Bronx banjo - Posted - 07/02/2016:  11:08:12

I think we're getting "generation" confused with "first example". All those of the first generation of bluegrass include the originals who were involved in the music at its earliest time: Monroe, Flatt, Scruggs, Wise, Watts, but also the Stanley Brothers and Reno and Smiley. The Foggy Mountain Boys arguably were the second example of bluegrass, or maybe the Stanley Brothers who were the first to copy the sound. But all these men were of the first generation of bluegrass. An example of the second generation would be of a young JD Crowe sitting in the audience of the Clay Gentry Arena watching Flatt and Scruggs perform, or a 14-year-old Sonny Osborne playing banjo with Bill Monroe.The second generation consists of those who heard bluegrass as youngsters from the first generation and went on to preserve it. 

TheChief - Posted - 07/06/2016:  07:51:40

Sorry MR. Bronx Banjo...but I do not agree.

Original, and First generation are two different things. The first Cadillac, D45, Lloyd Loar, Flat head banjo, pencil, are the originals. All others might well be a first generation, but they are copies of the original.

MONROE, FLATT, SCRUGGS, WISE, WATTS. ORIGINALS.

S

TheChief - Posted - 07/11/2016:  08:42:56

I reckon today is Dana Cupp's birthday. 68 I think, huh Dana?

So Happy Birthday old pal.

s

jrimes - Posted - 07/11/2016:  17:33:15

Sonny, I've got one for you and please excuse me if you've answered this before.....Several years ago I bought a CD that was a collection of artists doing some of their hits. You, Bobby, and Mac Wiseman had a few cuts on there but it is the song entitled, "Mother Maybelle" that has intrigued me for years. Who played the Maybelle-inspired guitar parts?...on what guitar?...and who did the whistling near the end of the song? All of it being outstanding! Thanks a million.

Josh

gibson49classic - Posted - 07/14/2016:  20:04:36

Looks like your back in the saddle! I saw a picture of you with Bobby and Rhonda tonight at the Ryman! Hate I missed it!

Edited by - gibson49classic on 07/14/2016 20:05:03

TheChief - Posted - 07/16/2016:  12:34:52

First of all Lincoln...My reason for being there has at least three answers.

1) I recorded Mama tried with Rhonda and Sally and she asked me to do this with them, and I wanted to, so I did.

2) I was told about this show, and at first I refused. Then I was told how the show would run, and It was a chance to be on stage with Bobby, so I considered it.

3) My career started 64 years ago at the Ryman with Bill Monroe as a 14 Year old kid, and I thought it fitting that it should end there, so I agreed to do it.  I don't regret it for a moment. Rhonda fulfilled a wish, that being to sing with Bobby and I, and my wife, son, and daughter saw me close it out. The crowd reaction when she introduced me was overwhelming. Standing ovation from a full house. And then the same when she introduced Bobby.

It was a fun night with Jesse and Mac, and her band The Rage...JOSH, AaRON, HUNTER, MICKEY, SALLY, and RHONDA...is quite simply...THE BEST.

Wish you all could have been there.

s

saulsmanb - Posted - 07/16/2016:  12:41:04

What a wonderful story and fitting tribute. It gave me goose bumps.

All the best

Brian Saulsman

gibson49classic - Posted - 07/16/2016:  12:45:20

Yea I had heard about the new record with Rhonda. I was glad to see a picture of you with Bobby on the old Ryman stage once more. I bet it felt good to be on that stage again huh?

TheChief - Posted - 07/16/2016:  12:45:23

MR Imes;

I played the Maybelle Guitar parts on a Gibson..L5 Guitar, borrowed from RAY EDENTON.( Poorly played I might add.) I'm not a Guitar player but I really wanted to do that.

Mac did the whistling. None of us knew he was capable of such a feat, so he shore showed us..huh?

s

TheChief - Posted - 07/16/2016:  12:47:22

I wanted to add this to the Ryman Bluegrass show.

As far as I know that was a Rhonda Vincent idea, plan, etc.  etc

s

Gary Griffin - Posted - 07/16/2016:  18:57:45

Hi Sonny, Do you know if it was filmed so we can all see it on You Tube or something like that? Sure do hope so!

TheChief - Posted - 07/17/2016:  14:26:01

I heard that it was filmed and perhaps will be released on DVD. But that is a rumor, not gospel.

s

From Greylock to Bean Blossom - Posted - 07/17/2016:  16:28:42

Do they let people record the shows or segments of them at the Ryman? If this is allowed and with so many cell phones, I would be surprised if there are not several copies of this somewhere.

ken

TheChief - Posted - 07/18/2016:  06:43:47

Recording is not permitted, to my knowledge. Lot of camera's though, hundreds of them..

