So, it is not often that I write, but I feel it necessary to pay some sort of homage to one of the founding pioneers of the Bluegrass Industry. Earl Scruggs died today at the age of eighty-eight and has left behind a legacy that should NEVER be forgotten.
When Earl stepped on to the Opry stage, then located at the Ryman Auditorium in Nashville, Tennessee on December 8, 1948 Bluegrass music depending on your view changed or was born. As far as I’m concerned, it was born. The same basic building blocks we all use today finally came together that night. Some pieces had already been there, but Earl finished the puzzle.
If it hadn’t been for Earl my life personally would probably have been quite different. Most people know the story of Dad listening to the radio for Ernest Tubb one night and heard Earl play Cumberland Gap. Had it not been for that one instance, the Osborne Brothers may never have happened (along with several other groups). I could go into Sonny’s part of the story but I won’t simply because it’s fairly obvious what happened since Sonny’s style of playing is a derivative/is influenced by Scruggs style. If it hadn’t been for Scruggs influencing dad this way, I myself would not have the job I have right now playing with a Bluegrass legend who’s been a member of the Grand Ole Opry for nearly fifty years, nor would In the Tradition or Stone Peak exist. I’m sure anyone else who plays Bluegrass, especially banjo players, have some sort of tribute to Earl as well.
Before I close this out, I feel it necessary to point out that I am in no way trying to take away from Bill Monroe his significant contributions to creating Bluegrass music. He came to Nashville in 1939 and stayed until the day he passed away in 1996, but Earl played a very strong part in my involvement and luck in the industry, even if in a sort of indirect way.
Goodbye Earl, you’ll be missed!
-March 28, 2012.
-Boj
