rbergesch - Posted - 09/10/2015:  19:01:31

You were firing on all cylinders at Thomas Point, Mr. K.  I enjoyed chatting with you about Vegas as you were wrapping up your instrument.  Many smiling faces in Brunswick, ME last week; thanks for some great sets.

Timeless1952 - Posted - 09/11/2015:  09:18:30

Thank You Bob for coming to the Festival.  If good people like you didn't support it, we as pickers couldn't do what we do so Thanks Again!

K

BlondeChief - Posted - 09/12/2015:  12:52:59

To Sonny and other NashCampers on this thread,

I sure look forward to seeing everyone in October! Kenny Ingram, I look forward to hearing you play at our camp. To those of you who are unfamiliar with NashCamp's Sonny Osborne Banjo Camp, go to nashcamp.com for info, or call me at 615-952-4040. Our teachers are:

Tony Trischka
Alan Munde
Janet Davis
Raymond McLain
Bill Evans
and our fearless leader, Sonny Osborne!

Dates are October 9 - 11, Nashville, TN.

Timeless1952 - Posted - 09/16/2015:  19:33:54

Looking forward to it Cindy.

K

BlondeChief - Posted - 09/17/2015:  10:11:38

And a bonus! Frank Neat will be there to set up and fix your banjos if needed. He will do workshops on care of the instrument and other banjo building topics. Frank builds all of Sonny Osborne's banjos. It's great to have Frank and his son, Ricky, at NashCamp!

TheChief - Posted - 09/23/2015:  08:01:03

Sunday, Sept.20 I was invited and attended a party at Lance Leroy's house..'twas a  pick and sing get together sort of thing which I never attend simply because I do neither, but some special people asked..(actually threatened)...me to go and I went. I can't begin to tell you who all the pickers, etc, were there and if I leave anyone out, it is not intentional. My brother Bobby, his son BOJ, Rhonda Vincent, Larry Stephenson, David Parmely, Roland White, Eddie Stubbs, Lannie Leroy, (Lance's son who built the houses, his and Lance's) and of course wives and girl friends and some children. I have forgotten some I know, but age and memory are not best friends.

Anyhow, at the requests for me to join in and sing (by Rhonda and Larry) which I initially refused because I hadn't attempted anything of that nature for 10 years, wait I should backtrack...I sang lead on the chorus of Me And My Old Banjo on a Larry Stephenson album, and I played 3 notes on Rob McCoury,s Flame Thrower album.

My Favorite song that Bobby and I did was "My Favorite Memory." They sang it and I just had to get involved. Rhonda, Bobby, and I sang a few songs, maybe 10, and to tell you that it brought back a flood of memories would be an understatement. 

Well, Rhonda posted a picture of the three of us singing on facebook and as of yesterday 98,800 people had seen it. I'm not up on the facebook thing, but I understand that's a lot? Right?

It was fun, I enjoyed being there, and 'twas an honor to just be in the company of these two major ICONS, but to actually get to sing, (although bad as it was) with them.

Check that picture out on facebook. Three happy folks.

s

TheChief - Posted - 09/23/2015:  10:59:10

It's over 100,000 as of right now.

HOT ITEM

Ceres Banjo Works - Posted - 09/23/2015:  11:39:11

Here's a behind-the-scenes picture of another "famous trio"...

 

Ceres Banjo Works - Posted - 09/23/2015:  12:26:04

bluegrasstoday.com/command-per...ce-leroy/

For those like myself that dont have facebook here's a pic...

I thought you and Bobby looked great!

-Jim

Edited by - Ceres Banjo Works on 09/23/2015 12:32:46

 

Ebanjo - Posted - 09/23/2015:  15:52:39

Glad to know you got out and loosened those vocal cords up a little Sonny. You're so good at it you should do that occasionally.
Eric Ellis

bbanjoboy - Posted - 09/24/2015:  14:59:03

Well sir, let me say this. The Lord has a way of makng things happen. I just opened this thread to tell you that I had v hankering to hear you sing Arkansas. Well I did and when you came in on "burned another bridge" I must say it brought a tear to my eye. Sonny, you have a gift of singing unlike almost anyone I've heard. It's easy for me to say you should but I haven't live your life. All I can say is God bless you for you'll never realize the effect you've had on so many lives.