I do know, from experience that filming at the Ryman is very expensive...

Quite an experience.

s

HPNomad - Posted - 08/08/2016:  15:57:57

Sonny, I'm gonna be on leave in Knoxville from September 9th through October 2nd, you planning on making any stops between then? 

TheChief - Posted - 08/09/2016:  08:29:30

Corey...I'll certainly do my best to meet you there. Just let me know more when it gets closer to the time.

August 8 was The Osborne Brothers 52nd year to be members of The Grand Ole Opry!

s 

stefanib123 - Posted - 08/09/2016:  18:30:41

quote:

---

Originally posted by TheChief

 

Flatt and Scruggs, as a band, would be second generation.

BILL MONROE, LESTER FLATT, EARL SCRUGGS, CEDRIC RAINWATER, AND CHUBBY WISE...AS A BAND..THE BLUEGRASS BOYS...WERE AND IS FIRST GENERATION.

NONE OTHER..

Not my opinion folks..that's fact..

s

---

 I'm so skeeered to even post this to someone like you from someone like me, but here goes: 

I read in "Pretty good for a girl: Women in bluegrass" Murphy Hicks Henry writes in her chapter on Sally Ann Forrester that its possible the lineup with her, Howdy and his brother (Joe?) could have been the first bluegrass band, evidently from some Opry recordings. Now, this is really the only place I have seen this, and have no idea what recordings she's talking about, but I thought it was interesting. Just wondering what you think/know about it? 

TheChief - Posted - 08/11/2016:  09:05:16

Stephanie; DO NOT TAKE WHAT I'M ABOUT TO SAY AS A PERSONAL ATTACK. IT IS NOT, YOU'RE SIMPLY LOOKING SOME SORT OF CLARIFICATION AND I UNDERSTAND.. I'LL GET TO THAT.   BUT........

First of all, I totally detest that title. "Pretty Good For A Girl..." and I told Murph that whilst she was in Nashville last. I don't care what context it's used in, it's a turnoff right from the git go, to me.Upon hearing that phrase, I don't expect much.Like saying to me, "I'm a girl, I don't have to be very good to be thought of as 'good'...!

What if Kristin Benson, Rhonda Vincent, Loretta Lynn, Natalie Cole, Dolly Parton, Kate Smith...and the list goes on. All highly successful...but what if they had accepted the fact that it was "pretty good for a girl."

I'll get into your quest for clarification of Bluegrass originals later

Understand, this is strictly my opinion. Like Ford and Chevrolet, everyone has one...or should have had!

s

Edited by - TheChief on 08/11/2016 09:11:09

stefanib123 - Posted - 08/12/2016:  11:28:01

well, huh. Not what I was expecting at all, but Now, I like you even better!

You're right, that is a terrible expression and it does imply terrible things. Any way you look at it. I THINK she was meaning it kind of sarcastically, though? Which I see you understand, and it is still just one of those things that just leaves a bad taste, huh?

Sidenote: SOOO jealous that you have/do get to talk to Murphy Hicks Henry!!!!!! I'd die!!!! LOOOOVE her!!!!

Craig_B - Posted - 08/12/2016:  13:14:30

I understand completely about not liking the title of Murphy's book, but in case anyone is misunderstanding its use, I thought I'd jump in.

I've talked with her about it, and the impression I was left with was that the only reason she used that phrase as her title was because it was what she and so many other female players heard over and over again from male players as they were coming up. She used it for her title ironically; it in no way is intended to be a reflection of her abilities, nor was it intended to be any kind of self-deprecation or lack of self-respect or confidence, nor an assessment of her standing in the musical world. If anything, it's a jab back at all the guys who'd said it about her, and other women musicians, over the years.

If that's your-all's understanding, too, I apologize for restating the obvious. But just in case, I thought I should say something.

TheChief - Posted - 08/16/2016:  12:05:30

Referring to Murphy's book title, I know exactly what she meant, but to see that title without knowing this, it's a complete turnoff,and I told her that. It's like a recording, once it's mastered and released, it's a done deal. I guess it's alright if you're willing to settle for that anchor tied around your neck. That being the case, we would never have had the likes of Kristin Scott Benson nor Allison Brown, Andrea Zahn, and others..

