OneMusicLover - Posted - 03/29/2012:  07:26:54

A songwriter friend of mine composed these simple lines shortly after learning of Earl Scrugg's death:

"Earl is pickn' once more you know
Cause St.Peter just heard his banjo roll
The gates swung wide as Lester gives a hug
We got a show to do , welcome home Earl Scruggs."


(written by Danny Allison)

wuzapicker - Posted - 03/29/2012:  07:36:46

A day anticipated, if not longed for. Earl Scruggs was an early idol of mine.

I never met the man, but I suppose one never completely forgets one's idols.

Of a truth, I've always enjoyed listening to Lester Flatt, Earl Scruggs and the Foggy Mountain Boys recordings. Snippets frozen in time, memories of sounds past but carefully emulated. The band was ending as I became aware of them in 1969. I recall reading an article in Pickin' magazine in the eighties. In an interview with Lester Flatt, Mr. Flatt was quoted saying, "Earl Scruggs made Bluegrass Music". Though Flatt's comment was couched with disdain, his analysis was true. It was Earl Scruggs who solidified the sound of Bill Monroe's music in 1945 and gave it marketplace. Without Mr. Scruggs, the sound we call Bluegrass would have died away by the late 1950's

Boog - Posted - 03/29/2012:  07:37:26

Very sad news. R.I.P. Earl.

HuberTone - Posted - 03/29/2012:  07:55:25

Still in shock, to be quite honest....there really aren't many first generation-ers left.

RIP Earl, he left an amazing legacy, none of us would be on this board or perhaps even know each other if it weren't for this man!

Frisco Fred - Posted - 03/29/2012:  08:03:36

Avalon Ballroom, San Francisco, 1969

Amongst the Hippies and Acid Heads, Flatt and Scruggs cranked out the Bluegrass

Godspeed to you both

phwill - Posted - 03/29/2012:  08:17:58

I knew this was coming, but I didn't ever want it to. Rest in peace Mr. Scruggs, and may God bless you and Louise.

ridetwowheels - Posted - 03/29/2012:  08:20:29

Earl's influence of bluegrass and banjo players cannot be overstated. I would never have picked up a banjo had it not been for my admiration of Earl's ability. Condolences to his family.

Sambo - Posted - 03/29/2012:  08:34:51

When I heard this this morning, I turned off the news on TV and played one of my Flatts & Scruggs records and listened and thought just how important Earl was in my life...I feel like I lost a father...Rest in Peace Earl, you certainly deserve to....Heaven's bluegrass band sure has one heck of a banjo player now!

jetongue - Posted - 03/29/2012:  08:35:15

Pick in Peace, Earl. We can not thank you enough for everything you gave us.

I truly teared up upon hearing.
Might have to take a few days off when we lose Pete Seeger...

Mr. Quimby - Posted - 03/29/2012:  08:42:00

Still feeling kind of stunned.

RIP.

banjobub - Posted - 03/29/2012:  08:43:55

It is a sad day for all musicians, not just us banjo pickers, Earl created a style no one else can match, not Clapton, Hendrix, No one!  I remember the first time I saw earl play live at washington university with the review and josh graves, back in the 70's, I had just started playing, and was trying to figure out the Foggy Mountain Banjo album, and was getting frustrated a bit. Watching him play live really was inspirational !  I  actually got to shake his hand after the show and got to tell him I just started playing, he smiled and said" keep with it, its a lot of fun".  and have for the past 39 years! 

thanks earl for everything you gave us all,,, god bless your soul. 

timifill - Posted - 03/29/2012:  08:45:15

Just like practically everyone else on this forum, he's the reason I'm playing. We'll all miss you, Earl.

DannyB4 - Posted - 03/29/2012:  08:47:53

...precious memories

how they linger

how they ever flood my soul

in the stillness, of the midnight

precious, sacred, scenes unfold.......