TheChief - Posted - 09/24/2015:  21:18:37

105.88k

TheChief - Posted - 09/27/2015:  11:02:17

107.1

TheChief - Posted - 09/27/2015:  15:28:04

Thank you for the kind words. Makes an older gentleman feel good...kinda.

s

TheChief - Posted - 10/01/2015:  13:19:06

MAN, BANJO CAMP RETREAT IS JUST NEXT WEEK. STATION INN CONCERT IS ONE WEEK FROM TODAY.

CAMP STARTS FRIDAY, OCT. 9

ANXIOUS.

S

TheChief - Posted - 10/07/2015:  08:05:37

WHEN ASKED ABOUT THE MEN WHO COMPRISED OUR BANDS, AND WHO WAS GOOD AND WHO WAS NOT SO GOOD.

That's not a fair question to ask, nor one for me to answer. HOWEVER:

Dana Cupp's name is mentioned here as a good banjo player, and justly so...but in my mind he was a better rhythm guitar player. Don't get in an uproar, he was/is a fine banjo player but with The Osborne Brothers he was needed more as a Guitar player. I've said many times that Dale Sledd was about as good as it gets when it comes to playing guitar with a banjo player.(ME) I stand behind that, but Dana Cupp ranks right up there in that top line as  well, IN MY OPINION. It takes more than just strapping a Guitar on, understanding what needs to be done, and more importantly...what doesn't need to be done. That separates the men from the boys. Lester Flatt was a genius.

DANA WOULD RATE IN THAT GROUP. IN MY OPINION! If you play the banjo, go find him and have him pick some with you. You will feel the difference.

s

Ebanjo - Posted - 10/07/2015:  16:31:45

You're right Sonny. And from what I've been told Dale Sledd was a pretty fair banjo player too. A man that plays banjo and guitar like Dana and Dale know what kind of rhythm another banjo player needs. I've never picked banjo with either one of those guys (but I'd like to). But I have done a little picking with Charlie Cushman.
Eric Ellis

bbanjoboy - Posted - 10/07/2015:  17:40:12

What DOESN"T need to be done is the meat to every musician worth his salt. I said it before and I'll say it again.. this might be the highest praise one can give to a banjo player.....

IF EVERYONE PLAYED BANJO LIKE YOU SONNY< THERE WOULD BE NO BANJO JOKES!

kris_rasnake - Posted - 10/08/2015:  07:29:38

I was wondering if anyone knew who had Dale Vanderpool's chief banjo now? I hope someone is playing it!

Dale was such a great player; and he was always so kind and sparing with he time and knowledge with me when I'd see him at shows. I sure do miss hearing him play.

Thanks,

Kris

laceyth9 - Posted - 10/08/2015:  07:52:49

I was at Bluegrass Musician's Supply in Columbus not too long ago (store where Dale helped out alot) and I asked about Dale's banjo too. I'm pretty sure they said it was in his family but I don't recall that anyone was playing it.

Tim L.

bevans - Posted - 10/08/2015:  09:59:54

Hey everybody - it's not too late to join us at the 14th Annual NashCamp Sonny Osborne Banjo Camp. We kick everything off at camp at noon Friday and go non-stop through Sunday lunch with Tony Trischka, Alan Munde, Raymond McLain, Janet & Jim Davis, Frank & Ricky Neat, yours truly and, of course, The Chief himself. And Kenny Ingram will be joining us on Saturday afternoon in a short Q & A and demo with Sonny and then will play a set with the Larry Stephenson Band. 

Small classes, great concerts, directed jamming and the best food of any camp in the world - and Sonny will be there. Tell the spouse you've got something really important that you have to take care of, throw the banjo and a towel in the car and hit the road and join us! You won't regret it. Info at nashcamp.com.

All the best,

Bill Evans

Edited by - bevans on 10/08/2015 10:00:14

TheChief - Posted - 10/23/2015:  11:48:40

Banjo Camp went well. Bill and Cindy organized it well.

Marsha's food was the best.

Kenny Ingram played my old Vega that I recorded Roll Muddy River with. Man, he can play. Truly one of the best banjo players alive. If you missed him, you missed a lot. Lord he plays.

Larry Stephenson and band did a great job. This is one of, if not his best band.

Raymond McLain proved why he is such a great teacher. He played the six string banjo Frank Neat put together for me 20+ years ago, and whilst sitting there watching Raymond play it I just realized I didn't pay Frank for that banjo.

