TheChief - Posted - 07/20/2012:  07:31:00

I will add this to the McCoury story.

I've known Del and Jean for over 40 years and I've never once seen them knowingly mistreat anyone. Some of the nice people in a business where one doesn't have to look very far to find phonies.

I've known their children, Rob, Ronnie, and Rhonda since they were very young, babies almost. Understand, no one is perfect, we all have our bad days..I do, you do, all of us. But for the most part these are pretty good, honest, always positive people. The story about Rob, I've never seen any of them do this sort of thing, but considering the circumstances, I've probably done worse.

The part where they didn't make appearances before and after a performance, I guess that's a sign of the times... or again, there may have been circumstance, (maybe a band fight) I always thought it to be part of the job..(the fight)

That's all.

~

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 07/20/2012 07:39:15

TheChief - Posted - 07/20/2012:  07:53:54

Hey!

I meant to tell you. Kenny Ingram and Larry Stephenson went to see Dale Vanderpool yesterday in Columbus. He's a little better, eating a little. I talked to him via phone and though he sounded very weak, he talked some. I made him laugh and man, that sounded good to me. How did I make him laugh? I thought you'd never ask.

I said; "Dale, Kenny is a big ole boy huh?" He said; "Yeah he is." I said; "Larry sure is ugly ain't he?" And with that he broke out with a big laugh. I said; "I thought he would look better when he got a little older, but he didn't!" He said; "Nope!"    And he laughed again.

~

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 07/20/2012 07:56:30

Westvon - Posted - 07/22/2012:  12:38:12

quote:

---

Originally posted by TheChief

Hey!

I meant to tell you. Kenny Ingram and Larry Stephenson went to see Dale Vanderpool yesterday in Columbus. He's a little better, eating a little. I talked to him via phone and though he sounded very weak, he talked some. I made him laugh and man, that sounded good to me. How did I make him laugh? I thought you'd never ask.

I said; "Dale, Kenny is a big ole boy huh?" He said; "Yeah he is." I said; "Larry sure is ugly ain't he?" And with that he broke out with a big laugh. I said; "I thought he would look better when he got a little older, but he didn't!" He said; "Nope!"    And he laughed again.

~

S

Sonny Osborne Banjo Co.

PO Box 647

Hendersonville, TN. 37077

615-824-0096

www. chiefbanjo@comcast.net

sonnyosborne.com

IN GOD WE TRUST

 

 

---

Sonny,

Great to hear that you cheered up Dale, and made him laugh.  I sure do feel awful about his situation, and continue to pray God's blessing on him in this time of trial.  

TheChief - Posted - 08/02/2012:  08:10:32

Far as I know Dale Vandy is still hanging on. Prayer works.

Thank you Lord.

~

s

bevans - Posted - 08/05/2012:  10:40:10

Hey Chief,

Thank you so much for visiting with the banjo class at this year's summer NashCamp Bluegrass Week. Here's the picture that Cindy Sinclair took of all of us!

Don't forget that the 12th Annual NashCamp Sonny Osborne Banjo Camp is coming up October 19-21, 2012 in Fairview, TN (just west of Nashville). Join the Chief and yours truly, along with Tony Trischka, Alan Munde, Ned Luberecki, Frank Neat and Kristin Scott Benson (Sunday only) if you can!

All the best,

Bill Evans

bill@billevansbanjo.com

2012 NashCamp Bluegrass Week Banjo Class with the Chief!

 

bevans - Posted - 08/05/2012:  10:42:21

And here's a pdf file with more information about this year's Sonny Osborne Banjo Camp!

2012 NashCamp Flyer

 

Bwa908 - Posted - 08/07/2012:  20:51:24

Hey Sonny! When was this when you and Bobby did this at the Grad Ole youtube.com/watch?v=oEywzlPTrhMOpry?

RatLer - Posted - 08/08/2012:  06:16:38

Bwa908 quote..."Hey Sonny! When was this when you and Bobby did this at the Grad Ole youtube.com/watch?v=oEywzlPTrhMOpry? ""

Thanks for posting, first I've heard that tune....I think I'll start takin' my banjo fishin'....maybe pack along an old cane-pole for looks...

stringman711 - Posted - 08/08/2012:  17:09:16

That was about 2002. Derek Deakins and David Crow, Fiddles. Tim Graves, Dobro. Daryl Mosley, bass. Dana Cupp and Robert Bowlin, Guitars.

Spike2 - Posted - 08/08/2012:  22:27:30

Hey Sonny, 48 years ago today, huh? Happy Opry Anniversary!!

