrass context. He was a hipster when many of his contemporaries definitely were NOT.

When I was a 'grasser in the early-mid 60s, the Osbornes were heavy favorites.

Post by **Dave Mudgett** » 28 Nov 2021 2:39 pm

I knew Sonny passed but missed this thread. I can only take coming over to Gone Home periodically. I have always loved his playing. RIP Sonny.