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From Greylock to Bean Blossom - Posted - 09/25/2022: 10:53:00
Y'all,
I have some terribly sad news. Kevin Hendrix has left us. rollerfuneralhomes.com/memoria...;locid=23
I have been trying for sometime to get in touch with him thru email, bho messages, and phone calls. So today I googled him and got his obituary. What a punch in the gut!!. He had fought cancer with a smile but I guess it finally won. Kevin was good to me - sent me his playing and it was always great..fantastic. loved his playing and he would talk banjo and bluegrass to me even though he was mountains higher than me in all aspects of it. We had some wonderful trips to Arthur Hatfield's to get a wonderful new banjo that Arthur made for him. It was a straight grain maple neck with black paint on it. He called it Serena (because of his crush on Serena Williams the tennis player. 
Kevin had asked me to do something and I most regrettably procrastinated on doing it. When Kevin was up and coming he talked to Sonny Osborne and had written correspondence with him. He gave me those letters and some pictures. He wanted me to post them here on the hangout. I will do that in this thread. Because of the content of those letters being some of the highest level instruction for Scruggs playing and because it is only fitting the Warp's Obituary be under Scruggs style and will probably be seen by the most being here, ...I would ask that that mods leave this thread here in this forum.
Also I would ask that the hangout not lock Kevin's account. He was banjo thru and thru from inside out and from top to bottom. His playing (IMO) was with the big boys but Kevin did not go big time with it. I would like his account to be a memorial where we can all go when thinking of our buddy WARPDRIVE. What a great and fitting name.
I will get those correspondences with Sonny up today or tomorrow.
Kevin may you go and be with God's grace my friend.
ken
Brian Murphy - Posted - 09/25/2022: 11:03:13
He was a big part of the HO, and a great guy to correspond with. He really battled health issues for a long time. Thanks for posting this.
Texican65 - Posted - 09/25/2022: 11:03:26
Man…that is upsetting…he was a solid dude for sure. I always enjoyed reading Kevin’s posts, and always appreciated a response from him. He was a fellow Jerry Reed nut like me, and anytime I brought Jerry up…Kev was quick to partake…whether it be about Jerry’s guitar skills or any of the various banjo players he used…Bobby Thompson, Dennis Bottoms…Buddy Blackmon…etc etc…I never got to pick with Kev, but was aware of his immense skill. His presence will be greatly missed for sure, thanks for posting this.
Dow
Texasbanjo - Posted - 09/25/2022: 11:05:24
It's a loss for the Hangout.
My thoughts and prayers go out to his family and friends.
Tractor1 - Posted - 09/25/2022: 11:09:24
His scruggs style ability and comprehension of how to make ultimate music with it--- was up in the clouds to most of us..But it seemed like this blessing was cursed with hard times in the same extreme--RIP warp
doryman - Posted - 09/25/2022: 11:27:03
So sorry to hear this. I always loved his posts. He was the real deal.
Edited by - doryman on 09/25/2022 11:28:46
banjoy - Posted - 09/25/2022: 11:31:50
Oh my how sad. I remember him here and some of his health challenges he shared. Thanks for sharing this news.
perltone - Posted - 09/25/2022: 11:49:02
I met Kevin at Winfield 35 years ago, spent the night at his place outside of Wichita. I would see him at Beanblossom occasionally and we kept in touch sporadically. In the last few years we spoke every 3-4 months. We talked banjos and what he was bench pressing at the time.
He was a wonderful banjo player, only receiving some of the recognition he deserved in the last few years , through the Hangout. I believe he put off some members early on with the tenor of his posts, but people gradually realized that he was the real deal, was a serious student of banjos and banjo playing and could back it all up with his playing.
About a year ago, he told me that he thought all the chemo had done something positive to him because he could easily play at 190 BPM. Who knows.
I know he will be missed. RIP, Kevin
phb - Posted - 09/25/2022: 12:15:54
That is really sad news! I thought about him only yesterday thinking that it had been a long time since he last posted and wondering whether he was still working in that gym. I hope he is now sitting on some cloud, playing the banjo with his beloved dogs for company.
Jack Baker - Posted - 09/25/2022: 12:18:09
Hi Ken,
The only thing really bad thing about getting older is that I watch so many wonderful talented people leave you/us. I am so sad to hear the news about Kevin. I remember talking with him several times on BHO but had never heard him play until I just went to his video section--tremendous player and my very best to his family...Jack
Originally posted by From Greylock to Bean Blossom
Y'all,
I have some terribly sad news. Kevin Hendrix has left us. rollerfuneralhomes.com/memoria...;locid=23
I
Edited by - Jack Baker on 09/25/2022 12:19:43
lyndabee - Posted - 09/25/2022: 13:43:35
I followed his long thread from the beginning because i found him to be real and open and talented and giving and sharing and courageous and funny and colorful and honest . Never sugar coated or trying to make things other than what they were, not better or worse or easier or harder… just as they were and as he experienced them… I remember when we all pitched in to help him get another banjo, having fallen on some challenging times and having given so much to the hangout… From Greylock to Bean Blossom ,Ken, I know what a good friend you were to him. He will be missed and he will be remembered.
chuckv97 - Posted - 09/25/2022: 13:51:49
Sad news, Ken. Godspeed, Kevin. You were a banjo master and we all enjoyed your posts and videos here on the BHO. His writing style was very engaging,, besides being a stellar musician he could have been an author too.
banjo bill-e - Posted - 09/25/2022: 14:16:12
I liked Kevin, he was not afraid to speak his mind, knew what he was talking about, and he could flat out play. RIP, brother.
