markbyrum - Posted - 03/16/2014:  14:00:38

Thanks, Sonny! And it's from the Bluegrass State, too!

slimpikenz - Posted - 03/18/2014:  07:48:25

Hey Sonny...out of curiosity, I know you aren't playing anymore but do you still like to sing? If so, which tunes?

TheChief - Posted - 03/18/2014:  09:33:26

Hey Slimpikenz:

Nope I don't sing either. Actually I never liked to sing. It was a necessity that someone had to do and I was the only one there at the time.

To be a good harmony singer, one must be able to "hear" harmony parts and I was blessed with that ability so it came rather easy for me. Different tones are nearly impossible to "learn" or be taught. It's something God either gives, or does not. I guess it depends on His plan in preparing you for life.

NOTE: If I were to be a REAL singer, I would lean heavily on Merle Haggard. Or my brother. Both were just about the best ever at what they did.

(All above statements are Strictly my opinion)

s

TheChief - Posted - 03/18/2014:  10:02:27

41 years ago today The Osborne Brothers Band and Merle Haggard and The Strangers played at the White House for Pat Nixon's birthday and St. Patrick's day. We were scared and nervous, but we were not the only ones. Merle Haggard dropped his guitar pick, and President Nixon, wearing a bright green bow tie was a nervous wreck. Why, you ask??

On our part It was the first time Bluegrass and/or Country music had appeared inside Our White House. On Nixon's part, and most important to us all,  It was just a matter of weeks before the truth about Watergate broke out for real.

~

s

slimpikenz - Posted - 03/18/2014:  10:14:23

Such an interesting thing to learn...you were always so good at complementing Bobby's voice but that you never really enjoyed it.

Well, luckily you were blessed with that amazing ability to pick out harmonies because you were awesome at it...and so few are...

And I would say Merle and Bobby are top of the crop in terms of lead singers, and I am ALWAYS interested in your opinion even though I know its just you giving your two cents worth...so many humans and so many opinions.

and very cool fact about playing in The White House...I think the current administration could do well by inviting you all back!!

TheChief - Posted - 03/18/2014:  21:43:20

Thanks Slim

JNHOLTBANJO - Posted - 03/21/2014:  14:53:54

quote:

---

Originally posted by TheChief

Joe Mullins and the Radio Ramblers are doing the 8:15 spot on the Opry and Ernest Tubb's Midnight Jamboree tonight.(12 Midnight till... with Larry Cordle and his band) It is broadcast on WSM AM radio (650) or WSM.com if you would like to hear a Rocky Top Chief banjo.

Joe and his band are good, and have a CD out right now with Junior Sisk.

And listen to this...The Osborne Brothers are due to have an 8 song album release on Pinecastle Records in June. When we left MCA we were half done with an album and due to a disagreement with their managerial prowess, or lack there-of, we decided it best to depart. We bought the masters and they are to be released in June. They were recorded in 1974.

Interesting, huh?

~

s

Sonny Osborne Banjo Co.

PO Box 647

Hendersonville,TN.37075

chiefbanjo@comcast.net

sonnyosborne.com

615-824-0096

IN GOD WE TRUST

A friend of mine told me that they heard a cut from this 1974 album on the radio the other day and really liked it. I have been a fan of The Osborne Brothers for a long time and I am excited about this album being released!!! Is the release date still set for June? Thanks for all the GREAT music and all the hard road miles down through the years! My life is a lot richer for having listened!

Thanks,

Jamie Holt

---

Jeff Markham - Posted - 03/30/2014:  10:51:40

Has anybody out there noticed a change in their picking after getting a Chief? It forced me to clean up my pull-offs. I think I hear things differently, stuff I did not hear before.

laceyth9 - Posted - 03/30/2014:  13:22:54

Got to hear Rhonda Vincent and the Rage this weekend in Willmington, OH. Also had a chance to speak with Aaron McDaris. Couldn't see what he was playing from my seats, but it sure sounded good. Asked him if he was playing a new Chief... turns out he was playing the banjo all Chief's are patterned after... Sonny's original Granada. Wow, what an honor to play Sonny's banjo on stage and keep that beautiful instrument entertaining the crowds. Thanks Sonny for letting Aaron play it. He sure does play it well.