Spitfire-Smith - Posted - 03/29/2012:  08:48:24

Wow. I can't believe he's actually gone. Like a lot of people, he's the reason that I wanted to start playing the banjo. Foggy Mountain Breakdown is and will always be the one tune that can put a smile on my face, no matter the situation. I don't know if it'll work today, but I am sure gonna try! FMB all day long!

Thank you Mr. Scruggs for a great lifetime of musical innovation and a legacy that will truly last forever. Rest in Peace and may God be with you and your loved ones now and forever.

BTuno - Posted - 03/29/2012:  08:50:19

He gave us so much.  Of course his pickin' will always be paramount.  But, what I admired just as much was his gentle demeanor and open mind.   He was always willing to try new approaches and applications of the banjo.  He appreciated and encouraged other styles music,  and embraced them with his banjo.   Thank you, master Earl, see you on the Golden Shore!

Greg Earnest - Posted - 03/29/2012:  08:52:15

On January 24, 2009 I was blessed to spend an evening with Earl Scruggs, Lizzy Long, and Larry Perkins.  We had dinner at the China Star restaurant in Madison, Tennessee. . . Mr. Earl was a big fan of their soft-serve ice cream.  I'll never forget him looking across the table at me and telling me I had to get me some of that ice cream.  I told him I had filled up on the crab rangoons and he allowed as how they were good, too.

As we were leaving, I noticed that Mr. Earl had left the fortune from his cookie on the table.  I grabbed it and have carried it in a pill bottle in my banjo case ever since.  It says

 "Your mentality is alert, practical and analytical." 

Edited by - Greg Earnest on 03/29/2012 08:53:01

Trashbanjo - Posted - 03/29/2012:  08:52:46

Never met the man, but felt like I knew him.I feel like I've lost a family member.Thank You Mr Scruggs for all you've done. I hope you know how many people you've touched ! RIP.

yopasjim - Posted - 03/29/2012:  09:01:29

I was reading news about Earl's passing on the internet last night.  My 11 year old son ask me what I was reading.  I explained that the man (Earl) who had influenced me to play the banjo passed away.  My son said, "Was he your hero?"  My immediate thoughts were to say "YES!"...but then I reflected on the humble character of Earl and his joy in playing the banjo...teaching others to play as well.  In response to my son I said, "Mr. Scruggs was more than a hero to me!"  

Over the past two years - since coming to BHO - I have especially enjoyed the pictures people shared that captured the "down home" "down to earth" relationship they had with Earl.  Pictures of him sitting on the family sofa picking away.  It is a far cry from the boastful, tweeting celebrities who occupy the limelight.

Thank you Lord for blessing Earl with such great talent.  We have learned many lessons from him regarding music and life.

My prayers are with the family in the coming days!  Now excuse me while I grab my banjo and play a private tribute.

lexintRick - Posted - 03/29/2012:  09:12:36

I like playing the banjo, Earls tunes, all he came up with, from backups to solos , I thank him for loving the banjo making it through life, ringing the instrument with distinctive sounds. My banjo sounds better with your style all the way to the high "G" chords. Thanks for hiding the four string banjo comedians with your smile. Lots of funny stuff can be done on a banjo and thanks for lick'in our banjos with your teachings. Thanks for using the capo which that simplified our lives.

Did he get buried with his banjo?

God bless Earl Scruggs

5 String - Posted - 03/29/2012:  09:28:12

This picture is of myself and Mr. Earl Scruggs taken in Nashville, TN in 1998. I post this as my tribute to him as I am deeply saddened to learn of his passing yesterday at the age of 88. He was my musical hero and the reason why I took to playing the 5-string banjo many years ago. I am a better person and banjo player because of this man and I will be forever grateful for his contributions to the banjo and bluegrass music. Rest in peace Mr. Scruggs.

