Earl Scruggs Is Gone - Yet His Music Plays On

Wednesday, March 28, 2012 @8:55:37 PM

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116 comments on “Earl Scruggs Is Gone - Yet His Music Plays On”

Rick Polston Says: Wednesday, March 28, 2012 @9:27:33 PM I along with so many of the world who have been influenced by this great man love and will miss him more than words can ever express. From my first meeting at his home on Donna Drive in Madison Tennessee where he welcomed a young green picker into his home for a visit, I was forever changed that day by this giant that was so humble. Pick in Peace my friend. God comfort Gary, Randy and their families and comfort us all during this great loss but thanks to our creator for sharing him with us.

BanjoFlyboy Says: Wednesday, March 28, 2012 @9:43:38 PM Well said Eric. Earl lives on!

rferg Says: Wednesday, March 28, 2012 @10:06:10 PM My condolences to the family of Earl Scruggs. What an influence he was on this music we love. He brought happiness to many. He won't be forgotten. May you find strength and peace during this difficult time.

FenderBender Says: Wednesday, March 28, 2012 @10:44:54 PM When I was nine I snuck into the Capital Theater in Bowling Green, KY to see Bonnie and Clyde. Foggy Mtn Breakdown got me hooked, changed my life forever and I had to get a banjo, simple as that. From the moment I picked up the 5-string I couldn't put it down. I eventually got good enough at it (thanks to Earl's book) to have a nice little career as a banjo player through the seventies and eighties. My three great heros, Scruggs, Hartford and Thompson are gone now. I tore up a lot of Earl's records trying to learn. To this very day I am still glad to play FMB for anyone who'll listen! An absolutely iconic banjo tune. Many thanks to the great man, Earl Scruggs and sincere condolences to family.

Briiian Says: Thursday, March 29, 2012 @2:31:10 AM The one musician I respect & admire more than any other musician is probably the only one I know of to also die of NATURAL causes. So much respect, Earl lived to 88 years old. Rest in Power, you will continue to influence banjo players for centuries.

granada_rb Says: Thursday, March 29, 2012 @3:39:44 AM My condolences to the family of Earl Scruggs, Earl I miss you! Arnold Zobrist Switzerland

thombanjo Says: Thursday, March 29, 2012 @4:14:00 AM It's just very sad. I can't think of any single musician who influenced more players on an instrument than did Earl Scruggs on the banjo. The Blue Grass genre is very young and it seemed like Earl who was part of it's signature sound was going to live forever. He will live forever. Anyone who ever picks up a 5 string resonator banjo will be instructed to play it by others who will show them Scruggs' style. Earl Scruggs was and is the banjo.

flyingeaglerb3 Says: Thursday, March 29, 2012 @4:37:01 AM To all the Scruggs Family,Friends, and fans. It's peaceful to know that Earl is in the hands of the Lord and I,m sure somewhere he is still pickin' as he loved it so well. May God bless us and help us to come to grips with such a great loss!

PeterJ Says: Thursday, March 29, 2012 @4:56:09 AM From the Washington Post's obituary: Mr. Scruggs formed the Earl Scruggs Revue with his three musician sons, employing what he termed a ?no-cubbyhole, category-free, barrier-less approach to music.? From the age of 10, when he first figured out that 3-finger roll, he'd never stopped innovating -- that's what inspired (and still inspires) me.

SESZOO Says: Thursday, March 29, 2012 @5:38:32 AM Rest in Peace Earl, Thanks for the music ,,you'll be a welcome addition to the band upstairs ,they'll definately be some toe tappin going on up there now,RIP

alfiedog Says: Thursday, March 29, 2012 @6:01:14 AM My thoughts are with Earls Family. I Cried when i heard the News. God Speed Earl, and thanks for the Music.

rvrose Says: Thursday, March 29, 2012 @6:10:06 AM I just heard the news this morning that Mr. Scruggs had passed into Glory. My most sincere condolences to his family and loved ones.

Kstevensmd Says: Thursday, March 29, 2012 @7:16:51 AM I was just listening to one of his albums last PM; there will never be another!

Pickfingers Says: Thursday, March 29, 2012 @7:25:52 AM You can't pick up a 5 string banjo without being touched by Earl Scruggs. A gentleman, icon and American hero.

