prewartb3 - Posted - 03/29/2012:  03:50:05

A sad day  indeed. We will miss you Earl

hidehead - Posted - 03/29/2012:  03:58:41

Thank you Earl

roxygrl - Posted - 03/29/2012:  04:01:08

 .....

Possom - Posted - 03/29/2012:  04:09:25

Since I was a child, I always loved the music and didn't come to realize that this 5 string machine was meant to be part of me until 5 years ago. In the beginning it was Earl on the Beverly Hillbillies like so many of the rest of you and still its Earl that gets my blood pumping and makes me want to pick. I doubt many other men ever have lived a life to the extent he did. To take what you love and transform an entire musical genre, and make a career and life out out of it. Without him where would banjo be or bluegrass. Not to mention he was a man of good charachter and morals. I know we shouldn't idolize or worship people but he was worthy of such an honor. A good man, the greatest picker ever imo, an innovator, mentor and hero to millions. It feels strange to say im sad or morne the loss of a man I've never met personally face to face. But I do. I got him to sign the resonator of one of my banjos from about 5 feet away and next to my sons being born it was the biggest thrill of my life. As long as there's a banjo player out there putting picks to strings his memory and legacy will live on. Im a little jealous of my grandpa who's already gone home cause Im pretty sure Heaven had one all night jam session last night like we could only dream! May God bless the family and close friends at this time.

Couchie - Posted - 03/29/2012:  04:10:18

quote:

---

Originally posted by fiddlin_Al

Never before and never again.....only once in a fortunate lifetime does someone like Earl appear.....Thank you for some of the greatest music ever recorded and performed by a perfectly intuitive master.

Thank you for the legacy and gift of your music.

 

The end of a great era........

 

Thank you Al couldn't have said it any better..........

 

Couchie.

---

Edited by - Couchie on 03/29/2012 04:26:29

RB3Deering - Posted - 03/29/2012:  04:11:00

Earl was not only a fantastic banjo player, father of the 5 string, he was a very nice man too.  I had the opportunity to meet him at IBMA in 2000.  He was also gracious enough to sign the head of my RB3 and we shared a photo together.  My prayers are with his family and close friends.  Earl gave us non-professional banjo pickers the encouragement to continue pursing the instrument that we love. 

Besides, undoubtedly the number of tributes that are yet to come, I hope that we will see a huge tribute similar to the one held in Atlanta at the Braves ballpark a few years ago.  Earl, may you rest in peace and thank you for everything that you did for us!

Flatbottom - Posted - 03/29/2012:  04:13:10

R.I.P. Earl Scruggs.

Banjovian99 - Posted - 03/29/2012:  04:14:02

The King is dead... Long live the King. If you have a banjo play "Foggy" as a tribute to one of the World's greatest talents. Love and condolences to his family , friends and fans. Another bluegrass legend passes into the eternal tab of existence.

drew-gurbach - Posted - 03/29/2012:  04:21:38

I sent a text to a friend and fellow banjoist about this news.  He text back “Pray for Earl.”  I kind of think Earl is praying for us, saying: “I taught you all that I know…you all keep it going.” 

Ho C Ying - Posted - 03/29/2012:  04:21:48

What a sad day today.
We will miss you, Earl.
Thank you for everything you have done for us.

JIMBO53 - Posted - 03/29/2012:  04:24:17

"There's a better home awaiting, in the sky, Lord, in the sky" Rest in Peace, Earl

1153rsmith - Posted - 03/29/2012:  04:24:36

The world has lost a great man, and an outstanding banjo player.  He inspired many a player, myself included, to pick up the banjo.  Watching him as a child on the Flatt & Scruggs show, the Beverly Hillbillies, and the Grand Old Opry gave me a love for the banjo that has never left me.

We will miss you Earl!  

vlawson - Posted - 03/29/2012:  04:27:27

Thanks to Earl three finger stile is what it is today. We will miss you oh buddy

rexhunt - Posted - 03/29/2012:  04:29:17

As a kid, I always loved the banjo and was trying to learn tenor banjo from my father.  Then in '62 I heard another kind of banjo I had never heard before on the theme song for "The Beverly Hillbillies".  I soon found out it was a 5 string and it was Earl.  I put my dad's TB-4 back in the case and never looked back.  Thank you Earl.  I feel a deep loss but his legacy will live forever.  I feel so fortunate to have seen him the few times I did and to shake his hand.