Tim L.
Chief #5

TheChief - Posted - 03/31/2014:  13:23:14

Hey Tim:
Aaron is playing a Chief, or The original Rocky Top 1934 5 string, RB3. He bought it from me.
Rhonda has the best band out there right now and Aaron is playing very very good. The Rage show is completely professional, sounds it, and looks it.

~

s

laceyth9 - Posted - 03/31/2014:  16:12:49

Thanks for clarifying Sonny!

Tim L.

the-fish - Posted - 04/01/2014:  17:45:16

Hi Sonny, hope all is well.. I was wondering if you still had stock of the bluegrass license plates? I plan on ordering a set of your ugly tuners and some pics and wanted to know if you have any plates left...

TheChief - Posted - 04/02/2014:  08:26:26

Rick:
I have one Bluegrass license plate left.
Tell you what...if you order the other things, I'll throw that in the package free.

I love dogs...all kinds, and your avatar is so good. I lost my good friend Pepper this past December 3. She was a Rat Terrier. :(
~
s

the-fish - Posted - 04/02/2014:  11:07:28

thanks sonny. Ill take you up on that...

I sent a email requesting shipping info etc..

Im sorry about your loss.. hurts every time... the handsome great dane in my photo, was my best buddy literally. I enjoyed the time I had with him. We lost him april 27th 3 years ago...we still talk about him.

the-fish - Posted - 04/02/2014:  16:30:58

cute lil bugger aint he? LOL I bet he had good hearing

TheChief - Posted - 04/02/2014:  17:24:46

For those who don't know, or who care to know, that's Pepper.



She died December 3, 2013.

~

s

Sonny Osborne Banjo Co.

PO Box 647

Hendersonville,TN.37075

chiefbanjo@comcast.net

sonnyosborne.com

615-824-0096

IN GOD WE TRUST

Edited by - TheChief on 04/02/2014 17:33:12

Ebanjo - Posted - 04/02/2014:  18:28:18

Sorry to hear about your dog Sonny. I've been through it before. It's like losing a family member because they are family, at least to me they are. Have a good evening.
Eric Ellis

RatLer - Posted - 04/03/2014:  05:42:20

Sorry to hear about "Pepper". We had a golden retriever for 17 years that died 7 years ago...still miss her.

Spike2 - Posted - 04/04/2014:  23:05:12

Sorry to learn about Pepper, Sonny. It's never easy to lose a friend, especially a pup. I still miss Petey, one of my bulldogs, and he's been gone over 6 yrs.

SB - Posted - 04/05/2014:  17:46:29

Hey Sonny, ON WISCONSIN!      :0

BanjoTom47 - Posted - 04/05/2014:  18:08:17

Go CATS!

3 finger ninja - Posted - 04/05/2014:  18:17:15

quote:

---

Originally posted by TheChief

For those who don't know, or who care to know, that's Pepper.



She died December 3, 2013.

~

s

Sonny Osborne Banjo Co.

PO Box 647

Hendersonville,TN.37075

chiefbanjo@comcast.net

sonnyosborne.com

615-824-0096

IN GOD WE TRUST

---

What kind of dog was Pepper?  My mom has a Welsh Corgi Dachshund mix that resembles it. :)

bevans - Posted - 04/06/2014:  09:39:43

Good morning Chief! Congrats to the Wildcats - my son and I watched the last ten minutes of that game in a sports bar in Berkeley and there were more Kentucky fans there than UConn!

I've got a question for you! I've been listening quite a bit lately to the Sugar Hill CD "Once More, Volumes 1 & 2" by the Brothers and I love the tone of your Granada on these recordings. Which got me wondering - what are the first recordings you made with the Granada? This Sugar Hill project came chronologically after the CMH recordings, like "Bluegrass Collection," right? Was "The Bluegrass Collection" the first album with the Granada?

I used to know this stuff better than I do now!

Thanks and all the best to everyone,

Bill Evans

bill@billevansbanjo.com

TheChief - Posted - 04/06/2014:  12:06:08

Mr. Ninja;
Pepper: She was a Rat Terrier. Very loyal, and very protective. My very close friend for 12 years.