BlondeChief - Posted - 08/08/2012:  23:23:04

Hey all,
Bill posted the photo - he beat me to it! We had a great time at NashCamp Bluegrass Camp and hope to see you all at banjo camp,
Cindy
nashcamp.com
615-952-4040

TheChief - Posted - 08/11/2012:  12:08:59

Spike..you're right. That was the official date, but we actually became members of the Opry July 31, 1964. Dottie West was on the road and they wanted to introduce both groups at the same time...so, August 8 became the official date. That's a long time ago, huh?

I never think of The Opry membership without thinking of the diligence of Doyle and Teddy Wilburn, who were responsible for that move, (and Decca Records..later MCA) in our career. I think that's the correct word. When we signed with their company we told Doyle that we must have the Opry..he said to give him 18 months to get it done..he did it in 13. Amazing business man. He just wouldn't quit. Thankfully for us. Back then The Opry being linked to your name REALLY meant something. Not so any more.       { ;-( 

s

Edited by - TheChief on 08/11/2012 12:09:52

TheChief - Posted - 08/11/2012:  12:20:05

Man..look at that picture of the BlondeChief and me!!!! (she has the only blonde Chief banjo ever made)

One of my partners in The Banjo Camp..Miss Cindy Sinclair. Bill Evans being the other. It's happening really soon now. I can't wait. Kristin, Nedski, Bill, Frank Neat, Alan Mundy, Tony Trishka..some of the world's best teachers..I'll be there talking (nonstop) as usual..and our food lady..Marsha. Best food at any camp, I guar...an...teeeeeeeee! Like that Geico Pig..Weeeeeeeeeeeeeeee!

We gonna have a big time.

s

TheChief - Posted - 08/11/2012:  12:28:21

BWA and Rattler..That clip is most definitely at the Opry.  I'm playing Chief number 00. first one built..June of 1998.

The date says July of 08..can't be right. I didn't play the banjo after November 23 2003..shoulder surgery.

The lady introducing us is Jean Seally.

s

Woolpersteve - Posted - 08/11/2012:  12:37:55

Sonny I will be at banjo camp if I have to hide out in my Price case. Nice to see you again.
Steve

Banjo Stan - Posted - 08/13/2012:  19:04:46

Hey Sonny and all the Chiefsters!

I really am missing not attending the Banjo Camp.  Hopefully, next year Tammy Swinette and I can make a road trip.

I've been playing her a lot lately and that Mahog sounds so sweet!  Being a grandpappy of twin 18 month old toddlers is a hoot.  They both love music and bopping around to the beat.

Life is good!

TheChief - Posted - 08/14/2012:  15:54:40

We miss seeing you too Stan, been a long time.

Last year Marsha made Reubin sandwiches that were totally the best. Jim Smith and Byron Robins went back so many times Cindy asked if we could cut him off! (I wasn't far behind.)

s

Bruce4501 - Posted - 08/17/2012:  12:34:52

Sonny,

Sorry this is not "Chief" related, but I have another Osborne Brother's question for you.

I have looked on here, but on Della Mae, am I hearing 2 banjos?  If so, who is doing what part?

Thanks!

Bruce

Woolpersteve - Posted - 08/17/2012:  12:50:49

Funny. This question was suggested on Facebook for your interview tomorrow on Worldwide Bluegrass.

TheChief - Posted - 08/19/2012:  18:35:19

Bad news first. Dana Cupp has informed me that, by way of facebook, (Which I do not do) Dale Vanderpool passed from this part of life today. Dale was a very close and old friend.

I did Steve Martins interview Saturday for about an hour on world wide web. It was a fun thing and we're gonna make it a regular thing. Every Saturday at 3 pm. He'll need to tell you how it's done. A rocket scientist I'm not.

On the first MGM recordings of: Ruby, Ho Honey Ho, Della Mae, and Down In The Willow Garden there was definitely 2 banjos playing lead and harmony. My brother Bobby played my (now Aaron's) RB3 and I played a 1929 RB3 raised head. (Now owned by Byron Robins of Knoxville) He played lead and I played harmony. To my knowledge it was the first time it had ever been done. If Bobby would have devoted the time to it, he would have been one great banjo player. Instead he became a great mandolin player and the very best, of the best singers of Bluegrass ever! And THAT is NOT only my opinion. It's one shared by most of those who are knowledgeable.

You may have heard that Nancy Cardwell has been named the head of IBMA. Which, in my opinion is a smart choice. She will do a great job.