Hankon5 Says: Thursday, March 29, 2012 @7:26:51 AM America lost one of it's REAL hero's. I am still heart broken and stunned! I, like many others, began their banjo journey because in the wake of a great artist and blessed man. FMB continues to thrill our hearts because we wanted to be EARL. Well Earl you put a song in our hearts that will be there throughout our lives. MY prayers and condolences to the family. I am proud to be an EARL FAN!!!!

Lawman Says: Thursday, March 29, 2012 @7:43:50 AM Mr. Scruggs will be missed, but never forgotten. He brought joy to so many, and inspired countless folks to take up this instrument we love. Heaven's bluegrass band just acquired its signature member. We'll see you again someday, brother.

Oldpiper Says: Thursday, March 29, 2012 @8:20:12 AM This feels the same as losing a member of my family.

pandjlocke Says: Thursday, March 29, 2012 @8:46:22 AM Thanks for this, Eric. Godspeed, Earl.

denmccar Says: Thursday, March 29, 2012 @8:53:24 AM Like many other "Yankee" banjo pickers my first exposure to Earl was his appearance on the Beverly Hillbillies show. I was 10 years old at the time and still remember exactly my amazement of how could someone move their fingers like that? It wasn't until 15 years later that I started playing the banjo myself and the first lesson book I bought was Earl Scruggs and the 5 string banjo. Thank you Earl

Trashbanjo Says: Thursday, March 29, 2012 @8:53:47 AM Never met the man, but felt like I knew him.I feel like I've lost a family member.Thank You Mr Scruggs for all you've done. I hope you know how many people you've touched ! RIP.

banjoez Says: Thursday, March 29, 2012 @8:56:00 AM Earl, the world is a better place because of you. You are the reason I became a banjo player. No one has ever surpassed your playing to this day nor ever will. I will always cherish those old records that I wore out as a kid trying to sound like you. God Bless.

jetongue Says: Thursday, March 29, 2012 @8:56:04 AM Pick in Peace, Earl. And thank you for everything. Monroe, Flatt, and now Scruggs... at least the band is back together.

Archaic Says: Thursday, March 29, 2012 @9:01:14 AM Not many people get to wear the crown for 70 years, pick in peace Earl. The CMT article is pretty good BTW.

Tam_Zeb Says: Thursday, March 29, 2012 @9:02:00 AM Earl touched so many heart's in his lifetime, all across the world and far beyond his native homeland. His spirit, music and banjo picking style will live on. There will be a big jam session in heaven tonight.

sam-i-am Says: Thursday, March 29, 2012 @9:06:50 AM Earl Scruggs had more influence in the Bluegrass genre than Bill Monroe or any other musician, dead or alive. He was the hero for thousands of banjo players, me included. We will miss the man, but his legacy and music lives on. I grieve for him and hope our comments give comfort to his family.

pickNgrin Says: Thursday, March 29, 2012 @9:09:14 AM To me, the Mercury recording of Foggy Mountain Breakdown is unmatched by any other banjo picker, and even by Earl himself. It is the pinnacle of bluegrass banjo to me. There is a quality to the banjo on that recording that I have never been able to put my finger on, but is is bordering on magic. I have never heard another version of that tune that even comes close. It is one of the greatest pieces of recorded music of our time. Thank you Earl for giving the world your music!

banjo1971 Says: Thursday, March 29, 2012 @9:09:48 AM I'm listening to Foggy Mountain Chimes right now, just to hold on for a little longer. Thanks Earl, for sharing your talent so well, and God bless you.

Emiel Says: Thursday, March 29, 2012 @9:15:30 AM Well said, Eric.

janolov Says: Thursday, March 29, 2012 @9:43:42 AM I also want to say that Earl was a great guitar player. He used two "styles" of guitar playing. For accompaniment he used "Maybelle Carter" style with a bum-di-ty rhythm and getting a special sound when brushing down the index with the finger pick on, and then brush up ion the top string(s). For solos his used an alternating thumb style, similar to John Hurt, Rev. Gary Davis, Merle Travis and others.

Brooklynbanjoboy Says: Thursday, March 29, 2012 @10:11:57 AM He always looked happy while playing the banjo. It was, seemingly, effortless for him to (1) play hard and fast, and (2) enjoy the heck out of the tune at the same time.