Understand this, I'm not criticizing Murph's book, just the title. Same as in every case, what you accomplish  depends on how much work you are willing to put into the Banjo, Fiddle, Guitar, Piano, flute, or whatever it is you want to learn to do....!

 s

Craig_B - Posted - 08/16/2016:  13:20:21

I understand exactly what you're saying, Sonny. It's kind of like only getting one chance to make a first impression. People who don't know the story are either intrigued enough to be drawn into the discussion (good), or just put off completely (bad).

TheChief - Posted - 08/18/2016:  06:40:29

Craig, you hit the nail right squarely dead center.

s

TheChief - Posted - 08/22/2016:  09:27:20

Eddie Stubbs has informed me that BOB FRENCH has passed from this life. Good Man, Good Friend since the 50's. Spent many days with Bob and Grace. Anytime we were in New England we went to their house, when we couldn't afford a motel. They housed us and fed us and we had many a jam session there.

Lived in Maine, good banjo player.

s

as606 - Posted - 08/22/2016:  16:56:09

Sonny,
I know you've herd by now of the passing of Dale Sledd,and my condolences. I always wanted to know,how did you and Bobby meet Dale,was he working with someone before he joined you and Bobby. I know he played the banjo and contributed to the Osborne sound more than people relize. He was highly talented and will be missed I'm sure.

PS:
I'm assuming that "Sledd Riding" had some influence from him.

HPNomad - Posted - 08/22/2016:  22:06:58

Just heard about Dale Sledd. My condolences Sonny. 

TheChief - Posted - 08/23/2016:  14:52:06

Losing Dale Sledd was...is a jolt.

s

chuckv97 - Posted - 08/23/2016:  20:23:32

Sorry to hear this. RIP Dale.

TheChief - Posted - 08/25/2016:  15:22:07

Vic Jordon...ex Bill Monroe Bluegrass Boy, Jim and Jesse Virginia is in VA hospital in Murfreesboro TN and I'm told, not expected to make it through the day.

s

rbfour5 - Posted - 08/25/2016:  15:25:52

Prayers for Vic and his family.....

Jim White - Posted - 08/25/2016:  17:50:28

More prayers for Vic. I remember seeing him several times in the 1960's at Frontier Ranch near Columbus, Ohio. I believe he was with Jim and Jesse then but I believe I saw him with Bill one time as well. Terrific picker. Didn't he always play an arch top?

From Greylock to Bean Blossom - Posted - 08/25/2016:  19:30:22

Gosh, this is hard as my mind thinks of him as being a young good looking hotshot (in a good way). I was listening to some of his vamping back up with Jim and Jesse this week.  I don't like the way things change sometimes - too many times recently.

ken

chuckv97 - Posted - 08/25/2016:  21:26:17

Sorry to hear about Vic Jordan - prayers for him and his family and friends. Pickaway is a great tune, ..he played some nice breaks on the Kenny Baker plays Bill Monroe album.

dmiller - Posted - 08/25/2016:  21:27:32

quote:

---

Originally posted by TheChief

 

Vic Jordon...ex Bill Monroe Bluegrass Boy, Jim and Jesse Virginia is in VA hospital in Murfreesboro TN and I'm told, not expected to make it through the day.

s

---

This is not a "good news week".  

Dale and Vic both were among the best, and role models for so many.

HPNomad - Posted - 08/26/2016:  05:46:48

Sonny, I'm listening to your album "Number One" and there's a song called "Leavin's Heavy On My Mind". Did you use two banjos for the solo or did you overdub it?

El Dobro - Posted - 08/26/2016:  18:41:24

I first met Vic Jordan when he was with the Lester Flatt Show, out at Sunset Park and had a nice talk with him. Prayers.

TheChief - Posted - 08/28/2016:  14:51:36

Corey, I will go back and listen...to be quite honest I don't remember exactly the break I took, but I did not, to my recollection use another banjo nor did I overdub that break. I assume you were referring to the banjo break.....

This has been a week from hell...Dale Sledd, Bob French, and I haven't heard the latest on Vic Jordan  but I DO know he was VERY ill. 

s  

Corey, I'm not sure you have the correct album. Or song title. Check it again for me.

s

Edited by - TheChief on 08/28/2016 14:58:36

TheChief - Posted - 08/28/2016:  14:55:20

Vic played for Jim and Jesse, Bill Monroe, Lester Flatt...and more.Good Guy, Good Banjo Player, Good friend.

s

HPNomad - Posted - 08/28/2016:  18:41:49

Sonny, I'm pretty sure there are two banjos.  Here's the album: youtu.be/gBsCc0PqbFw

 It's the first song that plays  

BluegrassWarehouse - Posted - 08/29/2016:  18:11:46

There is only one banjo.  The sounds you hear are the combination of picking two strings at the same time as well as the reverb level used on the recording.