Me & Earl Scruggs 1/1998

SirRight - Posted - 03/29/2012:  09:30:34

I recently took up the banjo, mostly because of Earl and banjo players like him.  He lived a good long life and lived it the way he wanted to.  I hope he is looking down and smiling, with no regrets.  Let's hope there are many more future banjo players like Earl, who can continue to push the banjo into the mainstream of society.

hexx - Posted - 03/29/2012:  09:33:11

Sad passing of a man who will be very much missed from the Banjo scene.

peghead59 - Posted - 03/29/2012:  09:36:22

Thank you for the music. Thank you for your devotion to the banjo. Thank you for the inspiration you have given us. This is such a sad day. I'm sure there will be many hundreds of banjo players playing FMB today in your memory.

So long Earl. R.I.P.

ernieb - Posted - 03/29/2012:  09:40:37

Sad to say, but take note ladies and gentlemen, the truly great ones are about all gone. Heaven's Bluegrass Band is pretty well completed now... R.I.P. Earl, thanks so much for sharing your life with us and for introducing the World to the 5-string banjo.  You will be missed by many, but remembered forever by the same.



Ernie

Edited by - ernieb on 03/29/2012 09:48:51

AJA - Posted - 03/29/2012:  09:40:54

In Tennessee today there is an old Granada missing its master.

When I took my first banjo lesson, my instructor asked if there was anything in particular I wanted to learn. I said, "If I can learn how to play Nashville Blues, I will die a happy man." 

twayneking - Posted - 03/29/2012:  09:43:34

We were all blessed, not only by his talent, but by his generosity. He seemed truly to enjoy it when the younger musicians he always found time to play with would take off on their own with some bit of technical virtuosity.  It seemed to make him happy to watch them go!  A true talent does not need to hog the spotlight and Earl never did. But somehow, the spotlight always came back to him in the end. A gracious man and good friend to every man, woman or child who plays the banjo.

pelowt - Posted - 03/29/2012:  09:44:52

Earl was the reason I started playing banjo...thank you for making me the banjo player I am. R.I.P.

GW in Ohio - Posted - 03/29/2012:  09:52:09

My recollections of Earl Scruggs....

As a banjo player, he was unequalled. Everything he played was done perfectly...perfect timing, perfect emphasis. Everything he played was just so smooth and free-flowing.

Earl was also a wonderful person. He was unassuming and modest and always ready to share tips and insights with other banjo players.

R.I.P., Earl.......

Dr.Ken - Posted - 03/29/2012:  10:18:07

You will be missed deeply - R.I.P. Earl

SidBarone - Posted - 03/29/2012:  10:32:55

Respects from Australia, R.I.P Earl Scruggs..

style 6 - Posted - 03/29/2012:  10:35:00

Sad day R. I. P. Earl.

style 6 - Posted - 03/29/2012:  10:41:06

Sad Day  R. I. P. Earl.

Chris Cooper - Posted - 03/29/2012:  10:45:57

Just heard the sad news. I feel like I've been punched. Thank you Earl for shaping my life by sharing you're talents with the world. The legacy you have left behind has made you immortal. You will be forever in my heart.

35TB1 - Posted - 03/29/2012:  10:48:55

R.I.P.,Mr.Scruggs...you are my all time favorite and my hero....there will never be another better!

Nymphadora - Posted - 03/29/2012:  10:57:35

Oh, great...!! NOW who are we going to listen to if we want to hear banjo music..?!!  Hugs........

35TB1 - Posted - 03/29/2012:  11:00:04

R.I.P, Mr Scruggs...you are my all time favorite and my HERO, there will never be another better,PERIOD....thank you for everything....BA

oettingm - Posted - 03/29/2012:  11:03:54

Earl will live on through my head, heart, hands and banjo. I am so glad I had a chance to see him in Branson in 2010 and purchased a signed banjo head that is framed and displayed proudly in my home. I learned to play banjo from his book and play so many of his songs with various groups. What an impact he had on our music and our history!! I know he and Louise are tapping toes and entertaining the folks upstairs!

oettingm - Posted - 03/29/2012:  11:04:12

Earl will live on through my head, heart, hands and banjo. I am so glad I had a chance to see him in Branson in 2010 and purchased a signed banjo head that is framed and displayed proudly in my home. I learned to play banjo from his book and play so many of his songs with various groups. What an impact he had on our music and our history!! I know he and Louise are tapping toes and entertaining the folks upstairs!