O.D. - Posted - 09/25/2022: 14:45:23
I was just reading some old posts that encluded Warp this morning.
Then this post.
I always enjoyed his contributions here.
It is always sad when a we loose one of our own.
R.I.P Warp
Everett
earlstanleycrowe - Posted - 09/25/2022: 17:51:23
Oh man what a loss. I learned a lot from his posts and felt like I knew him.
Edited by - earlstanleycrowe on 09/25/2022 17:51:34
Ks_5-picker - Posted - 09/25/2022: 18:20:46
The first time I heard him I got into a jam session at Winfield and I could barely play back then. I got the nod for a break and I was struggling along and all of a sudden this wall of banjo sound was covering me up.
He honestly couldn’t hear me so he took over, no hard feelings
I met him in Topeka a few years ago when he was passing through to visit his daughter.Bought him lunch,picked a few and talked banjos. He knew a LOT about banjo pickin and banjo players.
I’m sad he had to leave so soon.
eagleisland - Posted - 09/26/2022: 06:56:59
Sad news indeed. Godspeed, Warp!
From Greylock to Bean Blossom - Posted - 09/26/2022: 07:25:51
Here are 2 letters Kevin wanted me to post. These 2 letters are from Sonny evaluating Kevin's playing. They show their friendship, some football gambling, Sonny's opinion that Warp had the tools but needed a little more to be one of the greats, as well as insights to Sonny's approach to learning (wow, tough taskmaster). There will be more to follow on their relationship. Kevin wanted this out there. For some strange reason I feel he thought it gave him more validity, but anyone that ever heard him play knew he was big time. - ken
Edited by - From Greylock to Bean Blossom on 09/26/2022 07:36:43
From Greylock to Bean Blossom - Posted - 09/26/2022: 08:12:24
Here are some pictures of Sonny and Warp together. The cash has to do with their football wagering. The banjo is one Sonny had Frank Neat make for Kevin.
mmuussiiccaall - Posted - 09/26/2022: 09:55:27
Living also in the greater Cincinnati area I remember talking to Kevin on the phone about six years ago, he seemed like a very nice person.I invited him to my teaching studio to have a little jam and he said his health was not up to it. If my memory serves me right this is before the cancer diagnosis and he was just feeling bad and his hearing was not right, could’ve been his service with being around the cannons. Anyway sorry to hear of his passing, he was very passionate about his music and everything else RIP.
From Greylock to Bean Blossom - Posted - 09/26/2022: 10:15:30
quote:
Originally posted by lyndabee
I followed his long thread from the beginning because i found him to be real and open and talented and giving and sharing and courageous and funny and colorful and honest . Never sugar coated or trying to make things other than what they were, not better or worse or easier or harder… just as they were and as he experienced them… I remember when we all pitched in to help him get another banjo, having fallen on some challenging times and having given so much to the hangout… From Greylock to Bean Blossom ,Ken, I know what a good friend you were to him. He will be missed and he will be remembered.
Thanks so much Lynda, this is, as I said, a gut punch and it is lingering. Warp was so strong in mind and in body.
ken
Paul R - Posted - 09/26/2022: 14:03:39
From the posts I read, he came across as a straight shooter. RIP, and condolences to family and friends.
Benjamin Pedigo - Posted - 09/26/2022: 14:15:47
Sad to hear about Kevin- I enjoyed his posts on the Hangout
mike gregory - Posted - 09/26/2022: 14:20:35
quote:
Originally posted by From Greylock to Bean Blossom
Here are some pictures of Sonny and Warp together. The cash has to do with their football wagering. The banjo is one Sonny had Frank Neat make for Kevin.
To be a player of such potential that Sonny Osborne has Frank Neat make him a banjo to Sonny's specifications, must be one of the rarest and biggest compliments a picker could receive!
geckoberry - Posted - 09/27/2022: 07:39:09
Very sad to hear. I never knew him well at all, but his posts made me smile. He'll be missed on the Hangout.
OldNavyGuy - Posted - 10/04/2022: 19:50:07
I did a site search on Bluegrass Today, and nothing found.
I wouldn't think it would matter when he passed.
He was a noted and well-respected member of the bluegrass community.
BT can either say yes or no.
Edited by - OldNavyGuy on 10/04/2022 19:50:17
From Greylock to Bean Blossom - Posted - 10/04/2022: 20:14:38
quote:
Originally posted by OldNavyGuy
I did a site search on Bluegrass Today, and nothing found.