Rex

Kurt Kemp - Posted - 03/29/2012:  04:30:11

I never had many heroes but he was sure one of them. Thank you Mr. Scruggs for all you did for me.

DannyB4 - Posted - 03/29/2012:  04:50:29

...what a wonderful time, we'll have up in glory

with our blessed Redeemer, for ever we'll be

and a crown He will give, on the Great Judgment morning

what a happy reunion , in Heaven, will be.....

RWJones1970 - Posted - 03/29/2012:  04:51:15

 I saw Earl at GreyFox in 2004. A few days after my uncle died of brain cancer. Earl's playing made me forget about my pain for awhile and reminded me how precious life is. The loss of Earl is tremendous at the very least. My prayers go out to his family and friends. Earl was a man of God who believed and put his faith in Jesus Christ I heard Doc Watson say. Earl is at the best place anyone could hope for and all those who also put their faith in Christ will one day meet again. The Circle will not remain broken for long.....

gospelman97 - Posted - 03/29/2012:  04:53:55

What a tremendous pioneer, innovator and inspiration Earl Scruggs has been to so many of us!  Thank you, Mr. Scruggs.  I played "Home Sweet Home" for you this morning.

FoggyMolehill - Posted - 03/29/2012:  04:59:19

R.I.P. Earl.  You shared your gift, and for that I am grateful.  Your music will continue to entertain and inspire long after I have joined you.  Condolences to your family.

beegee - Posted - 03/29/2012:  05:03:58

The only things you take with you are the things you leave behind. To make a difference in one person's life is a great accomplishment in life. That Earl made a difference in the lives of millions is a monument to his greatness. No matter how proficient we may be on our banjos, there remains only and forever, one Earl.

darylearl - Posted - 03/29/2012:  05:04:24

What an incredible man and what a wonderful life!  We owe him so much.  RIP Earl.

bayouland - Posted - 03/29/2012:  05:10:47

​Thank you Mr Earl for sharing your incredible talents with us. You will be missed. May you rest in peace.

​David

MrNatch3L - Posted - 03/29/2012:  05:12:29

So long and thanks for all the music

cgdat50 - Posted - 03/29/2012:  05:17:19

Vale Mr Scruggs, go well, you have left a legacy that will live forever.

DHutchens - Posted - 03/29/2012:  05:22:52

Didn't realize that the closing of the show would be so emotional and fitting all these years later.

hangoutstorage.com/jukebox.asp...D%3D19247 

Helix - Posted - 03/29/2012:  05:25:38

Only one branch of American music is associated with one person's name and that is our Earl.

I can't mourn, I rejoice that one is no longer suffering.

This morning, I will play my banjo, for we are not limited to this earth.

Solar Picker - Posted - 03/29/2012:  05:27:10

Rest in peace Earl, we, your children, will keep rolling on!

banjoronny - Posted - 03/29/2012:  05:51:44

You will be remembered forever may you rest in peace

CoolSpring - Posted - 03/29/2012:  05:55:43

Sad news for sure but he is in a better place now. I hated to hear that, glad I got the opportunity to see him in person a few times.

Murrell - Posted - 03/29/2012:  05:55:48

Unfortunately I never had the opportunity to meet the man, shake his hand and tell him thank you. I know that seems kind of silly as I would be just another stranger to a giant like him but I really would have liked to thank him. The hours I spent with Foggy Mt. Banjo and other Flatt and Scruggs records changed my life and set me on the path I've followed for over 40yrs. We were all blessed that we all traveled through time during his lifetime and were able to see him make that magical music live. I can't even begin to put into words how I feel about Earl's body of work that influenced so many (a testament to this fact is this very forum exists due in some part to him) it will live forever and may many more follow in his footsteps.

My heart felt prayers to your sons and other family during their time of sorrow.

Tim-mater - Posted - 03/29/2012:  05:57:13

Rest peacefully Mr Scruggs. Thank you for the inspiration.

