Bruce4501 - Posted - 07/02/2012:  11:38:09

Sonny,

I hope you are staying cool here in TN!

I didn't want to diverge too much from banjo talk, but I have a somewhat related question.

WAMU (Bluegrass Country) radio is doing a "spotlight" on you and Bobby today, and they just played (What they said was) your FIRST recording called "New Freedom Bell"?  Is that correct?  They also said that along with you and Bobby was your sister Louise?

Do you have any memories of that recording your could share with us?  It was very interesting hearing you that early in your carrier!  I wish I could pick HALF as good now as you did then!

Thanks in advance!

Bruce Pierce

Edited by - Bruce4501 on 07/02/2012 11:41:10

TheChief - Posted - 07/04/2012:  15:53:11

I remember some things about that. It was recorded in our old farm house on Olt Road between Dayton and Germantown Ohio. I was every bit of 11 or 12 yrs. old. Recorded on a wire recorder owned by Ott Ginter. We did 4 songs, Let Me Be Your Darling in Heaven, TV Saturday night on which Jimmy Martin played Guitar, New Freedom Bell, and Now You Have My Name. Sister Louise did in fact sing with Bobby on these recordings.She sang lead and Bobby tenor harmony.This would be Christmas time of 1949 or 50.,

Bobby's voice was so high and clear it was unbelievable. In my opinion there never was, nor will be another like that.

Lordy, that was over 60 years ago. I'm a gittin old!

~

S

Sonny Osborne Banjo Co.

PO Box 647

Hendersonville, TN. 37077

615-824-0096

www. chiefbanjo@comcast.net

sonnyosborne.com

IN GOD WE TRUST

Bruce4501 - Posted - 07/04/2012:  18:51:26

Thanks Sonny!

They mentioned a little about the recordings, but your details were great.

Have a happy and safe 4th of July.

Bwa908 - Posted - 07/04/2012:  19:44:29

Hey Sonny, do you still play banjo any just sitting around? I heard some people say you didn't play at all anymore.

TheChief - Posted - 07/06/2012:  07:49:44

Because of shoulder surgery I haven't played since 2003. All because of one lirttle muscle that had suddenly disappeared. I was more than ready to retire though so I haven't missed all that went with playing...entertaining. It wasn't fun any longer although I still love the sound of a banjo played well, I don't participate

Soon be 10 years.

~

S

Sonny Osborne Banjo Co.

PO Box 647

Hendersonville, TN. 37077

615-824-0096

www. chiefbanjo@comcast.net

sonnyosborne.com

IN GOD WE TRUST

TheChief - Posted - 07/06/2012:  07:57:59

It's unclear in my memory whether Jimmy played on all those songs, but I know that he played on that one.

Bobby and Jimmy were working at WCYB in Briston TN/VA and had come home for the Christmas holidays. I do remember that much more. The records were on KITTY label..where that name came from I don't have a clue. Ott Ginter did it all though, so I suppose it was his idea.  And, I do believe he had written those songs too.

~

S

Sonny Osborne Banjo Co.

PO Box 647

Hendersonville, TN. 37077

615-824-0096

www. chiefbanjo@comcast.net

sonnyosborne.com

IN GOD WE TRUST

Edited by - TheChief on 07/06/2012 08:00:59

Bruce4501 - Posted - 07/06/2012:  09:53:28

Sonny, Yes they did mention the Kitty label.  They said you were around 13, so it makes me even more depressed knowing you were even younger and playing that well LOL!  

Bruce

markbyrum - Posted - 07/06/2012:  15:26:00

Sonny:

   While you might miss the entertaining part by not playing over the past almost 10 years, you are missing the "several dollars" one can earn playing the banjo!   This is a photo my guitar player friend sent me.  Enjoy.

Mark

Earn Several Dollars Playing the Banjo

 

TheChief - Posted - 07/07/2012:  13:02:21

We had a very good career. That was enough. I don't miss any part of it. Oh wait..some of the people I met were the best part, toward the end, I do miss seeing them...but our (Cindy, Bill,and me) banjo camp and building banjos, (by proxy) keeps me somewhat involved.

I miss hearing that old Granada's pretty voice more than a little. (9584-2 is 78 yrs.old) 

When the Kitty records were made I had just turned 13 I think. That would be December of 1950. Sounds about right.

~

s

El Dobro - Posted - 07/07/2012:  14:36:58

Did you have the archtop 3 back then?