Mario Rimoldi Says: Thursday, March 29, 2012 @10:22:22 AM I've been playing Banjo for twenty months now and that's how long I have known Mr. Scruggs. He changed the Banjo like Jimi Hendrix changed the Guitar! He is now one of my Musical Idols.May he Rest In Peace.

merenderos97 Says: Thursday, March 29, 2012 @10:24:35 AM :(

iknowhowtopickem Says: Thursday, March 29, 2012 @10:38:21 AM I've been working from the Earl Scruggs banjo book since 1973. Earl's playing is the bedrock of what is, and will be, bluegrass banjo. I'll always hold Earl in the highest esteem. His musical legacy will be an ongoing celebration of a life well lived and music well played! My condolences to Earl's loved ones.

Fathand Says: Thursday, March 29, 2012 @10:45:11 AM My life is richer for having Earl Scruggs as an influence.

ELWOOD Says: Thursday, March 29, 2012 @10:47:10 AM I loved his shirt and tie when he played with hippie dressed Clarence white and the byrds. A true Icon!

wbalsam1 Says: Thursday, March 29, 2012 @11:00:04 AM He's reunited with his dear family members who've passed before him and he's reunited with many of the Bluegrass originals. God has already blessed him and through him (Earl), we have also been blessed. I thank God for Earl.

Kemo Sabe Says: Thursday, March 29, 2012 @11:01:15 AM There are a lot of warm and loving comments in this thread. Tam_Zeb - Well said! I agree with you!

Ken Mooney Says: Thursday, March 29, 2012 @11:06:15 AM My condolences to the Scruggs family. I still remember him from the Beverly Hillbillies and Hee-Haw . Right now I'm using his book to learn. He will definitely be sadly missed. I had hoped to see him perform one day

Bill The Plumber Says: Thursday, March 29, 2012 @11:16:05 AM He was a real class act.

Flyingmike Says: Thursday, March 29, 2012 @11:18:52 AM Thank You Mr. Scruggs for the many hours of listening pleasure to your wonderful music. Thanks for sharing your knowledge and ability with all of us so freely. Rest in Peace.

westems23 Says: Thursday, March 29, 2012 @11:21:37 AM My condolences to the family of Earl Scruggs. I was fortunate to grow up spending my summers at bluegrass festivals and always wanted to be like Earl..

AKUSfan2 Says: Thursday, March 29, 2012 @11:23:37 AM Hey Earl, you were great!

rdblansett Says: Thursday, March 29, 2012 @11:26:40 AM I was just watching Flatt & Scruggs Grand Ole Opry sponsored by Martha White Mills, last night on Netflix streaming! As always, whenever Earl stepped up to the mic to do his thing, I marveled at the sheer effortless style of his playing. Just as with any virtuoso of this or any era, he was married to his instrument and no one made it sing as well as he did. It is because of Earl that I picked up the banjo for the first time a couple of months ago, and even though I will never get to meet him, I hope he hears the wail from down here.

Oalbrets Says: Thursday, March 29, 2012 @11:30:35 AM Thanks for all you did for us Mr. Scruggs. Rest in peace and go teach those angels how is done.

Skyraider50 Says: Thursday, March 29, 2012 @11:39:54 AM RIP Mr. Scruggs.......... You're the reason many of us play today.

lostpicker Says: Thursday, March 29, 2012 @11:44:53 AM I don't normally cry..but this really hit me hard.

jawa89 Says: Thursday, March 29, 2012 @11:45:20 AM The last of the Three Great Masters of modern music?. Monroe, Flatt and Scruggs. RIP Earl Scruggs.

davey Says: Thursday, March 29, 2012 @11:56:34 AM A legend is gone, but the legend that is Earl Scruggs will live forever. A sad day indeed. Rest easy Earl and God bless you.

dat Says: Thursday, March 29, 2012 @11:57:00 AM PRAYERS FOR HIS FAMILY

mlvo Says: Thursday, March 29, 2012 @11:57:53 AM RIP Earl...and thank you :'(

vlawson Says: Thursday, March 29, 2012 @12:34:17 PM Thank you Earl for all you've done for bluegrass, the world and me.God bless

kb2dhg Says: Thursday, March 29, 2012 @12:38:35 PM Thank You for all the wonderful music and my insperation in playing Banjo. NO I am nowhere as good as you but YOU were my idol when it came to Bluegrass music. God Bless you and rest in paece, I know Heavin must be jumping with joy having you in it... THANY YOU Earl...

granada40 Says: Thursday, March 29, 2012 @12:42:12 PM Earl was one of the greatest people that ever walked this earth in my opinon. He was such an innovator, yet so soft-spoken and very humble. Even though I could hardly play at all like him on the banjo, I often studied his playing. I miss him so much and I never knew him personally. God Bless Earl Scruggs.