~

s

Edited by - TheChief on 08/19/2012 18:40:29

Bwa908 - Posted - 08/20/2012:  11:04:54

Hey Sonny! Sorry to hear about Dale. In this video when you tapped on your banjo did you use your bare fingers or your picks?

youtube.com/watch?v=nBfiQO-iuW...e=related

Woolpersteve - Posted - 08/22/2012:  05:02:07

Sonny
We had some fun in the interview last Saturday .I know from the responses everyone else loved it . We have decided that 4:00 P.M. EDT time works better for upcoming weeks , starting this Saturday . I am looking forward to it and I do appreciate you taking the time to do this . For anyone interested the show is Steve Martin's Unreal Bluegrass on worldwidebluegrass.com , Saturdays 2-5 EDT .
I am that Steve Martin also known as the other one.Questions in advance to steve.martin@worldwidebluegrass.com or tweet @unrealbluegrass.
So sorry to hear about Dale ,Sonny.
Steve

rjones6 - Posted - 08/22/2012:  09:44:41

Mr. Osborne,

I was out pickin at Aunt B's in Gerorgetown, Indiana last night. One of your new customers is a good friend of mine...T. Schroder. He was tickled pink and excited beyond words when he saw me come in. He said you and him had met at a truck stop a few weeks back and he became a very proud owner of a brand new "chief" banjo. I remember telling him a couple of years back how I thought that would be the "holy grail" of banjos. He hung on to that and eventually made the call to you. He asked me to contact you and let you know how happy he is to be a member of your "chief" family. I got to spend a little time on the back side of his chief and confirmed my previous thought that it is indeed the "holy grail" of banjos. Thanks for making such a great banjo and thank you for the kindness and hospitality you showed Mr. Schroder. He is proud and happy beyond belief and he deserves that.

Rick

TheChief - Posted - 08/22/2012:  13:32:38

BWA 908..Two fingers without picks.

When we recorded it, we tried to get the drummer to do that but he never got the right timing so I showed him, and Owen Bradley tolde me to do it myself, and I did. It worked.

~

s

TheChief - Posted - 08/22/2012:  13:56:49

I get the most pleasure from hand delivering the Chief banjo to someone. The look on their face when they see it for the first time is priceless.

I ship most of them by UPS if too far to drive, but if it's within 200 miles from Nashville I'll deliver to a person.

The "Holy Graile" might be overstating a bit, but I do believe this banjo to be the best on the market because of the materials used and Frank Neat building the neck and assembling them. And of course the Blaylock, the very best tone ring.

Thank you for leading Mr. Shroder to my Chief. I'm happy he's pleased with his banjo.

I delivered a Maple Chief last Saturday to Jeremy Averill of Chicago..this Sunday I'm delivering a Mahogany to Mr. Averill. He was so pleased with the Maple he called and asked if I had a Mahogany in stock..I did, and he bought it.

Thank you all.

~

s

TheChief - Posted - 08/22/2012:  18:52:49

I GUESS MOST OF YOU KNOW THAT DALE VANDERPOOL PASSED AWAY AUGUST 19 AFTER A LONG BATTLE WITH CANCER.

HIS WIFE ANITA HAS BEEN OFF WORK FOR A LONG WHILE TAKING CARE OF DALE AND OF COURSE THE BILLS HAVE PILED UP. IF YOU WOULD CARE TO HELP PLEASE VISIT THE LINK LISTED BELOW AND BE GENEROUS IF YOU WILL. DALE WAS A GOOD GUY AS WELL AS A FINE BANJO PLAYER.               

giveforward.com/banjoswillbepickininheaven">giveforward.com/banjoswillbepickininheaven

THANK YOU VERY MUCH.

SONNY

giveforward.com/banjoswillbepickininheaven">giveforward.com/banjoswillbepickininheaven

Edited by - TheChief on 08/22/2012 18:54:42

PickaFive - Posted - 08/22/2012:  20:02:47

Hi Sonny,

The contribution address doesn't work for me. I usually have no problems connecting. Please check it. Thanks!

Dick Huyett

PickaFive

TheChief - Posted - 08/22/2012:  22:44:36

I copied it from what they sent me.

giveforward.com/banjoswillbepickininheaven">giveforward.com/banjoswillbepickininheaven

TheChief - Posted - 08/22/2012:  23:02:53

The link I posted concerning Dale Vanderpool does not work.

It's the same as they sent me.

I'm sorry about this error.

s

MisChief - Posted - 08/23/2012:  05:41:47

Hey...that place takes 7% of the money!!!!