Bill:
I first used the Granada on Bluegrass Collection. The Sugar Hill recordings of were good tones but different from what I was used to hearing from that banjo. I used a Persimmon bridge on it and was not pleased with the outcome. The tone was good but just not what I wanted to hear.

Kentucky was lucky to escape Wisconsin, not because I thought they (Wisconsin) were better but KY did not play very smart basketball, and they missed a ton of Free throws while Wisconsin missed few, if any, until the end when it really counted. . In my opinion. But we won, and I will accept that. A "W" is a "W."
UCONN might be a different story if KY plays the same type game. For those interested, I have been a follower of UK Basketball since 1947 when my Father and I sat by the AM radio and listened to every game. WHAS in Louisville. The original "Fabulous Five" were Cliff Barker, Ralph Beard, Alex Groza, Wallace "Wah Wah" Jones, and Kenny Rollins. Coached by Adolph Rupp. Lord, thank you for those memories.
Sorry to ramble.
~
s

SB - Posted - 04/06/2014:  12:27:29

Ah well.....it was a great game!  Congrats to the Cats.

Sorry about your dog Sonny, mine is my best buddy.....

TheChief - Posted - 04/18/2014:  10:54:39

I received this letter and will give my opinion;



Mr. Osborne,



I'd just like to thank you for all you've done for the banjo and bluegrass community. I've been hitting my banjo with a sledgehammer for about 9 years but only recently figured out that ain't how you play it. I've been listening to several of your recordings from over the years and I've been picking up lots of little stylistic aspects from it to incorporate into my own playing. I do have one general question, though (since you might know a little about banjo playing): is there any particular way for me to develop my own playing style (like Scruggs style vs Crowe vs Munde vs you)? Should I be actively working on developing my own style? I'd greatly appreciate any advice you could give me. I'm currently doing a directed study in my high school on banjo performance, and a big part of that is identifying differences in playing styles, so I'd kind of like to know how to figure out where I am.

Once again, thank you for bringing so much to the genre. Almost every other day I find myself listening to Bobby's and your version of Leaning on the Everlasting Arms. It really is a beautiful tune, and I seldom hear it played that cleanly and melodiously.



Jonathan Garland

Centennial High School class of 2015



Mr. Garland;

I appreciate you complimentary letter and although I'm not an authority on the subject I will do my best to give an honest opinion. But remember, that's what it is...MY OPINION.

You should find a favorite banjo player, one you are convinced does no wrong, in tone, choice of notes, etc. It might be Earl Scruggs, JD, or anyone who fits into this category. Obtain everything that is possible and learn how he or she plays back ground, instrumentals, song breaks, etc. I mean note for note, leaving absolutely nothing out. PRACTICE this until you can play it as well as they did...a correct phrase would be; Practice until "you're blue in the face!"

After you have done this until you're convinced it is as good as can be, your right hand should be in condition to do anything you want. Here is where styles are born. Listen to other music that you like, country, blues, jazz, whatever, and try to duplicate what you hear. Not necessarily note for note, but the sound of the tune you hear in your head. It won't sound the same coming out of a banjo, which is good. Then when you are in a jam session, or with a band, apply this same method. PLAY THE MELODY OF THE SONG AS YOU HEAR IT, NOT LIKE SOMEONE ELSE HEARS IT. Learn to sing the songs and play the words. Then let the banjo sing for you. Before you realize what's happening you are playing what YOU hear instead of what someone else heard.



I sincerely hope this is clear enough, and will help.

The method I have told you worked for me. I was a mixture of everything.

S

Edited by - TheChief on 04/18/2014 10:58:20

RayD - Posted - 04/18/2014:  12:55:06

Chief,

Good words of advice you gave! I really like these sentences: "Learn to sing the songs and play the words. Then let the banjo sing for you." That's about the best summation of the "magic" of playing the banjo that I've seen.

Cheers,

RayD

From Greylock to Bean Blossom - Posted - 04/18/2014:  19:17:04

Sonny,

Thanks for the game plan.

One ounce of proven truth is worth more that 20 tons of conjecture.

