banjoguts - Posted - 04/01/2012:  04:43:08

In my 25 years of playing bass, guitar, banjo, ukulele and mandolin, in every genre from gypsy jazz to metal, Earl was the single most profound influence on my musical career.  His music simply changed my life. Thanks for everything, Earl. I`m so sorry to see you go.

AmericanMadeBanjo - Posted - 04/01/2012:  04:49:53

R.I.P. Earl

Don Borchelt - Posted - 04/01/2012:  06:37:42

Earl will live forever.

larry p - Posted - 04/01/2012:  12:24:12

Thanks so much, beautiful Family, for your outpouring of Love and the condolences, expressed appreciation, and fond recollections you're sharing here...I only wish we could share these beautiful things with Earl, but somehow I think he knows. Over the year (so long as we were able), Lizzy Long, myself, and other Friends would often pull out the laptop computers while living or visiting with Earl and show him the wonderful things you all shared here about him: He was ALWAYS MOST appreciative, and marveled at the technology that made this forum possible..

He often dreamed of walking through a field and finding Louise, more beautiful than ever-sitting under a lone willow tree with a picnic prepared, waiting for him..I hope that's one dream that's coming true for them right now..

Many of Earl's Loved ones are still here and grieving-so PLEASE! By all means, continue to share your thoughts and feelings if you feel inspired...Sometimes we never know how comforting and uplifting the things we say here might be for someone..Thanks SO MUCH Friends!

lp

bnlholic - Posted - 04/01/2012:  12:32:48

Earl, Thanks so much.  My condolences to your family and friends.

Dan Wheeler

anasazi - Posted - 04/02/2012:  13:49:16

In the early '60's, watching The Beverly Hillbillies, I didn't even know what style of music The Ballad of Jed Clampett was, but I surely did like the way Earl played that banjo. Earl's playing was responsible for not only me taking up the banjo, but also meeting someone who turned out to be a lifelong friend. Walking along the streets of Greenwich Village in New York City in 1974, I heard agroup playing one of Earl's songs and went over to ask the banjo player if he could teach me to play like that fellow on the Beverly Hillbillies. Well, he said he could teach me the style, but nobody plays like Earl. That teacher--Jack Baker--and I became good friends, and still are, and no, I never could play like Earl, but I sure had fun trying. So thank you, Earl, for all that fine music you left us with. Kindest regards to all your friends and family.

CaptHerp - Posted - 04/02/2012:  14:32:57

I dreaded the day I'd hear this news. I just last month got an autographed photo and a banjo head from Earl's little company, had the photo framed and in my den, and then WHAM, this happened. Earl was an inspiration to every player who ever picked up a banjo -- I learned from his book. But I don't suppose you need one more guy to say this stuff ... We all feel the same. The world is a poorer place with Earl's passing, but heaven is infinitely richer. God bless Earl's memory.

sam fugate - Posted - 04/02/2012:  15:05:49

I wonder if one might be able to get a copy of Earls funeral notice. The ones that the funeral homes print out to distribute to family and friends. If any of you guys that live in or near Nashville may be able to get your hands on one, I would like to have a copy to frame along with the pictures I have of Earl.

blugrssmom - Posted - 04/02/2012:  15:37:32

I was so shocked to hear this news and we will miss you Earl. Our thoughts are with the Scruggs family at this time. I hope to one day be able to pick with you and all the other greats on the other side.

jim gibson - Posted - 04/02/2012:  15:48:55

loved your style saw u when i was a little boy in wva jim gibson

ian h1 - Posted - 04/02/2012:  15:52:08

Earl you will be sadly missed here in the UK rest in peace and continue to play in Heaven

Ian Hugo

moviedude - Posted - 04/02/2012:  17:30:16

Nobody owns an instrument like Earl Scruggs owns the banjo!

maverickdallas - Posted - 04/02/2012:  18:11:23

Thank you Earl for inspiring me to learn the banjo and launch a music career. When I first heard "The Ballad of Jed Clampett" and "Foggy Mountain Breakdown" I was hooked from that point forward. May you forever fill Heaven with that great banjo music!