I think this link might work......

http://www.giveforward.com/banjoswillbepickininheaven?utm_source=facebook&utm_medium=fb_wall&utm_campaign=receipt&og_action=hug&fb_ref=280676

Edited by - MisChief on 08/23/2012 05:48:13

TheChief - Posted - 08/23/2012:  06:46:54

Report to Moderator   8/22/2012 8:52 PM

I GUESS MOST OF YOU KNOW THAT DALE VANDERPOOL PASSED AWAY AUGUST 19 AFTER A LONG BATTLE WITH CANCER. HIS WIFE ANITA HAS BEEN OFF WORK FOR A LONG WHILE TAKING CARE OF DALE AND OF COURSE THE BILLS HAVE PILED UP. IF YOU WOULD CARE TO HELP PLEASE VISIT THE LINK LISTED ABOVE IN MISCHIEF POST AND BELOW, AND BE GENEROUS IF YOU WILL. DALE WAS A GOOD GUY AS WELL AS A FINE BANJO PLAYER. giveforward.com/banjoswillbepi...ef=280676 IF THAT LINK DOESN'T WORK, GO TO MY WEBSITE..I'LL HAVE ONE THERE THAT WILL WORK AND WON'T TAKE A PERCENTAGE.   THANK YOU VERY MUCH. SONNY

Edited by - TheChief on 08/23/2012 06:50:03

TheChief - Posted - 08/24/2012:  09:59:49

IF YOU WANT TO CONTRIBUTE TO THE DALE VANDERPOOL FUND WITHOUT ANY PROBLEMS, DO SO IN THIS MANNER.

SEND CHECK TO:

ANITA ANDERPOOL 

PO Box 273

Harrisburg, Ohio 43126

THAT WILL GET IT DIRECTLY TO HER. I'M SORRY FOR THE CONFUSION.  THANK YOU.

SONNY OSBORNE                                                                                                                                                                                                                                   

TheChief - Posted - 08/25/2012:  20:13:09

Jeremy Averill who boughtthe Maple Chief 2 weeks ago, has purchased a Mahogany. I deliver it to him tomorrow in Louisville.

They're selling like hot cakes...I'll really be in good shape if they ever start selling like Banjos, huh?

s

Gary Griffin - Posted - 09/08/2012:  13:30:40

HI Sonny & Tribe!

How about a Chief report for today! I just played Chief #71 in the Omega, GA pepper festival this morning all the way

through town. About half way through it started raining. We were on an open float with nowhere to go so we just kept

on picking. #71 Kept on ringing rain & all. It was sounding better than ever at the end of the parade but my guitar player

(my wife) was give out, due to the fact it got to sounding so good I had trouble stopping after the parade!

God Bless You All!!!!!!!

apherigo - Posted - 09/08/2012:  15:11:16

Chief #75 played this past weekend at our mountain house jam in Little Switzerland, NC!!!

Aaron

TheChief - Posted - 09/09/2012:  09:54:30

Music to me yers Gary (yers is Southeastern Kentucky for ears)...Altho I would be rather leery about playing a quality, or any banjo out in the rain..NOT RECOMMENDED...Not so much for the head, but the finish and glue..

And Gary, I don't think I know where that is in Georgia.

Aaron...I don't know where Switzerland N.C. is either. Been to the real one but North Carolina? S'plain please.

Hey..We recently visited good friends, Mr. and Mrs James Smith, and we decided to go see Raymond Fairchild at his place in Maggie Valley, NC. I called to make sure he would be  there and Raymond answered the phone. I didn't tell him who was calling I just asked what time the show started and he said "ever night at 8 o'clock." I said, "like tonight or tomorrow?" He repeated disgustedly: "Ever nite..8 o'clock." We drove two hours to Maggie Valley in pouring rain and when we got there the place was dark. Closed until the weekend. Thursday thru Saturday. You that know me can figure out how happy that made me and what I might have said or been thi.nking!  I certainly won't do it again. Oh well..we live and learn. He might have had a bad day! So, we had a good hamburger, and equally bad hot dog, and went home.

Banjo sales have been up within the past four weeks. I'm elated about that.

We're making the "Rocky Top" model of the Chief banjo. An absolute copy of the RB3 used on that record. Nickel hardware, Flying Eagle inlay, Mahogany..olnly difference I insist on is the Gold Blaylock tone ring. It just has a better tone. Bill Emerson and Aaron McDarris have them ordered so far.  How 'bout that.

Oh...let me mention the Banjo camp coming up October 19-21. Just confirmed is Kristin Benson (4 Time and reining IBMA BANJO PLAYER OF THE YEAR) and also nominated this year. Ned Lubreki, Alan Mundy,  Tony Trishka, Bill Evans and me. Kristin will be there Friday until 6:30. The Grascals are playing the Station Inn Friday night so she must go do that. Then she will be with us all day Sunday. Mixed up a little I know, but that's the only time we could get her and she is one great teacher...as are the others. Bill, Alan, Tony, and Ned are first rate...with Kristin added I think we have the best. 