TheChief - Posted - 07/08/2012:  05:25:52

No..That banjo (RB3 raised head) was bought after my first term with Bill Monroe, about a year later. I had a Kay at the time, followed by an RB100 Gibson.

That's been a long time ago. Funny how time just slips away, huh? A whole lot has changed since 1950..the very face of Bluegrass music has changed. Most of the old guys who originated it are gone. Only a couple of them left!

~

s

Edited by - TheChief on 07/08/2012 05:28:40

El Dobro - Posted - 07/08/2012:  07:48:53

Yep, the further we get down the stream of life, the faster it moves.

RayD - Posted - 07/08/2012:  09:43:12

So true about time fleeting by..... It won't be much longer that the young folks I work with will be young enough to be my grandkids! Sigh...

Cheers,
RayD

TheChief - Posted - 07/08/2012:  17:57:51

....AND THE SLOWER WE MOVE!!!!

~

s

Woolpersteve - Posted - 07/09/2012:  11:38:34

Sonny,
Just had lunch with a friend who saw Vince Gill's bluegrass show last week.He told many stories about bluegrass travel but in particular he told one about a trip to Japan. Not sure who he was going with ,but claims to have knowledge that the Osborne Brothers packed a large case packed with nothing but Spam.
Any left? Its probably still good.
Steve

Loafers Glory - Posted - 07/09/2012:  15:57:55

What do you mean getting old and moving slower...it aint been but 291/2 years since I went to work for yobigself. I'm still moving pretty good...till about noon. I also still think it was a great honor to be in that band for so long. I miss all of it....specially all those "pure interstates" we rode on in Eastern Kentucky and West Virginia...remember "Squinchy" ?.......Loafer

TheChief - Posted - 07/09/2012:  19:11:30

Lordy Loafer..I so remember Squinchy. Man it was a good ride for 10 years then, huh. For a time there we had it all together.

That story Vince told about spam is an outright lie. Reckon he's a democrat, or Republican. Don't make much difference does it.

 If I was either one I wouldn't want to be the other!

S

Woolpersteve - Posted - 07/09/2012:  19:32:26

I'm kind of slow right now as far as trial work, wannna sue?
Steve

Dan Mountjoy - Posted - 07/10/2012:  10:23:51

Hi Sonny -- I live in Reidsville, NC, but didn't live here during the Camp Springs festival days (besides the fact that I just "discovered" bluegrass a few years ago!). I sure enjoy watching some of the youtube videos of you guys on that stage -- any interesting stories you can share from those festivals? I'll have to find out where the festival grounds were and arrange a trip to see what it looks like these days.



Dan

TheChief - Posted - 07/10/2012:  15:24:26

FROM KELLY, HIS DAUGHTER, I UNDERSTAND DALE VANDERPOOL IS IN HOSPICE CARE AND VERY ILL.

I'M SURE A PRAYER WOULD BE APPRECIATED.

S

TheChief - Posted - 07/10/2012:  15:27:22

I also understand that Bluegrass Today, in their article about Bobby's latest CD, referred to me as; The Late Sonny.

Wonder what that is about?

s

mahogchief01 - Posted - 07/10/2012:  15:38:16

Maybe they think you didn't show up on time for your concerts???

Woolpersteve - Posted - 07/10/2012:  15:42:10

Vince Gill, Bkuegrass Today ... few more defendants we're in biness.

chief3 - Posted - 07/10/2012:  16:16:49

quote:

---

Originally posted by TheChief

I also understand that Bluegrass Today, in their article about Bobby's latest CD, referred to me as; The Late Sonny.

Wonder what that is about?

 

s

---

 Sonny, seems to me that either you're expected somewhere, or your simply expecting.  ;)

stringman711 - Posted - 07/10/2012:  17:37:42

I hate to hear this about Dale. He is a great player, and one of the nicest people I have met. Prayers for him and his family.
Dana

TheChief - Posted - 07/10/2012:  18:20:46

Latest I've heard, the nurse had given him 24 hrs, or less.

He's one of my oldest friends...50 years I guess.

Frank Godby;  Dale goes back to the Outpost, Northern, Hillbilly Haven days..(Columbus Ohio)

But, we all must do this..it's part of life and there is no escape.

s

Edited by - TheChief on 07/10/2012 18:27:52

Woolpersteve - Posted - 07/10/2012:  18:37:48

So sorry to hear that.