Janet Davis, I under estimated her. She can play. But then I under estimated Chet Atkins too, so it ain't no big deal. But she played and was accepted really well.  Sometimes I don't know the real deal when it's sitting right in front of me.

Tony Trischka and Allen Mundy did their thing as only they can do. I love both those guys, not only what they can do with a banjo, but as people. They are very talented to say the least, but both are gentlemen. Respectful, well spoken, and just really good guys who know their stuff.

Frank and Ricky Neat are genius...well, Frank...and Ricky's on the way, not to be confused. Both are good friends and of course a Frank Neat neck is, in my opinion, the best in the world. I wonder how many he has made.  

Anyhow, everyone seemed to have a good time and learn a few things about our instrument. The jam sessions are always fun and gives everyone the opportunity to show off a bit.

I haven't seen the class picture yet, but Kerri Antes, our photographer, always does a good job.

Thank all of you for making it a great, memorable time.

s                           

Goldstarman - Posted - 10/23/2015:  18:10:04

Is there a video of that singing Sonny, with you and Bobby and Rhonda?

TheChief - Posted - 10/24/2015:  12:28:42

There are several but I've seen them and they are not very good.

Rhonda and Bobby's parts are good, but I haven't sung in over 10 years so I suffered. 'Twas fun to be amongst the best again though.Felt really good.

SAD NEWS TODAY. BILL EVANS INFORMED ME THAT BILL KEITH DIED YESTERDAY MORNING.

HE CHANGED THE WAY PEOPLE THOUGHT ABOUT THE BANJO. LIKE IT OR NOT, THAT WAS A GREAT STEP FORWARD.

S

From Greylock to Bean Blossom - Posted - 10/24/2015:  16:14:29

Yes Sir, Sad Sad news indeed.

ken

momo - Posted - 10/25/2015:  14:17:07

Sonny, Vic Jordan just had his 77th Birthday on the 19th. Do you ever keep in touch with him? How is doing?

gibson49classic - Posted - 10/25/2015:  17:45:08

Sonny I was listening to some of my Osborne Brothers music collection this evening and ran upon one of the prettiest songs that I think you all ever did. The title of it is "Last Letter." It's such a great song with some really pretty chord changes. I sat down to learn it and have most of it down. I am missing one chord however, and was wondering if you would care to let me know which chord it is that I can't find. It is at the first part of the verse and so far I have the following.

G- Bm- Dm- ?- Am-.
Why do You treat me As if I Were only A friend


The question mark above "Were only" is the chord I'm missing. I hope you don't mind me posting this on this forum but that chord is driving me crazy and I couldn't think of a better person to ask than the one who played it!

TheChief - Posted - 10/27/2015:  15:21:07

I'll have to get back to you. Been too long since I did it, for me to remember. I will find it though.

Had lunch today with 10 of my closest friends.Surprised me with a birthday cake. TOTALLY SURPRISED ME! 

EDDIE STUBBS, KENNY INGRAM, JD CROWE, DAVID PARMLY, CURT CHAPMAN, DALE PERRY,

STEVE CHANDLER, LARRY STEPHENSON, AND AARON McDARIS.    

Do you believe a birthday cake yet, thanks to EDDIE STUBBS. I really appreciate them doing this for me. More than either of them will ever know. For me to say I'm overwhelmed would be an understatement. Simply put, Thanks.

s

markbyrum - Posted - 10/27/2015:  17:22:56

Hope you have a great birthday, Sonny. It's in a couple of days yet if memory serves. That's a good way to spring a surprise - early! Have a great one and many more!

TheChief - Posted - 10/28/2015:  05:45:57

MR Lincoln. After further review.....

If you're playing the song in G, that would be and A flat diminished into A minor.

See if that will play out. (Incidentally, I had proof of that from Josh Williams. who is probably the best guitar player I have ever heard)

s

TheChief - Posted - 10/28/2015:  05:47:54

Thanks Mark...78 tomorrow. The 100 year war is moving right along.

s

gospelman97 - Posted - 10/28/2015:  05:49:52

quote:

---

Originally posted by TheChief

 

 (Incidentally, I had proof of that from Josh Williams. who is probably the best guitar player I have ever heard)

s

---

And Josh has to be one of the greatest singers out there.  He can deliver the goods for sure and is probably my favorite singer right now.  When he launches into an old George Jone's song or other country ballad, it tears me up!  I wish that stuff was played on today's country radio.

