Hey Sonny -- Perhaps this was already answered somewhere in the last umpteen thousand posts but....I'm wondering if you can remember what you mentioned to Bobby at the end of this Ruby clip that he said "no way" to? This is one of my favorite performance videos from Camp Springs -- it seems to capture the essence/excitement of bluegrass festivals at that time, and really seems like you guys were having fun.
AWESOME! This looks like the same lineup that I saw in the northern California area circa 1971, just before I joined the Navy! I very much enjoyed this. Thanks for posting it Dan!
Mr. Osborne, I was at a small workshop you did in Kissimee Florida.....oh, years ago at least. Your band was playing at this festival. I remember it was a very special workshop and I believe you had your prewar banjo when you did it. The workshop was awesome. Do you think these old banjos bring out the best in a player? I know you can get tone from anything you play, but do you think these old ones bring out the very best in oneself? Newcomer or old player alike?
There is a definite mental aspect to owning, and playing an historical Gibson banjo. I owned three of them and the feeling was there with all, even the raised head. I can't explain it, and would rather myth continue. Even the old banjos that are far from being a great sound, they have the same thing going on.
Playing one surely brings out the best of your ability.
Incidentally, that photo of my brother is one of my very favorites of all time. If memory serves me right, that was from a show we did at Camp Springs, N.C. in the mid seventies. Ronnie Reno on guitar, Robby (Bobby's son) playing drums, Dennis Digby playing bass.
Bobby was "bringing it" every night. He was the best ever at what he did.
I always liked the descending pulloffs you got when playing that section of the song Sonny. Any idea where you got that from or was it just a spur of the moment thing?
Sonny I have always liked the Osborne Brothers music, the energy the drive, well the whole works. I ran across a show you and Bobby and Red Allen did at a park back in 1957 I believe it was and I am telling
you that was as Mr. Bill use to say, that was (pireful). Ya'll sounded like you were having a good time and judging from the way the requests were coming up to the the stage the folks in the audience were
having a blast. They were being entertained by people who knew how to put on a show, I mean pick and sang and entertain. Thanks and have a good day SIr.
I'm really liking it Sonny. I played it at gig last night and one this morning with a one mic setup and it cut through the mix great! The finish on the neck feels a bit sticky but I can get over that. Kenny has been helping me with the setup on it. If I do go to sell it, you'll have the first shot. The same goes for your Granada, I've never had one, but I sure would like too!
Me oh my it's already halloween in Japan and I forgot the kings birthday. Happy belated birthday Sonny. I hope you had a great birthday and many more to come.
I've got quite an Osborne Bros record collection myself. Even the Bear Family CD's (56-'64, working on their seventies CD's) Everything is in pristine condition.
Also Sonny, did Bobby ever play banjo after you guys did those 50's records or did he stop cold turkey for the mandolin?
I was 14 when that was recorded. Too young and too dumb. But we live and learn...Old saying, It is what it is. Or..IT ARAH WHAT IT ARAH!! I believe the last thing Bobby played the banjo on was Down in the Willow Garden. Benny Birchfield played on the MGM instrumental album and Dale Sledd played on Cut The Cornbread on Decca..MCA.
Bobby could play most anything he picked up, and played it pretty well. And sing...Boy could he sing. Couldn't be duplicated, he was the best ever.
Incidentally, Five string hifi was not recorded for Hollywood label, that was originally recorded for Gateway records and they sold the rights to anyone able to pay.
Ken, I think we're talking about two different turkey types.The GOBBLERS and the GABBLERS.!
I actually feel bad for both. The Gobblers don't have a choice, but the gabblers need a BANJER in their lives!
CAN I GET AN AMEN ON THAT? THANK YOU LORD!
THANKSGIVING WISHES TO ALL, NAVY, ARMY, AIR FORCE, MARINES, BANJER, MANDOLIN, GUITAR, FIDDLERS, AND BASS MEN. YOUNG, OLD, SKINNY, FAT, TALL, SHORT, male, FEMALE, and those who still drive a PLYMOUTH, DESOTO, STUDEBAKER, KAISER, FRAZER, HENRY J, PACKARD, 38 CHRYSLER, and especially a NASH RAMBLER!
Hats off to you Coasties.. You're far from being left out my brother..you're as important to our safety and well being as the rest. My stupidity is to blame.
Thank you, Sonny, and no need to apologize. We're used to it, being small and not part of the DOD, but we use it to kid folks a bit and remind them, too, that we have a fifth armed service. Was proud to serve for almost 28 wonderful years; it was a perfect fit for me. One of the odd things as we moved around was I couldn't find a banjo teacher in coastal North Carolina, but finally found one in Buffalo, NY! Go figure?
Sonny, thank you for all of the kind words to my forward deployed brothers and sisters in the Armed Forces. It really means a lot when we do the same thing day in and day out. This year however, will be my last Thanksgiving in Japan.
Nope, that's the Rocky Top model with Flying Eagle inlay.
Hey Corey, all of you in the service of our country...except most politicians...deserve all the prayers, accolades and credit that we free and reasonably safe folks can give to you.