davidsartain - Posted - 04/02/2012:  18:35:47

Tribute to Earl,

In 1945 a struggling country music band hired a 21 year old banjo picker named Earl Scruggs. The band leader Bill Monroe told the then lead singer of the band Lester Flatt that he needed to hear this young man play the banjo, it was like nothing Bill had ever heard. Until that time most banjo players used a style called clawhammer (IE Pete Seger, Grandpa Jones, Stringbean). Lester commented "if it's a banjo, he can just leave it in the case" but after some coaxing by Monroe, Lester listened to Earl do his magic. The original band consisted of Bill Monroe(mandolin and tenor vocals) Lester Flatt (guitar and lead vocals) Earl Scruggs (5 string banjo) Chubby Wise (fiddle) and Howard Watts (upright bass). The name of the Band was Bill Monroe and the Blue Grass (2 words) Boys. After recording several records and playing many venues the style of music they played became known as Bluegrass (1 word). Lester and Earl later split from the group and formed their own band known as Flatt & Scruggs and the Foggy Mountain Boys. It was the 3-finger syncopated banjo style that defined Bluegrass as a legitimate form of music. Earl Scruggs is directly responsible for that. Earl Scruggs passed away yesterday evening at the age of 88 joining the rest of the original Blue Grass Boys in Heaven. I realize this news probably does not "rock your world" but as one who grew up listening to and trying to duplicate Earl's sound, this is a somber day for me. I had the privilege of seeing him in concert several times, he even signed my banjo (a Gibson RB-3 just like the one he used to play). I made the comment to a friend when I was at a concert in Charlotte "I have never seen so many overweight, middle aged white guys in one place in my life". It was then I realized there were thousands of folks just like me that had listened to and been inspired by this man. I know Elvis, Michael, and as of late Whitney's passing were monumental. But for me Earl's passing was truly the end of an era. Earl Scruggs defined Bluegrass music as we know it today. From the theme to the Beverly Hillbillies and the Foggy Mountain Breakdown used in the movie Bonnie & Clyde to hundreds of tunes that only Bluegrass music enthusiasts would recognize Earl Scruggs "set the bar" for banjo pickers everywhere. It is my hope that Music appreciation classes will share this information with their students. Thanks Earl, I'll see you again some day.



David E. Sartain



 

Porter Claxton - Posted - 04/02/2012:  22:08:24

Sad news indeed. I saw him in concert not long ago and it seemed he would live forever. The last of the original Bluegrass Boys. In the hearts of so many Earl, you will live on!

Disco Kid - Posted - 04/02/2012:  22:37:06

I have to say that one good thing that came out of this is the photos. I spent an hour last night looking at photos that floated up in a search of Earl. Him, his family, his bands, friends and casual shots along the way. It became very apparent that his heart was good since he was often laughing and laughing well. I suspect he was not only well respected but well liked.

Earl left this earth with dignity and without prolonged illness. For that I'm thankfull and will make a pilgrimage to his final laying place. God speed, picker, I still got your book, my first one 30 years ago.

Frank

ironmountainboy - Posted - 04/02/2012:  23:58:39

Everyone knows, or should know, the impact Earl Scruggs had on the revival of bluegrass music into mainstream America. His passing, while sad and painful. unfortunately eclipsed the passing of another bluegrass icon here in Southern California. Frank Javorsek, who with his wife Tammy, started The Blueridge Pickin' Parlor in the San Fernando Valley many decades ago, has also left us. His store was a center of learning for those pursuing the dream of playing bluegrass music. Along with his own group, Hot Off the Press, which I first saw and heard at the old, original Banjo Cafe in Santa Monica, Frank and Tammy hosted many in-house concerts right there, in the "parlor." His great staff of instructors, including Frank, himself, Bill Knopf (my 5-string teacher), Howard Yearwood, and a host of other local- and nation-wide legends, did more to promote bluegrass in Southern California than you can imagine. Find someone who didn't like Frank...and I'll eat a roadkill skunk! See ya', Frank. Patrick

ironmountainboy

clarky - Posted - 04/03/2012:  03:02:02

thank you, thank, you for a great talent mr scruggs you will be sorely missed here in good ol aussie.may you jam with the angels .harps and banjo,r.i,p,

gregt - Posted - 04/03/2012:  03:55:38

heard the news while on a drive with my daughter.  Very Sad day for banjo lovers everywhere. He will always live where ever a banjo is played.

GaryPrice - Posted - 04/03/2012:  04:06:52

All those of us whose lives are banjo centered, players, builders, repairmen, accessory makers, record producers, hobbyists or fans, owe an enormous debt of gratitude to Earl. I can't think of another musician who changed so many vocations, avocations and interests as he did, and brought so much pure musical joy into being. It was a great honor and privilege to have been acquainted with him. As Larry nailed it down for us all, "I Just Want to Pick Like Earl".

jajajavih - Posted - 04/03/2012:  04:16:06

You will be part of our souls, Earl, rest in peace.

hekelaar - Posted - 04/03/2012:  07:14:36

A true humble gent with his fabulous banjo picking, a huge loss for us all..
Wish all the best and strength to his family and other beloved ones.

larry p - Posted - 04/03/2012:  09:05:29

I'm sure that the many wonderful memories, shared personal experiences, and condolences you all are sharing here mean much and are a comfort to others feeling the tremendous sense of loss with the passing of our dear Friend Earl Scruggs. We never know who is reading these threads and the comforting effect our words may have on those who are looking in-thank you for all the good that you're doing here..