I wouldn't think it would matter when he passed.
He was a noted and well-respected member of the bluegrass community.
BT can either say yes or no.
I will send it.
k
Ks_5-picker - Posted - 10/06/2022: 07:15:12
Ken,if I remember right,that recording king had frets that were worn to a nub.
From Greylock to Bean Blossom - Posted - 10/06/2022: 07:18:15
quote:
Originally posted by Ks_5-picker
Ken,if I remember right,that recording king had frets that were worn to a nub.
And maybe there was a little warp in the neck. I am not sure.
From Greylock to Bean Blossom - Posted - 10/11/2022: 07:37:42
I just talked to Vernon McIntyre over in the Cincy area to ask him what happened to Kevin. I had assumed it was the cancer that came back. However Vernon told me that Kevin was doing fine with the cancer. Said Warp got the covid, went to the hospital, got put on a ventilator, and died of that. Boy after the great fight Kevin put up against the cancer to get caught by the covid. What a waste. What a tragedy.
Ken
lyndabee - Posted - 10/11/2022: 13:56:35
Damn covid. :-(
How it can be a simple cold for some and a death sentence for others… :-(
OldNavyGuy - Posted - 10/11/2022: 13:58:53
quote:
Originally posted by lyndabee
Damn covid. :-(
How it can be a simple cold for some and a death sentence for others… :-(
That's pretty well been established...
Jack Baker - Posted - 10/11/2022: 15:06:15
Yes,
I hear you Linda and Jim. This is a problem facing our culture today. Most people I know who have been vaccinated and boosted still do/don't get this virus but no one has come close to death. Now it is very possible that Cancer may have taken away Kevin's chances of survival--very tragic either way. I tend to listen to my Doctors...Jack
Originally posted by OldNavyGuy
quote:
Originally posted by lyndabee
Damn covid. :-(
How it can be a simple cold for some and a death sentence for others… :-(
That's pretty well been established...
Edited by - Jack Baker on 10/11/2022 15:12:51
OldNavyGuy - Posted - 10/11/2022: 15:10:40
Indeed.
People who have weakened immune systems are at much greater risk.
steve davis - Posted - 10/11/2022: 16:37:33
Rest in peace,Kevin.
okbluegrassbanjopicker - Posted - 10/13/2022: 17:12:29
I never thought I would be writing this but I can say with no reserve, that Kevin (aka "Warpdrive") was one of those very special individuals, without whom the Hangout would not be what it is.
He will not be soon forgotten.
One of his most amusing posts was in a topic called "Biggest jam buster instrument?" in which he said that someone walked up to a jam, swinging a full-sized breaker bar in time with the song that was being played.
Kevin never once belittled or ridiculed anyone, no matter their difficulties with playing harder songs.
Rest in peace, Kevin.
We'll meet again on Canaan's happy shore.
From Greylock to Bean Blossom - Posted - 10/13/2022: 18:59:18
This is the thread that Warp was very proud of. He did a lot of pickin' on it and a lot of talkin' in the way that only he could. banjohangout.org/archive/345382/5
BTW, Warp was very grateful to Mooooo. Moooo was the one with the computer smarts to get Kevin's playing on the hangout. I believe that playing like he did was Kevin's biggest way of communicating and giving.
Thank you Mooooo if you are watching!
ken
Edited by - From Greylock to Bean Blossom on 10/13/2022 19:03:08
Disco Kid - Posted - 10/18/2022: 17:08:35
Sorry to hear about Warp's passing and especially how.
I appreciate people with grit and talent who ripple the pond.
Those Sonny letters were gold and I agree. Been getting back to the basics and getting down the F&S Mercury Recordings for the exact reasons Sonny gave.
I'll watch Warp's videos for inspiration.
ceemonster - Posted - 12/13/2022: 17:31:21
I just came across this thread after putting "warpdrive" into the BH Search box. I'd been thinking how long it's been since he'd posted here but hadn't seen anything on the forum where the Warp posts usually appeared--namely, the "Other Banjo-Related Topics" forum. Would not have looked for it in the "Playing Advice" section, though I see the Sonny material certainly fits there. I'm so sorry to learn of his passing. I was one of the BH folks who threw in toward his Hatfield banjo, and I remember thinking how that group effort (along with the sterling generosity of Arthur Hatfield) was emblematic of the site's community and heart.
copterdude - Posted - 02/18/2023: 17:46:16
Well I finally found a old picking buddy but too late. I always wondered where he was but never took the time to look. That is tragic. Watching his video obituary has shown me that he had a full and rewarding life and a loving family. We were both banjo nuts in the Army at Ft Riley, Ks 86-88.
It was hard to find anyone that shared a Bluegrass interest. He was even a extremely fast player back then and at that time he worked up a beautiful arrangement of Somewhere over the rainbow to play at Winfield. I was a complete novice and he took a interest in me to help out. But to be honest I just enjoyed his company and amazing talent. Rest in peace old friend