Ok...that's enough for this time..too much actually.

~

s                                                                                                 

Edited by - TheChief on 09/09/2012 10:06:25

TheChief - Posted - 09/09/2012:  10:12:38

In case I forget again and you don't remember!!!!!!

~

s

Sonny Osborne Banjo Co.

PO Box 647

Hendersonville, TN. 37077

615-824-0096

www. chiefbanjo@comcast.net

sonnyosborne.com

IN GOD WE TRUST

apherigo - Posted - 09/09/2012:  10:24:38

Little Switzerland is between Asheville and Boone.  Nearest "big" town is Spruce Pine...  also close to Burnsville and Bakersville.  Below is a picture of our Little Cabin Home On The Hill and a picture from the front porch with with some fun people!!

Aaron

Gary Griffin - Posted - 09/09/2012:  14:53:57

Hi Sonny!

You're absolutely right. I don't recommend playing an instrument in the rain either. Thankfully it wasn't a torrential down pour

and I was able to get it dried off real quick! Omega GA is located in South GA about 200 miles south of Atlanta. It's between

Tifton and Moutrie, GA on Higway 319. Wasn't Boudleax and Felix Bryant originally from down this way?

bhrb75 - Posted - 09/09/2012:  16:35:13

Sonny,

You mean you didn't tell "Fairchildren" who you were on the phone? Lol He would have probably said, "Hello Ozzzz-born" as only he can say it.

B.

TheChief - Posted - 09/10/2012:  07:13:15

I didn't...I wanted to surprise him...He certainly surprised me.

But as I said, we live and learn, huh?

~

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 09/10/2012 07:25:32

bhrb75 - Posted - 09/10/2012:  07:29:25

Yeah I thought they were open every night of the week, or they used to be when I lived up there. lol Raymond used to say: "We play the same for five people as we do for five hundred. We just don't play as long." Man that guy is a character.

B.

TheChief - Posted - 09/10/2012:  07:33:06

Aaron..I know that area well...but I don't remember Little Switzerland.

Played all those towns. Spruce Pine, Burnsville, and wasn't Doc Watson from Boone?

 I came off that mountain once in about a foot of snow. Don't I recognize a couple people in the picture you sent? Brandon, and Ned Lubreki???? They both, actually the whole group, looks way too happy. Some of Raymond's brew without doubt?

Gary, Boudleaux was from that area but Felice was from Milwaukee.

~

s

Edited by - TheChief on 09/10/2012 07:40:25

apherigo - Posted - 09/10/2012:  07:49:41

Not sure about Doc, but you'll remember Charlie Moore... His wife Lois Constable lives here. Played Chief #75 with her son Billy Constable (played guitar with Charlie). Lot of Weismans in this area too... Kenny Jobe, Jody Lovelace, etc. George Giddons (sp?), mando for the Dillards is here too. Fun area!!!

The most accomplished banjo picker that hangs around this area is a guy named Brandon Henson.


Oh... In the picture from L to R... Nedski, Brandon, me, Tom Love, Jim Rollins, Don Wayne Reno and Richard.

Aaron

Edited by - apherigo on 09/10/2012 07:54:34

bhrb75 - Posted - 09/10/2012:  08:13:20

Aaron,

Flattery won't make those Scruggs licks any easier. lol That picture...good weekend!

Sonny I'm not sure that was any of Raymond's brew lol.

B.

Ebanjo - Posted - 09/10/2012:  09:17:33

Sonny,
Doc was from Deep Gap, which is about halfway between Wilkesboro and Boone. Little Switzerland is at the top of the mountain if you drive up 226 from Marion, if I'm not mistaken. Do you remember Clarence Greene who lived in Hudson (between Lenoir and Hickory)? He was orginally from another place not far from Little Switzerland called Penland. I'll bet you remember the old Carolina Opry in Hudson don't you?
Eric Ellis

apherigo - Posted - 09/10/2012:  10:17:52

Ha ha ha... I'd have to grow a third ball just to get close to the way Earl did it!!!

Aaron

bhrb75 - Posted - 09/10/2012:  11:52:37

We all would have to grow a 5th ball to get there.

TheChief - Posted - 09/10/2012:  22:19:49

It's really not that difficult...actually quite simple.

PRACTICE...PRACTICE....PRACTICE...ETC...ETC...ETC. 10+ hrs every day should do it.

Jens Kruger does it and listen to him.

~

s

Sonny Osborne Banjo Co.

PO Box 647

Hendersonville, TN. 37077

615-824-0096

www. chiefbanjo@comcast.net

sonnyosborne.com

IN GOD WE TRUST