JNHOLTBANJO - Posted - 03/29/2012:  05:57:31

quote:

---

Originally posted by DHutchens

Didn't realize that the closing of the show would be so emotional and fitting all these years later.

hangoutstorage.com/jukebox.asp...6musicID% 

I can't imagine Doug. I had the honor to meet him once. You counted him among your friends.

Pete Sparkes - Posted - 03/29/2012:  05:58:49

I have just heard this sad news, a sad day for us all. God Bess, Earl.

corycox3 - Posted - 03/29/2012:  06:02:10

Thanks, Mr. Scruggs. You gave us all so much and had fun doing it. We will sure miss you.

flint_hill_fan - Posted - 03/29/2012:  06:03:19

Like so many others here, he was the inspiration for me to begin playing. As has been said, while we all use his playing as a reference, and try to play it like him, no one sounds "like Earl." Keep playing...

wrangler - Posted - 03/29/2012:  06:07:29

If I won the lottery, I would expect all my friends would be happy for me. This is the case with Mr. Earl Scruggs. He now is with the Lord and that is the biggest prize of all. I will mourn because all of us will be without him but I will be happy for him.

Bruce4501 - Posted - 03/29/2012:  06:07:34

We were all SO lucky to have been alive at the same time and place as Mr. Scruggs to see the music come alive before our eyes. RIP Earl and THANK YOU!!!! 

Joe the banjo guy - Posted - 03/29/2012:  06:22:47

Every person who picks a banjo is in Earl's debt.  Rest in peace, Earl. 

Oldtwanger - Posted - 03/29/2012:  06:27:31

"I’m building my hopes on things eternal,

I’m workin’ on a road to Gloryland, to Gloryland…….."



Thanks, Earl............

mcmanus - Posted - 03/29/2012:  06:33:42

A living legend has left us.

robbif - Posted - 03/29/2012:  06:34:43

CNN article

tomrice - Posted - 03/29/2012:  06:37:50

"Precious Memories How They Linger........."



You're already terribly missed ol' friend

Edited by - tomrice on 03/29/2012 06:38:50

Bruce4501 - Posted - 03/29/2012:  06:40:19

Just announced, the public funeral for Mr. Scruggs will be this Sunday at the Ryman at 2pm.

wsmv.com/story/17280286/countr...ies-at-88 

Reenie - Posted - 03/29/2012:  06:40:29

Condolences and prayers for Earl's family, friends and everyone for whom Earl was an inspiration. Such a great loss, I'm very sad. Earl, you inspired me to learn to play the banjo and for that, I will be forever grateful. Your music will live forever. Thank you for sharing your great talent with the world.

Bow-tie75 - Posted - 03/29/2012:  06:52:47

The peoples lives that Earl, the man himself, his banjo, his music have touched. A great loss, but what an incredible life to celebrate. Thanks for your time here Earl!

Forever Greatful

Wayne Holcombe - Posted - 03/29/2012:  06:55:21

His life changed a lot of lives in a positive way.

rommy - Posted - 03/29/2012:  06:58:15

I have to post a a good-bye note to Earl somewhere. Thanks Earl for many hours of great music and helping inspire me to pick up my first stringed instrument. I have never learned to play with your finese, but you showed us all so many possibilities. I'll never forget the moment in 2006 when after signing my banjo head at RockyGrass you looked me directly in the eyes and smiled. Oh and the way you played that day in 2009, still crisp, clean, and singing some harmonies. Not enough to just be on stage... still fulfilling your full duties in the band. I reckon you, Lester, Bill and all the rest can work up some new songs together again. ...but first I reckon you want to catch up with Stevie.

robbif - Posted - 03/29/2012:  07:09:20

Earl touched my life in at least two ways. First of all, his picking was obviously a big influence.

Then there was the other thing which has become an amusing embarrassment over the years. Early on, I found that my favorite tune was, and still is, Groundspeed. I couldn't explain why.

But it was many many years until I made the connection: As an amateur pilot, I suddenly realized that Earl was also a pilot and that "groundspeed" is an aviation term!

Thanks, Earl. May you rest in peace.

nickster - Posted - 03/29/2012:  07:13:29

Earl was the main reason I wanted to learn banjo in the 60's. I will miss him. His family are in my prayers.

Nick

Roebuck, SC