From Greylock to Bean Blossom - Posted - 07/10/2012:  19:26:37

quote:

---

Originally posted by TheChief

I also understand that Bluegrass Today, in their article about Bobby's latest CD, referred to me as; The Late Sonny.

Wonder what that is about?

 

s

---

I don't know. Every time I heard you play I thought your were right on in your timing. Maybe the author was a new age player.

Ken

Loafers Glory - Posted - 07/12/2012:  16:01:57

Are you "Always Late",Lefty...or,how late are you?

TheChief - Posted - 07/12/2012:  22:08:18

A little of both RE. First time I've been referred to as "the late." Made me feel right funny in a way. Like reading about yourself being gone before you're gone!!!!

s

Silvio Ferretti - Posted - 07/12/2012:  23:47:25

quote:

---

Originally posted by TheChief

A little of both RE. First time I've been referred to as "the late." Made me feel right funny in a way. Like reading about yourself being gone before you're gone!!!!

 

s

 

---

 Yeah, like Mark Twain's "The report of my death was an exaggeration"!...

uncledaveh - Posted - 07/13/2012:  13:21:04

A couple of years ago, it was announced at a festival that I had passed away (as well as another picker who was also still alive). We got various calls at the house (including our own guitar player) to see if I was among the living. It was a bit enjoyable (if a little unnerving) to run into people that summer. One woman said, "I don't know whether to hug you or run from you. That first morning after I got a call, I followed a black hearse on my drive to the office. As you said, "It made me feel right funny".

Hot dog!

David “Uncle Dave” Holbrook
The Rockdale Ridgerunners

Now good people, we’re going to play this next tune with more heterogenious constipolicy, double flavor and unknown quality than usual! Make it light on yourself.

TheChief - Posted - 07/15/2012:  07:07:30

Banjo talk for a moment. Has anyone heard Rob McCoury play lately?

There are lots of GOOD banjo players...A few VERY GOOD banjo players...and perhaps 2 or 3 GREAT banjo players. He being one of them.

What do I consider GREAT? Funny you should ask!

Originality, tone, Choice of what to do, when. Never overplay. Agressiive attack! Oh well, that's all just my opinion and what do I know.

"The Late"

S.

bhrb75 - Posted - 07/15/2012:  07:52:08

Rob has come a long, long way since he started with his dad years ago. The one thing that I respect about Rob is, he can't go back and listen to how Earl did it when it comes to playing Del's music. His tone has improved vastly in the last 15 years. Back when he played the archtop in the early 90's he played so aggressively that he played the tone out of his banjo.

One of my favs for sure!

B.

Woolpersteve - Posted - 07/15/2012:  08:08:29

Sonny
Rob is ready for all of the accolades. Consumate band member snd shines when it is his time.
Steve

mahogchief01 - Posted - 07/15/2012:  11:08:26

Hey Sonny,

I saw Rob play Friday night in Wichita, KS. He sounded great, as did the rest of the band. Rob's banjo sounded great, not sure what he was playing. I've alway's like Del McCoury, not just his music, but as a person. Del seem's like one of the nicest guy's in the business. Now, back to Rob, he played Train 45, and picked the hell out of it. Fast, clear notes, and he didn't overplay. Rob also understands about being a band member. He know's when to back out and let Ronnie and Jason Carter shine.

One thing I did notice though, before and after the show, none of the Del McCoury band were out and available for the public to shake and howdy. And it wasn't a time issue. They showed up several hours early, and didn't leave the venue until about an hour after the show. I would liked to have had just a couple of minutes to tell Rob how much I enjoyed his playing. Seem like that's the trend of the last few concerts I've been to. Saw Allison not long ago, non of them were available either to visit with.

Rob is a great banjo player. Hope to see him again sometime.

Mickey

jaderhold - Posted - 07/17/2012:  08:58:25

When Rob played the first three notes of Take Me In The Life Boat at Earl's funeral, it brought chill bumps to my arms and a lump in my throat.  The tone of his banjo, the acoustics of that room, the singing, and  the emotions of the crowd was a moment in time I'll always remember.