Edit:  I listened to it a little closer and the 2nd break starting at 1:42 sure sounds like twin banjos and not the two strings and reverb level.  Interesting...

Lance

Edited by - BluegrassWarehouse on 08/29/2016 18:18:50

HPNomad - Posted - 08/29/2016:  19:00:56

I knew I wasn't crazy. 

markbyrum - Posted - 08/30/2016:  07:13:15

Regarding the banjo break on "Leaving 's Heavy On My Mind," in my view no one can play like Sonny. That the solo sounds like one banjo except for a short portion where the notes are very close leads me to believe that Sonny himself over dubbed it. That's what I'm hearing.
Mark

TheChief - Posted - 08/31/2016:  09:52:32

You've brought up an interesting subject... so here's my answer.

That album was recorded in Charlotte, NC and it was the first for CMH Records, in which Arthur Smith was part owner...small part I might add...The late Martin Haerle was THE OWNER! Nice man, I loved him.  I called him a crook, and he called me one...it was a toss up. After this debacle, he allowed us to call our own shots.Martin was German...Bobby called him KRAUT...Martin would laugh till tears...God I miss the likes of Martin. None like him now. NONE..I digress! 

Smith had a studio in Charlotte and insisted on recording it there and he would do the producing. We had been producing our own records for 15 years and we thought that he couldn't do anything that we couldn't correct. WE WERE WRONG. He brought in a Piano, Drummer, and Steel player...who asked for our autograph as soon as we arrived...we knew we were in for a long day...and we were. A producer he wasn't. Decent musician, but Bluegrass music was a foreign animal to him.

I did not use two banjos...I did, in fact, overdub the second banjo break..the problem came in his inability to mix properly. The tones were wrong, and the overdub overlapped. That isn't all that was wrong with that album. I had learned enough by then to do it right, having worked with the best producer in Nashville, (Owen Bradley) but he was the owner and had the bus keys, so to speak. You don't argue with the owner or he'll pick up his toys and go home. 

But, we survived. Thank you Lord.

s

Mark wins!!!!           

Edited by - TheChief on 08/31/2016 10:07:02

rbfour5 - Posted - 08/31/2016:  10:31:15

Sonny- someday you should hold a "conference " for Osborne Brothers fans where you and Bobby can share stories and experiences to all who have admired/ aspired to what you two have done for bluegrass music. Maybe call it "OsborneThon".... A pipe dream, but hey- this country was built by dreamers and doers.
If it happens, I'll be there!

HPNomad - Posted - 08/31/2016:  15:54:16

Dean, you should listen to his interviews at unrealbluegrass. Lots of great stories there. Also Sonny, thank you for answering my question. Are you going to be in Knoxville any time from September 9th through October 2nd?

rbfour5 - Posted - 08/31/2016:  16:39:23

quote:

---

Originally posted by HPNomad

 

Dean, you should listen to his interviews at unrealbluegrass. Lots of great stories there. Also Sonny, thank you for answering my question. Are you going to be in Knoxville any time from September 9th through October 2nd?

 

Hi Corey- I will check that out; the only interview I have listened to is that which is on Sonny's website. For me, to sit and watch Sonny and Bobby converse live, would be a dream come true. BTW- thanks again for your service Corey! 

 

 

 

 

---

BluegrassWarehouse - Posted - 08/31/2016:  17:22:05

Corey, thanks for telling us about unrealbluegrass.   I had never heard of them before.  Thanks again!

Lance

Jim White - Posted - 09/02/2016:  22:08:15

There are a couple of videos floating around YouTube of Sonny and Bobby picking with the late String Bean (David Akeman) They have been out there for a while and in glorious black and white. I really love these short clips. They are hilarious and it looks like you and Bobby are having a great time Sonny! I know one of the numbers picked is Hot Corn Cold Corn. I can be down and out, watch these clips and start laughing every time. I bet someone has brought this subject up before eh? Great stuff! The days when most humor was innocent / decent and funny. The Wikipedia on String Bean is very, very interesting. What a background story! Anyway, if anyone has not seen the videos and the Wikipedia they are well worth a look / listen!
Rest in Peace David and Estelle Akeman

Jim (I feel so unnecessary ! :)

HPNomad - Posted - 09/02/2016:  22:10:46

youtube.com/watch?v=XZrZiDHLEC8

youtube.com/watch?v=VNx8vMDmcqU

The two videos