Edited by - gospelman97 on 10/28/2015 05:50:44

gibson49classic - Posted - 10/28/2015:  05:58:09

Thanks so much for taking your time to help me Sonny!! Now if I can get through my school day and get home to try it out! You were playing your guitjo on that weren't you?

Edited by - gibson49classic on 10/28/2015 05:59:17

TheChief - Posted - 10/28/2015:  22:38:30

No...I had A 1945 HERRINGBONE MARTIN D28 at the time.

Josh Williams is the Guitar and vocal man in probably the best band in existence right now. That being Rhonda Vincent's Rage.

s

BanjoTom47 - Posted - 10/29/2015:  04:04:06

Happy Birthday, Sonny!  Your inspiring musicianship and rock-solid sensibilities and knowledge of the five-string all make me very proud to be one of The Tribe of Osborne Chief owners, and even prouder to call you a friend.  Hope it is a great day/month/year for you, with many more to come . . . 

gibson49classic - Posted - 10/29/2015:  04:06:44

Happy Birthday Chief!!!

miket - Posted - 10/29/2015:  05:20:39

Happy birthday to TheChief! Enjoy the day, and many, many more.

John J - Posted - 10/29/2015:  05:49:29

Happy Birthday Sonny! All the best to you!

recokin - Posted - 10/29/2015:  07:41:07

Happy great birthday, Sonny!!!!!!!!!!

Koji

bevans - Posted - 10/29/2015:  08:35:07

Happy Birthday Chief! Thank you for your friendship, encouragement, advice and support for these many years. Looking forward to many more years - and getting your biography done!

fgodbey - Posted - 10/29/2015:  09:05:25

Have a great day, Sonny!   Many happy returns & best wishes.. now you're the same age as Crowe .   It's been a long time since the Northern Restaurant & the Outpost!

--Frank

The Outpost

 

kris_rasnake - Posted - 10/29/2015:  09:24:24

Happy Birthday Mr. Osborne. Thank you so much for giving us all so many hours of entertainment and amazement. I know everyone has their own heroes; but you are definitely mine musically.

Gary Griffin - Posted - 10/29/2015:  09:54:00

Happy Birthday from Chief #20 in South, GA!

BanjoTom47 - Posted - 10/29/2015:  13:09:12

ALSO:  On Facebook this morning, I posted this:

Happy Birthday to one of the greatest musicians I know of: the incredible SONNY OSBORNE, born Oct. 29, 1937. I'm very proud to play an Osborne Chief banjo (#17), and even prouder to call Sonny a friend. Hope it's a great day for Sonny! Go listen to some of his inspiring music . . .

As of this afternoon, over 140 people “liked” or shared my post, and here are some comments, as well:

John Vaught Ole Sonny stayed right in there as long as he could !

Doug Kannady Happy Birthday to Sonny

John Stevens Happy Birthday young man

Harry Stevens Happy Birthday to Sonny Osborne.God Bless.

Butch McFadden Happy birthday sonny keep on picking

Gary Mullican Happy Birthday Sonny! God Bless!

Jeff Centers Happy birthday to the all time best banjo picker ever to be born!

Karen Eberly Have a wonderful, happy birthday.

Becky Johnson Hapy Birthday Chief!

Steven Neal Happy B-Day!

L Michael Newsome . Happy Birthday Sonny , .

Pat Howell Happy Birthday to Sonny..

Curtis McPeake Happy Birthday Sonny and Wish you many more.

Mike Adams Happy Birthday som

Ruby Bond Duncan Happy birthday sonny miss you hope you're doing well

Danny Jones I'm gonna do that Tom ! Happy B- day S.O.

Norm2704 - Posted - 10/29/2015:  14:13:02

Happy Birthday Sonny!!!

chief3 - Posted - 10/29/2015:  16:05:30

Happy Birthday Sonny from Red & Pam, Many more.

whywild - Posted - 10/29/2015:  17:58:11

Happy Birthday Sonny!!  

mitchmanns - Posted - 10/29/2015:  21:19:53

HBD!!!! Sonny

Ebanjo - Posted - 10/31/2015:  05:17:42

Happy Belated Birthday to you Sonny.
Eric Ellis