The Pope - Posted - 07/17/2012:  11:38:38

I've been saying for years that Rob is an excellent player & does not get the respect he should be getting. Maybe that's changing now...

o2playlikeEarl - Posted - 07/17/2012:  15:15:59

I saw him at the Station Inn once on a jam night. They took a break and I approached him after he went and got him something to drink. I offered an honest compliment and tried to ask him about his excellent backup playing. He blew me off and just walked away ...beyond shrugging his shoulders slightly...didn't even acknowledge it. I won't repeat what I thought at that point. Maybe he was having a bad day..I don't know? Maybe that's why they stay hidden after a show..they don't want to be bothered with people who are genuinely interested? But I will say, I've thought about that everytime I've seen or heard him and I've not bought any CD by them since. Forgive?...yes...forget? ...no. I agree he's a excellent player but should take a lesson from Jim Mills as far as fan appreciation. But I've heard people say the same about Ricky Skaggs and others too...so what do you do? This is just one person's experience.

pick1936 - Posted - 07/17/2012:  16:59:40

I have  been  lucky  enough  to  see  and  hear  The  Osborne  Brothers  I  think   18   times,  When  You  and  Little Roy  got  to  playing  tricks  on  one  another,  It  added  much  to  the shows.  I  am  very  lucky  to have  most  of  all  Your  recordings,   started  collecting   in  1971.   I  was    playing  the  recording  of  The  Osborne  Brother,  and  Mac  Wiseman  today,  Just  great.  I  think  the  tone  of You  Old  Granada  is just  amazing.   You  have  added   so  much  great  music  to  bluegrass.   I  am  76.  are  You  around  70?   Keep on  Keeping  on,  and  Many  THANKS.

(You  Aint  The  Kind  Of  Woman  I  Wanted,  But  Your  The  Kind  Of  Woman  I  Got)    Keep  on  going  Up This  Hill  And  Down  Sonny. And  again  (THANKS  FOR  THE  MEMORIES)

Nechville.  In  Higginsville.

Lee  Kelso

chief3 - Posted - 07/17/2012:  19:51:09

RE: Rob and the Band not sticking around after the show. FWIW I don't know Rob McCoury or anyone in the band but I do know from experience that many performers need time to de-compress and relax right after a show. Little Roy Lewis does not strike me as having this kind of personality but perhaps Rob McCoury needs some down time after performing in public .

I appreciate it when musicians I admire choose to take the time to meet and talk but personally, I can't feel that they owe it to me to take their time to do me a favour if they have other things on their mind. I wonder just how much should a pro be expected to give outside of their performance on stage? When my car comes off the hoist, I wouldn't expect my auto mechanic to feel obliged to take the time to discuss cars parts with me so why would I expect that a professional musician should be obliged to take the time to discuss banjos or music with me? But it does feel good when they do take the time to appreciate their fans and it makes it a pleasure to support them.

FatManMary - Posted - 07/17/2012:  20:09:47

Sonny I'm a HUGE fan of you & Bob both. Usually if I'm not listening to Lester & Earl, or Bill I'm listening to you guys. I just had the opportunity to see Bobby for the first time. WOW! Is all I can say. It was a 16 hour drive to get to the festival and I managed to get in the front for all three of his sets. Just to add to the awesomeness of it all Wynn was on the 5. I never had the chance to see you guys but I imagine that was about as close as you can get. Thanks for all the music Sonny, you're truly one if a kind.

TheChief - Posted - 07/18/2012:  08:46:36

Well, you can look at this several different ways. First of all, when you pay to see a performance and get a sober entertaining pereformance from whomever, you are not obligated to stay around afterward. You may either go, or stay. Your decision. So, shouldn't an entertainer have that same right? To not be obligated to stay after he gives to you what you paid for. One way to look at it, but in my honest opinion, if the entertainer plays bluegrass music, and intends to be around awhile, he better hope people will hang around to talk. The market is not big enough to walk away from your fans.

If an entertainer had done to me what the guy in Covington Ga had done to him..I would have run the picker down and given him a few choice expletives, (two words) and never paid any attention to him again. That's just NOT acceptable. But considering where it happened I would suspect alcohol played a role, huh? NO EXCUSE!!!

 I've seen Marty Robins stay at the Ryman Auditorium until 3AM signing autographs. (The Opry show he was on ended at 12 midnight.) That was a picture of an entertainer who appreciated them that made him. I learned from that, and never forgot.   

Then on the other hand there is this old adage that I heard too long ago to remember where I heard it.

"Be extremely careful who's --- you kick on the way up, you might have to kiss it on the way down!"