Charge.

ken

MisChief - Posted - 04/20/2014:  15:15:59

Jonathon, where is Centennial HS?

thejd123 - Posted - 04/21/2014:  17:18:19

Mr. Osborne,
Thank you for your thoughtful response. I do appreciate it.

Ms. Osborne,
Centennial is in Roswell, GA

TheChief - Posted - 04/30/2014:  16:13:53

My Web page is under construction and will be up again soon

Sorry

s

JNHOLTBANJO - Posted - 05/01/2014:  10:31:38

This year marks the 50th anniversary of The Osborne Brothers as members of the Grand Ole Opry. Congratulations on this milestone! Are there any plans for an Osborne Brothers reunion to mark the anniversary???

Thanks,
Jamie

TheChief - Posted - 05/04/2014:  10:02:10

Jamie;

There are no plans (celebration or reunion)  that I'm aware of at this time. I received my awards, rewards, and accolades whilst still active in music business, and for me that was enough. Actually more than enough! And not to sound blasé, but It was my job and I certainly appreciate all that came my way. However I'm enjoying retirement, My favorite pastime is procrastination!!!! How 'bout that?

s

JNHOLTBANJO - Posted - 05/04/2014:  10:18:08

quote:

---

Originally posted by TheChief

Jamie;

There are no plans (celebration or reunion)  that I'm aware of at this time. I received my awards, rewards, and accolades whilst still active in music business, and for me that was enough. Actually more than enough! And not to sound blasé, but It was my job and I certainly appreciate all that came my way. However I'm enjoying retirement, My favorite pastime is procrastination!!!! How 'bout that?

s

---

That sounds good to me!!! I am THANKFUL that I got to see The Osborne Brothers at least once! That is a memory I will treasure for a lifetime! Anytime I want to hear an Osborne Brothers reunion I just get out my LP collection and listen. I heard Eddie Stubbs quote Bill Monroe once as saying that a record is forever. 

Thanks,

Jamie

TheChief - Posted - 05/05/2014:  07:17:13

Jamie;

Bill also said many times (in my presence) after hearing a certain group who looked as though they had slept under a bridge, or hearing a song he didn't like, etc.: "THAT RIGHT THERE AIN'T NO PART OF NOTHIN'!"

The old man had a way about him. Short and to the point. He surely made a difference though, huh! I have wondered many times what his thoughts were the first time he heard Earl Scruggs play the banjo.

s

Jeff Markham - Posted - 05/05/2014:  10:00:55

Sonny,

Your new web site looks great. Very clean design and easy to navigate.

-- Jeff

From Greylock to Bean Blossom - Posted - 05/05/2014:  11:13:41

Sorry the photography is not better and that I could not figure how to make these larger. This is from the Bill Monroe Museum in Bean Blossom, In.

ken

Edited by - From Greylock to Bean Blossom on 05/05/2014 11:16:16

bhrb75 - Posted - 05/06/2014:  13:21:57

Those appear to be the jackets the Brothers wore on the Germany tour...in '88-89? Or was it earlier Sonny? Steve Thomas and Terry Eldridge were in the band at the time. And I believe those are the same ones worn on the cover of the Gospel record "Singing, Shouting, Praises." I'm not mistaken Monroe was on a tour over there with them and I'm not sure it was a very pleasant trip because of travel and logistics. To my recollection, there was hardly any talking done between songs on those shows by Sonny or Bob. The only thing I remember was at the end of the last song, Sonny saying, "Thank you, God bless you and goodnight."

Brandon

TheChief - Posted - 05/07/2014:  17:36:48

My web site has needed a complete overhaul for some time and I think it is done well.

Erica Holleran, who owns PeaPod Designs did the work. Needless to say she's good. The result speaks for itself.

s

Jeff Markham - Posted - 05/12/2014:  11:08:38

"Actually I never liked to sing. It was a necessity that someone had to do and I was the only one there at the time."

I'm still blown away by this.

Luvmoochine - Posted - 05/12/2014:  20:20:57

Hello Mr. Osbourne, quick question; I believe I read somewhere your Granada has a brass tension hoop on it. Is that right? 

