Obituary

Frank Solivan, one of the pillars of the California bluegrass scene, and the founder of the Kids on Bluegrass program for the California Bluegrass Association, died on August 24 at 78 years of age. He had been caught in serious

Washington DC area bluegrass bass-playing virtuoso Don Mulkey passed away in Portland, Oregon, on August 19, 2023. He was 93 years of age. Donald Ray Mulkey was born in Arlington, Virginia on July 7, 1930. He played with the duo, Benny

Bob Mummert, 69, drummer with Dailey & Vincent, passed away unexpectedly on Saturday, August 26. The band shared this statement. "Today, our longtime friend and drummer, Bob Mummert, has passed. We are beyond shocked and devastated. At this time, we'd like to

A slightly different version of this obituary had appeared in the Key West, FL Keys News. John Michael Keith, of Sebring, Florida, died July 11, 2023, following heart surgery. Born in Greenville, South Carolina, he wrote a number of popular

Popular Virginia bass player and retail operator Jerry Fretwell died on August 22. He was 79 year of age, and had been hospitalized at Augusta Health in Fishersville, VA. Born Jerald Ray Fretwell in Stuarts Draft, VA, he served in the

Mrs. JD (Treva) Chrisco, 98, former freelance writer for Bluegrass Unlimited, Pickin', and Muleskinner News magazines, passed away Friday, August 11, in Marshville, NC. Mrs. Chrisco was known for her love of bluegrass music and was a strong supporter. She

Japanese-American Branson-based legend and member of the National Fiddler’s Hall of Fame, Shoji Tabuchi, passed away on Friday, August 11, 2023, after battle with pancreatic cancer. He was 79.  Tabuchi was born April 16, 1944, in Daishōji, Ishikawa, Japan (now Kaga,

Popular Ontario bluegrass artist Marc Roy has died. He passed quite suddenly on July 25 at 39 years of age. No cause of death has been shared by his family. Marc's participation in noted groups like Hard Ryde and Backcountry, plus

Roger Sprung, the innovative five-string banjo player, popular instructor and successful instrument dealer, widely recognized as "the Godfather of Progressive Bluegrass," and a pioneer of newgrass, passed away in Newtown, Connecticut, where he had made his home for many years.

Paul Prestopino, a renowned multi-instrument sideman and recording engineer, with long experience in bluegrass, old-time, folk, and contra dance musics, passed away peacefully at his home in Roosevelt, NJ, on July 16, 2023. He was 84. One of two sons of