MBCrawford Says: Thursday, March 29, 2012 @12:43:58 PM I guess one of the biggest memorys was seeing Flatt and Scruggs once and it was a treat that I will never forget. He was the man..........God speed Earl

MrNatch3L Says: Thursday, March 29, 2012 @12:58:02 PM We have heard the strains of Earl's music here in Russia... Scruggs style banjo is known, played and loved - by a precious few to be sure, the seeds have sprouted and will continue to grow here and around the world. Although we mourn the passing, we celebrate the life, the legacy, and most of all the music. Vaya con Dios, maestro.

docstumd Says: Thursday, March 29, 2012 @1:23:01 PM Earl, you invented my favorite thing in this whole world. Thank you for countless hours of jamming with scruggs style. bless you.

docstumd Says: Thursday, March 29, 2012 @1:24:06 PM I guess the good lord needs a good jam session every now and then too...

Vapor Says: Thursday, March 29, 2012 @1:28:28 PM Earl left his mark on all of us. Thank you Earl.

bsulzer Says: Thursday, March 29, 2012 @1:29:28 PM Thank you Earl, for introducing a style that will remain forever in the realms of banjo picking. May you rest in peace.

jimh269b Says: Thursday, March 29, 2012 @3:23:24 PM its odd that earl started at five years old,and i started at five years old,but i first heard earl at the age of nine years old,thats something,rest in peace earl

kentucky blaise Says: Thursday, March 29, 2012 @3:44:01 PM I haven't been here in a while. I just wanted to drop by and pay my respects to Earl Scruggs. RIP Earl. Roll on, buddy.

rubicon Says: Thursday, March 29, 2012 @5:15:11 PM Rest in peace Earl , God Bless you for the time you spent sharing your wonderful music with the world . Rest in Peace

goose Says: Thursday, March 29, 2012 @5:56:12 PM A true musical genius~ Thank you for the wonderful years of music you gave us.. you will be missed Earl. RIP. God Bless

jbanjoist Says: Thursday, March 29, 2012 @5:56:24 PM I keep thinking about how if not for Earl I would not have the joy of playing banjo. Also if not for Earl we can pretty sure there would be no banjo hangout either. Earl you "done good" in so many ways we can't count them all.

Banjojustin Says: Thursday, March 29, 2012 @6:24:51 PM Rest In Piece Earl. You were a treasure to this Earth and you have left your mark in the most wonderful of ways. Your spirit will always live forever through the hearts and pickin' of banjo players world wide.

KANINJACK Says: Thursday, March 29, 2012 @6:29:53 PM Thanks and peace.

magicman2001 Says: Thursday, March 29, 2012 @6:52:53 PM THIS WAS THE MAN< SPIRITUAL,LOVED HIS FAMILY AND A REAL GENTLEMAN GOD BLESS HIM IN HEAVEN RIP EARL SCRUGGS

gshank Says: Thursday, March 29, 2012 @7:02:37 PM At the ripe old age of 19 (and more of a rocker than a bluegrasser) I walked into a little place between Boone and Blowing Rock, NC and heard Earl and his sons bring the house down and it changed my musical life forever. As Banjojustin said, "You were a treasure." . . . and always will be. Thank you Earl!

gsdauria Says: Thursday, March 29, 2012 @7:06:01 PM Now I wonder, when we get to heaven will we have to learn a new skruggs style or do you think he'll still be picken the 5 string.

livluvgrow Says: Thursday, March 29, 2012 @8:03:39 PM He just joined a most beautiful band Earl Scruggs-Banjo Vassar Clemmons-Fiddle Bill Monroe-Mandolin Carter Stanley-Guitar Jack Cook-Bass