Thanks, 

Alex

TheChief - Posted - 05/15/2014:  13:48:57

Alex, I believe the tension hoop on my banjo is brass. However, I never checked to make sure of that as it never interested me that much. In my day (50 years ago) we were only concerned with the sound. Always the tone, and volume would be considered because we're talking of the days of one mic, (and a bad one at that) and sometimes none at all.....   ;)

Did you know that I never owned a new banjo until 1965 when Vega gave me one. The 29 RB 3 was 23, the RB 3 flathead was 22 years old and the Granada was 44 when I got them and they didn't look like much. Kinda funny as I reminisce, I really didn't care what it looked like. By today's standards that's crazy, huh?

True Jeff, I found out in the early 50's that I could hear parts well and whomever was singing always needed someone like that so I did it. I never liked to hear my voice...sounded too hill billy ish!! If that's a word. Too South Eastern Kentucky...still do!   

s

Luvmoochine - Posted - 05/15/2014:  19:23:19

Thanks for the bonus info! I got a heavy brass hoop laying around that's oddly enough going into an "ugly" banjo.  I've used it before and it seems to add some sustain. Or I'm just imagining it. Either way, I figured I'd ask somebody with a banjo known for its sustain. 

Thanks and take care. 

banjoman56 - Posted - 05/15/2014:  20:17:03

Sonny, this question has probably been answered in this thread somewhere, but it's too long to search for it. Anyway I have seen professional players break strings numerous times while on stage. I remember Larry Sparks and James King breaking 2 apiece at a festival at Barberville Ky one time. Is that because they dig in that much harder than us wanna be's or what is the reason. I can't remember ever breaking a string just picking. I have broke them tuning or using D-tuners but not by just picking the strings.

BTW, You guys played at that same festival at Barberville and put on a great show. I think I saw you all play twice there and I know I saw you at least once at Tombstone Junction. That was my first time watching a professional band and i was amazed at your playing.

ks - Posted - 05/17/2014:  20:09:24

Sonny you should go out and get another dog.I dont know what I'd do without mine.My dog Lewey,a german sheperd,just got his therapy dog certification.I'm going to be able to take him into Veterans Hospital!

TheChief - Posted - 05/19/2014:  09:02:58

Mister 56;

In my opinion a person tends to break more strings when performing on stage to a crowd. It's because adrenaline puts you in a different mode and you unconsciously play harder.

I'll tell you a trick if you were to break a string. When it breaks stop playing immediately and DO NOT touch the tuners. Get a string, put it on, tune it and you will find that your banjo will be in tune. I always carried a full set on stage every time I performed.

~

s  

banjoman56 - Posted - 05/19/2014:  15:00:10

Makes sense to me. Thanks Mr Osborne!

gospelman97 - Posted - 05/19/2014:  15:26:47

Hi Sonny,

I'm not sure if you have read the thread in the Other Banjo Topics forum about Jimmy Martin. I know that you played with Jimmy relative early in your career and was wondering if his rhythm guitar playing influenced how or what you played on the banjo?  Thanks!

TheChief - Posted - 05/19/2014:  21:39:41

In answer to your question, Jimmy Martin was a very good Guitar player in the early 50's but in no way did he influence me or my banjo playing. A banjo player needs solid rhythm from a guitar, bass, and mandolin to be able to do his/her best playing. During the time mentioned above Jimmy did that but later in his career he was more interested in lead runs and fortunately I was long gone by then.

THIS IS NOT MEANT AS A PUT DOWN OF JIMMY MARTINS ABILITY. For his style of music it worked.

Earl Scruggs was so great because he had the perfect guitar player in Lester Flatt.

Dale Sledd and Paul Brewster were the best guitar players with whom I worked, in that they complimented the singer, or whomever was at the lead mic. There are other great rhythm players but these were the best for me. When we recorded, Ray Edenton was part of the A team and we used him..always!                                             THE PLAYERS I MENTIONED  UNDERSTOOD THE TITLE OF RHYTHM GUITAR.

THE ABOVE IS STRICTLY MY OPINION.

S  

Edited by - TheChief on 05/19/2014 21:42:04