Believe me. that is so true and I've seen it happen dozens of times in all phases of the entertainment business. I always felt it was an honor for a fellow human to think enough of me to want  to give me a compliment, or ask how I did some funky lick on the banjo, or want my name on a picture or record of mine he had bought.

But there have been times when I just didn't feel up to it...tired, sick, sleepy, etc,etc. and I guess there are those out there who have the same stories to tell about me, but I tried to stay until the last question was answered, or the last autograph was signed. Most of the time I thought I succeded, but I'm sure I fell short of the mark at times.

A funny story.

Col Tom Parker said the old adage to Elvis. Presely's reply was: "It don't really matter if you don't ever plan on coming down!"

Incidentally, I sold three banjos last week. Terry Shroder, Louis Coley, and Jeremy Averill. 

Thank you Lord.

~

s

Edited by - TheChief on 07/18/2012 08:55:14

From Greylock to Bean Blossom - Posted - 07/18/2012:  09:14:44

Sonny,
I remember some great times for be at Bean Blossom when in the evenings you would sit at the top of the hill and meet with people. You would have a big circle around you and you would chat with all about many subjects. That was a lot of fun for us as you gave us all so much through your music and for us to have you take the time and interest to talk with us was special. Believe me that made us not just the Osborne Brothers fans but very loyal to Sonny Osborne. When a person likes a musicians music it is personal because that music makes you feel. And when the musician who has played for millions of people appreciates the people it makes the music even more personal. Keep on the Sonny Side was the same way. And that is why it is a privilege to have you post on the hangout.
Thanks for the good times.
Ken

banjorsj - Posted - 07/18/2012:  12:21:18

I have talked with Rob a couple of time after seeing the band.  He as well as the rest of the band has always been easy to talk to.  Del is just a super nice man and always gives a great performance.  I do miss Bub playing with the band.

TheChief - Posted - 07/18/2012:  13:32:10

Thank you all for being kind. The privilege was mine. It should be an honor that someone would care enough to want to talk to you, or buy your records, pictures, or books...and lest I forget..BANJOS.

~

S

Sonny Osborne Banjo Co.

PO Box 647

Hendersonville, TN. 37077

615-824-0096

www. chiefbanjo@comcast.net

sonnyosborne.com

IN GOD WE TRUST

steve davis - Posted - 07/18/2012:  14:03:53

I saw Rob play on Saddleback Mountain in Maine a couple years ago.



I was buying a CD at Del's table afterwards and he sgned my banjo.

He said,"That's an old one".

I said Yes,except for the Jimmy Cox neck and ring.

He said,"Robbie would like to see that.He's right over there...you should go show it to him."

So I did and I gave him a bridge and we talked about how telecasters have adjustments in their bridges.

We had a good talk and I forgot to get his autograph or tell him my name.

Edited by - steve davis on 07/18/2012 14:04:33

mahogchief01 - Posted - 07/18/2012:  18:19:15

Good post Sonny. You hit the nail on the head (as usual). Don't get me wrong, I'm still a fan of Rob McCoury and Ron Block. They are both fantastic banjo players. After being at recent show's where they were, I was just caught offguard that they neither one would come out and visit before or after the show. I was actually on stage after Del McCoury's show and Del was the only one that acted like he cared anyone was still around. I've alway's thought of him as a class act (and still do). Maybe I just caught these banjo picker's at a bad time.

However, I do feel honored to have spent time with you, Earl, J.D., Little Roy, Jim Mills, and countless others over the years. Wish I could have met Don Reno. I hear he as fun.

Glad to hear you are selling some banjos!!!!!!! Hope I'm in line soon!

Mickey

o2playlikeEarl - Posted - 07/19/2012:  09:24:54

I agree, Sonny hit the bulls-eye. Like I said, I think Rob's a really good player, and maybe he was just having a bad day. I can give someone the benefit of the doubt. I've always thought humility has a close relationship with integrity. Sonny is proof positive, Earl was proof positive. I don't think I'm going out on a limb to say Sonny was at the very top of the game when he retired, but look at him out here on a forum shooting the breeze with us. That's just STRONG!

There is no malice in my comment toward Rob...it's a tough business from everything I've heard. I equate it to customer service. Good CS is better than ok CS. Great better than Good, and when you experience the extraordinary, it trumps all the others. When a top shelf musician has (and demonstrates) appreciation, it goes wayyyy farther then he/she may think.

Be Blessed!