1935tb-11 Says: Thursday, March 29, 2012 @8:06:55 PM its a strange thing about greatness,, very few can carry the weight that the mantle of greatness comes with. in the case of my hero earl scruggs, greatness was bestowed upon him without asking or even anticipating it. greatness is not a gift, it is earned through the craft you have chosen. we should all take to heart what this lesson teaches us. with the humility of a child and the heart of a lion earl changed everything about the banjo and bluegrass from the first time he was on the opry. no one had brought that "fancy" banjo picking to the public before like this young man did till that night. he blew everything else away and it all changed right then. the banjo changed, bluegrass was born, the challenge was thrown out to all others who wanted to try and learn this style. he didn't know exactly what he had started then, but it was all done for the love of the banjo and a way to make a living without a plow. we all owe this great man a huge debt for sharing his, character, humility, courage, talent, and that big smile with everyone for so many years. the banjo in its crudest form was first discovered in africa,, but i am sure without a doubt god intended for it to be place in earls hands to enrich all our lives. we all will miss you and will always think of you whenever the 2-5 D string slide or 3-2 pull off on the 3rd is heard or played. i most of all will miss the greatest banjo player that ever lived being around. our hearts are heavy today, his family is hurting and needs our prayers, the bluegrass world lost its drive of the five that its had for oh so many years. but we can always put anything the flint hill flash on the stereo has played and smile and remember what it was about earl and the 5 string that we loved the first time we heard it. a true hero has fallen but will always be remembered.. greatness? yeah you bet....................... terry martin

Dave 93 Says: Thursday, March 29, 2012 @8:56:55 PM I feel sad, he is the reason why so many of us were inspired to play, I never met him, but sure wanted too.

robmac07 Says: Thursday, March 29, 2012 @9:43:32 PM Earl's passing was even on Aussie TV and Internet news with a video clip on the ABC!! A legend and a real gentleman! He was my inspiration. Had the privelige of travelling way up from Oz in 2004 and met him in NC 2004. Sadly missed. He'll be pickin' with the angels now as his legacy rolls on!

Dieselten Says: Thursday, March 29, 2012 @9:50:18 PM "Now he belongs to the ages." (Edwin M. Stanton) This phrase was said of Lincoln after his death, but it applies equally, and with the same deeply-felt sentiment, to Earl Scruggs. We are the richer for his life and, although we grieve for his passing, we celebrate and give heartfelt thanks for his extraordinary talent, kindness, humility and humanity. RIP.

NCjones Says: Thursday, March 29, 2012 @9:51:05 PM I'm telling you, and I ain't ashamed, I cried when I read "The Master from Flint Hill". This is one of those bittersweet moments in life. A part of you rejoices because Earl is enjoying his reward in a perfect place, free of worries and pain. But another part of you hurts because you know the place you live in is that much more drab and empty that he's gone. I never had the honor of meeting Earl, but his banjo style is what motivated me to pick up a musical instrument and learn.

banjobeat63 Says: Friday, March 30, 2012 @5:35:45 AM Rest in peace Earl, tanks for all! My condolences to the family of Earl Scruggs Beat Stuessi Switzerland

christy65 Says: Friday, March 30, 2012 @5:40:22 AM rest in pease the best

dnelsonka8kds Says: Friday, March 30, 2012 @6:20:30 AM God bless you Mr EARL...Thank you you are great

Scott Barnbilly56 Says: Friday, March 30, 2012 @6:43:30 AM He will live on in all our hearts . What a wonderful gift for us to have had him here to show us the way . He will be sadly missed but the legend lives on every day . He's on the BIG stage now . God Bless you Earl

youdye Says: Friday, March 30, 2012 @6:44:11 AM Thanks for all you've done Earl and God Bless you and your family.

marcel Says: Friday, March 30, 2012 @7:13:52 AM God bless you Mr.Scruggs, and prayers to the loved ones! Mr.Scruggs and Mr. Flat use to come to my high school to perform in our gym back in the early/mid 70's. What a treat for us all, to hear and talk to the men I've always heard through my Daddys 8 tracks in the truck and our home stereo. Salute to the greatest Banjo picker!

Rich Weill Says: Friday, March 30, 2012 @8:00:55 AM It's not just that Earl was the best ever -- it's that everyone agrees he was the best ever. When does that happen? Ask: "Who the best ______ ever?" and you will always get an argument -- except when you ask: "Who was the best banjo player ever?"

kjcole Says: Friday, March 30, 2012 @12:17:20 PM Mr. Scruggs, like so many others here, you changed my life for the better the day your music finally caused me to pick up a banjo, now so long ago. Thanks for sharing your incomparable talent, inspiring countless musicians, and showing us a life well-lived. A life of music and family - can't beat that.

Billyjimbob Says: Friday, March 30, 2012 @1:06:22 PM It is a sad time for anyone that loves banjo music..He will always be missed and will never be replaced.