Thanks so much to 'From Greylock to Bean Blossom', 'Blame The Banjo', and Mr. Gary Price for your kind words and encouragement..

Ken, when the time is right I will be most happy to share some things here relating to our personal experiences..I'm sorry to say that there are a few things we have to wade through and a few mountains to climb before we get to that point. To be sure-sharing our Friendships, music, and experiences has long been one of my very favorite things to do, and we will when it's expedient and appropriate to do so..

thanks so much! lp

jeffreynolds - Posted - 04/03/2012:  10:49:13

It is comforting to know that I am not the only one who openly wept when I heard of the death of Earl Scruggs, and still a week later I come to tears whenever I think about it. This was a day that we knew was inevitable, but you can never be fully prepared for the impact that it leaves. I was not fortunate enough to have ever met him, and the closest I ever came was during a performance at the Wheeling Fair in 1975 when we made eye contact. I gave him a nod of approval and he smiled a "thank you" back to me. I caught his performances whenever I could, most recently in the last few years at Hardly Strictly Bluegrass in San Francisco. It is hard to imagine that we will never see nor hear "the stars of North Carolina shoot from his fingers" again. He lives on in the recordings and legacy that he left behind, but there is a void in my heart that no one can fill. He was the closest thing to a perfect human being in my estimation. Thank you, Earl, for the joy and exhilaration you brought the world!

banjostan - Posted - 04/03/2012:  14:04:17

I got to meet earl our band was opening for earl scruggs in greenville nc back year's ago he was walking by with his son gary and he said i like your style of your playing. i then asked him if i could get a picture with him and then to my surprise he and gary invited me on the bus i will never forget it. it was silver and pink. rest in peace earl. you are finaly home god bless the family. stan.

Edited by - banjostan on 04/03/2012 14:10:33

Bruce4501 - Posted - 04/03/2012:  14:05:58

Larry,

Were you able to attend the Memorial Sunday? (for those of us who couldn't)

I was just wondering if it was as nice as the few pictures we have seen made it out to be?

Bruce

Edited by - Bruce4501 on 04/03/2012 14:08:12

howdydoody51 - Posted - 04/03/2012:  17:05:04

 what are going to do now?

texaspickr - Posted - 04/03/2012:  18:54:03

Just getting to post, But am so sad learning this. I like most cut my teeth learning Cripple Creek and working up to FMG. My prayers and condolenses to the Scruggs family.

NCjones - Posted - 04/03/2012:  19:01:31

Lester Flatt, Bill Monroe, Earl Scruggs, Grandpa Jones, Stringbean.........MAN, what a show!

phischer - Posted - 04/04/2012:  09:35:39

It's a funny thing how you can listen to a musician so many years and even though you haven't met him or or her, you still feel like you know them personally.  I think in many ways you get to know that person very closely, even if only through music.  When I heard that Earl had passed, tears streamed out of my eyes like the day my own grandfather died.  It really choked me up.  Something like this makes me feel so small and mortal.  That says a lot about a man's craft and what he used his life for.  I'll miss you Earl.  Rest in peace and travel well my friend.  Thanks for all the beautiful gifts and good times you have given me in my life. 

Bruce4501 - Posted - 04/05/2012:  06:09:24

Larry,
I want to start out by saying this post is what Mr Monroe would say "doesn't have nuthin' to do with nuthin'" or something to that effect! LOL I know this is WAY off the topic too!

For the rest, please bear with me a moment, but I was just thinking about Mr. Scruggs while mowing the other day and what he meant to me in MY life.

You know how we hold our heros up and they all appear larger than life to us?
I never was able to meet Mr Scruggs in person, but saw him for years on television and in photos.
Just out of SHEAR curiosity, about how tall was the real man, Earl Scruggs?
I have seen him standing next to Lester and Bill Monroe (who was supposed to be a fairly tall man), but never next to anyone I actually knew to just compare.

I guess in my mind of first seeing him pick back in the mid 60's, as a small child back then, this man just seemed to tower above everyone!

The ONLY reason I ask is I was thinking back to when I was able to meet the Country singer George Strait. He had always appeared to be a really tall fellow, then when I met him, I actually towered above him.

Now, before everyone starts bashing me for asking, Earl STILL towers head and shoulders above ANY banjo picker in my mind.
We all, in our own way, KNOW Earl either directly or indirectly. I just wanted to know this one tidbit of information for my own "picture of Earl" in my mind to be complete.