bluegrassboy - Posted - 03/29/2012:  11:13:53

learned of this, this morning. as with everyone else, you know its coming, but you are never ready.theres not enough space to write how i feel. my earliest memories were 1960, wasnt big enough to reach the turntable, but would get dads f&s albums out to play for me. ive been alot of places, done alot of things, because of the banjo. were it not for earl, i would have a les paul, and be playing rock. as long as people are playing the banjo, earl will never die. time marches on. as with monroe, we shall never see another man of his caliber, a finer man never lived. rest well old friend, you've earned it, when we meet, it will be in a better place!

bluegrassboy - Posted - 03/29/2012:  11:14:26

learned of this, this morning. as with everyone else, you know its coming, but you are never ready.theres not enough space to write how i feel. my earliest memories were 1960, wasnt big enough to reach the turntable, but would get dads f&s albums out to play for me. ive been alot of places, done alot of things, because of the banjo. were it not for earl, i would have a les paul, and be playing rock. as long as people are playing the banjo, earl will never die. time marches on. as with monroe, we shall never see another man of his caliber, a finer man never lived. rest well old friend, you've earned it, when we meet, it will be in a better place!

bluegrassboy - Posted - 03/29/2012:  11:15:04

learned of this, this morning. as with everyone else, you know its coming, but you are never ready.theres not enough space to write how i feel. my earliest memories were 1960, wasnt big enough to reach the turntable, but would get dads f&s albums out to play for me. ive been alot of places, done alot of things, because of the banjo. were it not for earl, i would have a les paul, and be playing rock. as long as people are playing the banjo, earl will never die. time marches on. as with monroe, we shall never see another man of his caliber, a finer man never lived. rest well old friend, you've earned it, when we meet, it will be in a better place!

bluegrassboy - Posted - 03/29/2012:  11:17:01

learned of this, this morning. as with everyone else, you know its coming, but you are never ready.theres not enough space to write how i feel. my earliest memories were 1960, wasnt big enough to reach the turntable, but would get dads f&s albums out to play for me. ive been alot of places, done alot of things, because of the banjo. were it not for earl, i would have a les paul, and be playing rock. as long as people are playing the banjo, earl will never die. time marches on. as with monroe, we shall never see another man of his caliber, a finer man never lived. rest well old friend, you've earned it, when we meet, it will be in a better place!

bluegrassboy - Posted - 03/29/2012:  11:17:49

learned of this, this morning. as with everyone else, you know its coming, but you are never ready.theres not enough space to write how i feel. my earliest memories were 1960, wasnt big enough to reach the turntable, but would get dads f&s albums out to play for me. ive been alot of places, done alot of things, because of the banjo. were it not for earl, i would have a les paul, and be playing rock. as long as people are playing the banjo, earl will never die. time marches on. as with monroe, we shall never see another man of his caliber, a finer man never lived. rest well old friend, you've earned it, when we meet, it will be in a better place!

pjxndvm - Posted - 03/29/2012:  11:18:11

As with many others here, Earl's music was the reason I started to play the banjo. Rest in Peace Earl.

Steven M - Posted - 03/29/2012:  11:28:12

Very sad day for me, I could not believe it at first. I would like to thank him for all the joy he gave me. My thoughts are with his family.

bsulzer - Posted - 03/29/2012:  11:30:15

He will be greatly missed.  Thoughts and prayers to his family and friends.

whywild - Posted - 03/29/2012:  11:56:50

 "Before Earl no one played the banjo like he did, and after him everyone just tried to play the banjo like him"......how true.  RIP Earl.

rdawsoniii - Posted - 03/29/2012:  12:05:42

Thank you Earl, for the joy you've given the world with your music, and for inspiring me to take up the banjo.

Bwa908 - Posted - 03/29/2012:  12:20:01

Earl was a true legend that did so much for the banjo society and the world. I loved and am grateful for everything he did and his music. RIP Earl Scruggs! You will be missed!