Matthew Reis Says: Friday, March 30, 2012 @1:38:17 PM The world of bluegrass will never be the same without Mr. Earl Scruggs. He may be gone, but his legacy lives on.

jtalbert Says: Friday, March 30, 2012 @1:42:25 PM ?That's when I finally realized that what I was doing was of interest to other people? Earl Scruggs My sincere condolences and Prayers for the family.

tklassen Says: Friday, March 30, 2012 @3:01:42 PM Thanks Earl

privard Says: Friday, March 30, 2012 @6:10:12 PM This is my second day, in 58 years, of living on a planet that did not include Earl Scruggs. The world was a better place when he was with us. We can honor his memory by refraining from mean words and incriminations, as he did, and by striving to innovate and try new things in our lives, in the quiet, courageous, courtly manner that was Earl's.

Jward1960 Says: Friday, March 30, 2012 @6:13:50 PM Earl Scruggs changed the world and changed my life forever - Groundspeed Mr. Scruggs.

eMike Says: Friday, March 30, 2012 @10:09:04 PM Mr. Scruggs, you were absolute perfection on that 5-string and hearing your FMB in Bonnie and Clyde and seeing you on the Beverly Hillbillies hooked me on the banjo for life. I always wanted to meet you, and I will someday. You are now with our Lord and Savior. My prayers are with your family. Thank you, Sir.

Tonibanjo Says: Saturday, March 31, 2012 @5:29:35 AM My condolences to the Scruggs family. Thank you for all Earl!!! Farewell...

5stringpicker2 Says: Saturday, March 31, 2012 @6:26:12 AM Earl Scruggs will be missed this is for sure. but, He's in heaven now where He & Lester can pick for the Lord, Cause you know the Good Lord likes a little pickin' too! ( I )====='----<::)

burlap Says: Saturday, March 31, 2012 @6:42:55 AM Earl, Thanks for being here and giving us all of that wonderful music for so many years. We'll see you again on the other side Mr. Scruggs.

Hank2 Says: Saturday, March 31, 2012 @8:45:59 AM I like many others am at a loss of just what to say at a time like this, I am a beginner and know that I will never acheive the skill of this great man. He was my inspiratation . At the age of 67 I finally got time to start trying my hand at his music and style. I know I'll never make it but maybe when I finally get to meet him up younder he can give me a hand . He may be gone but will never be forgotten.

angelito Says: Saturday, March 31, 2012 @10:12:51 AM sad in spain too.thanks mister scruggs.thanks

KANINJACK Says: Saturday, March 31, 2012 @12:08:47 PM Thanks Eric. Peace Earl.

drew-gurbach Says: Saturday, March 31, 2012 @12:28:08 PM If there?s a silver lining in the sad cloud of the news of Earl?s passing, and I say this with all affection, we ALL moved up a notch.

drew-gurbach Says: Saturday, March 31, 2012 @12:30:16 PM If there is a silver lining in the sad cloud of the news of Earls passing, and I say this with all affection, we ALL moved up a notch.

barbbanjo Says: Saturday, March 31, 2012 @2:28:06 PM Rest in peace Earl. We'll see you when we get there. You have given me much even though we never met. I feel like I've lost a family member. To your family, Earl, we are so sorry for your loss. May our love for your beloved be a balm for your soul.

howiejor Says: Saturday, March 31, 2012 @2:37:57 PM Jesus said, "In my Father's house are many rooms". I'd like to think in heaven there's a crowded, steamy little room, like backstage at the Ryman, where Earl is jamming with the likes of Lester, Bill Monroe, Uncle Josh, John Hartford, Paul Warren and other great departed musicians and friends. In that same room are the loves of his life, Louise and son, Stevie, looking on and smiling proudly, listening to some really sweet heavenly music. That leaves the rest of us down here to miss him and grieve. Good bye, Earl.

chadhump Says: Saturday, March 31, 2012 @6:08:19 PM It was a sad day on Wed. when I heard the news of Earl's passing. I first started picking the banjo almost 30 years ago and it was because of the Foggy Mountain Banjo album that I flipped over the 5 string banjo. I got to see Earl at his homecoming performance in Shelby in Dec 2010. Even in his 80's the man still had it and the stories he told were simply amazing to listen to. We will all miss him on this earth but thank God we have his life's work of music to continue listening to. My thoughts and prayers go out to the Scruggs family.