Thanks for letting me ask the question!
Bruce

Ruth Ellen - Posted - 04/05/2012:  22:06:52

My Mom called and told me the news of Earl Scruggs passing as soon as she heard. She loved the old recordings of hymns by Flatt and Scruggs. He was such a great musician and had such a humble personality. Our prayers are with the family.

Ruth Ellen - Posted - 04/05/2012:  22:20:25

quote:

---

Originally posted by howdydoody51

 what are going to do now?

---

What we do now is keep playing his music, watching his videos, and playing them for our children and grandchildren so they can share the experience too.  I can't remember a time when I didn't want to make music and sing.  My Mom says she used to watch Flatt and Scruggs on TV; that would have been when I was about 2 or 3!  You never can tell what will come of it if you share the music.

myfavefive - Posted - 04/14/2012:  09:50:46

There are some incredible remembrances of Earl at the Bluegrass Today site..by Jim Mills, Ron Stewart, Sammy Shelor, Jack Hatfield and others

bluegrasstoday.com/category/mu...-scruggs/

robbif - Posted - 04/27/2012:  10:37:30

The May 2012 issue of Bluegrass Unlimited is a wonderful, extensive tribute to Earl.

As of this writing, one article from the April issue is still online, but I expect soon there will be something about Earl.

Check it out at bluegrassmusic.com

Even better, get a complete print copy.

robbif - Posted - 05/01/2012:  10:33:42

See an article from the May 2012 issue of Banjo Newsletter HERE.

I'm honored that Donald Nitchie used my 1968 photo of Earl on the cover.

wfawley - Posted - 05/04/2012:  23:06:30

A bit late I guess, but better late than never. I didn't even know earl had passed until the following Saturday afternoon. It was one of those things that you "kind of" expect ... but it's still a shock when it comes to pass. I got a huge lump in my throat when I heard the news.



I was able to meet and speak briefly with Earl in 1996 when we were delivering the Skaggs Loar at the hotel in Owensboro. He was amiable, and at was obvious that he was in a lot of pain. That was right before his hip replacement.



Our exhange was brief, basically I told him that my life's work with banjos was due to his influence and that article in the back of his infamous book "Earl Scruggs and the 5 string banjo", on how to build a banjo. He smiled and said "You just keep it up, young man". Short and sweet. As brief as it was, it's a moment that I'll always treasure.

I didn't really comprehend the greatness of the man at the time. Sure, we all love his music ... but can you name another individual who has basically made the evolution of an instrument "cease" ? His picking on that old Granada flathead ,for all intents and purposes, (for most of us) stopped the evolution of the bluegrass banjo dead in it's tracks. The 10 or so cuts on the "Foggy Mountain Banjo" album are always held up as shining examples of "THE sound" of the bluegrass banjo. The last person that influential over instrument design may have been Stradivari.



We'll all miss him. The musical world has lost a great talent.



Wyatt

Edited by - wfawley on 05/04/2012 23:09:23

o2playlikeEarl - Posted - 05/05/2012:  06:09:18

We all knew Earl wouldn't last forever. He had gotten pretty frail over the last 3-4 years.   I think the sadness (I experience anyway)  is really in that it's the end of an era.  Earl was the last surviving member of the original bluegrass band.  I relate it also to the day when the last WWII veteran passes.  Another end of an era. 

Most everyone who plays bluegrass has listened to and wanted to emulate Earl in some way.  He had a gift of music.  And if you don't already have them, it would be beneficial to purchase the Flatt & Scruggs Martha White Show DVD's.  To watch Earl....just makes you shake your head and smile. 

I never had the opportunity to meet him but sure thought about what it would be like numerous times.  He had a long, prosperous life with lots of people who loved him.  Hard to ask for more. 

Coonskin - Posted - 05/06/2012:  08:57:37

The thing that Earl reminded me of recently is how old oldtimey and bluebrass legends often get to be...Ralph, Earl, Dock, Roscoe, Tommy, Fred C., Hobart, the Osbournes, Bill Monroe, Raymond Fairchild, Eck Robertson, Uncle dave Macon...I can go on and on.



The music is full of folks who lived long and creative lives.



I got to see Earl a couple times, and it was like seeing Socrates, Shakespeare or Moses...a legendary figure of major historical impact, that I could actually see with my own eyes, and hear with my ears. It seems like such a rare thing.

Edited by - Coonskin on 05/06/2012 08:59:14

robbif - Posted - 05/21/2012:  05:04:58

Great article online at Bluegrass Unlimited, "Remembering Earl  Scruggs", HERE.