We have learned that Billy Joe Foster, noted Oklahoma picker, passed away today at 51 years of age.
A talented multi-instrumentalist, Foster played fiddle with Bill Monroe, bass with Country Gazette, and several instruments with Ricky Skaggs & Kentucky Thunder.
He was also the banjo player with a band called Special Edition in the 1980s, which featured future country star Joe Diffie, plus Craig and Terry Fletcher.
Billy Joe had been diagnosed with multiple sclerosis a few years ago, but the limited information we have at this time indicates he finally succumbed to pneumonia.
Services are scheduled for this Saturday (1/26) at the New Hope Church in Duncan, OK.
Rest in peace, Billy Joe Foster.