davehicks Says: Sunday, April 01, 2012 @4:19:16 AM I can't even fathom the thought of being one of the biggest innovators in American (no WORLD) history. To be intelligent, creative and driven enough to changed to way the world done it, and with that creation drawing peoples attention from all walks of life, bringing countries together that were once at war. The way Earl played his three finger style banjo was one of the biggest factors in the creation of bluegrass music. Thank you Earl

saltcreek Says: Sunday, April 01, 2012 @1:06:40 PM The Best Ever and a true gentlemen and pioneer, there will never be another like Earl.

hawkeyepicker Says: Sunday, April 01, 2012 @2:07:29 PM My sincere condolences and prayers to the family and friends of Earl Scruggs. Bluegrass music will ring in Heaven forever. Thanks Earl.

chasq Says: Monday, April 02, 2012 @3:49:07 AM RIP Earl,the countless lives you have touched is incredible. may the lord take you to his side i always thought that the harp/banjo was a great combination

lucas73b Says: Monday, April 02, 2012 @10:28:24 AM Thank you Earl

buzpat Says: Monday, April 02, 2012 @3:54:39 PM From the live early morning shows I use to listen to, up till the very end I was so thankful for what he has given us banjo pickers. I can happily say I got to tell him that a few yrs ago when we met the first time. You would have thought we had been friends for those 50 some years,which we had. Buzz

fundamentalpreacher Says: Monday, April 02, 2012 @5:01:02 PM Legend has it that an old mountain preacher once said, "You might as well give your son a ticket to hell as to give him a five string banjo." Well, thank the Lord for sending Earl Scruggs to help us find a way to play it that works well with gospel songs. Some of the best banjo pickin' I've ever heard in person was in church and it was always 3-finger style. Don Reno and Ralph Stanley gave us a lot of great gospel music in that style too, but Earl set the standard. RIP Earl, and thanks for giving us a way to get the banjo out of the bar and into church ;-)

Bootlegboy Says: Monday, April 02, 2012 @8:11:05 PM How many of us experienced "some stiffness in the wrist and fangers" when we started playing banjo with a book called Earl Scruggs and the 5-String Banjo? Is he going to be missed or what!

Matthias Says: Tuesday, April 03, 2012 @12:11:37 AM Ruhe in Frieden.(Rest in peace). Thank you Earl

Blackpete Says: Tuesday, April 03, 2012 @12:24:39 AM Pioneer. Genius. Gentleman. Thanks, Earl

BARNAGRASS Says: Tuesday, April 03, 2012 @1:42:44 AM Thank you Earl, you discovered me the magic of banjo since I was a small kid , never forgotten . RIP

Dennis Russell Says: Tuesday, April 03, 2012 @6:48:47 AM Earl will be sorely missed and unfortunately a few others have passed that I was a fan of including Kenny Baker famous fiddler with Bill Monroe. First time I heard Earl Scruggs I was a avid country music fan and never heard but very little bluegrass music, we always called it hillbilly stuff. I was in the U.S.Navy stationed in Jacksonville, Florida, there was a TV show on Sunday Afternoon for a half hour but one day they had Earl Scruggs on there playing these wonderful songs, I was smitten, I have been listening to it ever since, I play flat top guitar a little mandolin and trying to learn fiddle. it sort of gets in your soull it did mine. May his memory last forever Dennis in Az

jwr.athome Says: Wednesday, April 04, 2012 @1:45:24 AM I first heard Earl Scruggs when a friend took me to see 'Bonny & Clyde' at our local cinema - when we got to the scene where the pair getaway in the stolen car and the music started, I was completely knocked out. Within a few days I went out and bought a banjo and haver been picking on an off ever since. Thank you Earl and hope you set the next world alight with your playing too. John Richardson

tbab2057 Says: Wednesday, April 04, 2012 @7:39:05 PM I got see him perform one time, never got to meet him, and I've never read or heard a bad word about Earl. He's my favorite banjo player and he's also my favorite guitar player. No one did it any better. Condolences to the Scruggs family and the bluegrass banjo community.

DrBobNeon Says: Monday, April 09, 2012 @8:15:29 AM As a beginner, I wanted to play one tenth as well as Earl Scruggs. He was and still is my inspiration. I can see him playing in Heaven for the Lord and bringing a smile to His face. My condolences to his family. Like many, I will miss him. Thank God his music will be with us.

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