Obituary

Frank Harlow, noted builder of Harlow Resonator Guitars, died yesterday at his home in Vandalia, OH. He was 83 years of age. Born in Bristol, VA, Frank worked as a truck driver for General Motors, and retired from that position to

5-string banjo picker, down-home humorist, and entertainer extraordinaire Buck Trent passed away in Branson, Missouri, on October 9, 2023 (aged 85).   Charles Wilburn 'Buck' Trent was born in Spartanburg, South Carolina, on February 17, 1938. He was a precocious talent even

Washington state banjoist Harley Worthington died on September 21 in Everett. He was 82 years of age. Though a native of Tennessee, he lived much of his life near Seattle, where he taught a great many young northwest pickers the ropes

Folklorist Loyal Jones, hailed as 'the father of modern Appalachian studies,' and an 'indefatigable and beloved interpreter of Appalachian life and culture,' passed away in Black Mountain, North Carolina, on October 7, 2023. He had been diagnosed with cancer, and

The Columbus, OH bluegrass community has lost one of their stalwarts. Ray Sparks, who built and repaired instruments in the region for many years, has died. He passed on September 25 at 89 years of age. Born and raised in Johnson

Mike Henderson, best recognized in bluegrass circles as a co-founder of The SteelDrivers, passed away unexpectedly in his sleep on Friday, September 22, 2023. He was 70 years of age.  Michael James Henderson was born on July 14, 1953, and raised

Banjo player and founding member of the Charles River Valley Boys, Bob Siggins, passed away on Friday, September 22, 2023. He was 85 years of age. George Robert "Bob" Siggins started life (thought to be on December 29, 1937) in Miami, Oklahoma,

Bluegrass lovers throughout Kentucky are mourning the loss this week of beloved festival MC and radio host Ron Cornett, who died on September 17 following complications from surgery. He was 68 years of age. Ron hosted a regular program on the

Curley Seckler and Willis Spears with The Nashville Grass Willis Spears, whose singing and guitar playing were remarkably similar to Lester Flatt's, and who served as Curley Seckler's partner in The Nashville Grass, passed away on Sunday, September 17, 2023, at

Karl Dieterichs with his wife, Jackie - photo courtesy Kim Dieterichs Karl F. Dieterichs, who inspired and gave service to generations of bluegrass musicians and fans through his Bucks County Folk Music Shop in New Britain, PA, his Buck brand musical