Dale Sledd passes

Bobby Osborne, Sonny Osborne, and Dale Sledd - photo © Phil Zimmerman (www.bluegrasstime.com)Dale Sledd, guitarist and vocalist with The Osborne Brothers during their peak years, passed away on Sunday evening. He was 78 years of age.

Sledd was with the band from 1966 through 1977, during which time he recorded hits like Roll Muddy River, Rocky Top, Tennessee Hound Dog, Ruby, Georgia Piney Woods, Midnight Flyer, Fastest Grass Alive and many others. He also has writer’s credit with Sonny Osborne for the classic banjo instrumental, Sledd Ridin’, memorably recorded by Sonny Osborne, J.D. Crowe, and Jim Mills.

After leaving the Osbornes, Dale worked with Grandpa and Ramona Jones, and later with the Silverado Band. He had worked earlier with his wife Patsy as a vocal duo.

Additional details about Dale’s passing are not known at this time.

He will be remembered not only as a fine rhythm guitarist, but also for his particular ability to blend his voice with Bobby and Sonny in a tight and seamless vocal trio. For many loyal fans, his voice helped create what they remember as the classic Osborne Brothers sound.

Heres video of Dale with The Osbornes doing the biggest hit on the Grand Ole Opry in 1967.

 

Funeral services will be held on Thursday, August 25, at 10:00 a.m. at the Reser Funeral Home in Warsaw, MO. Visitation with the family is at 9:00 a.m.

R.I.P., Dale Sledd.

Photo of Dale Sledd with The Osborne Brothers above © Phil Zimmerman

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John Lawless

John had served as primary author and editor for The Bluegrass Blog from its launch in 2006 until being folded into Bluegrass Today in September of 2011. He continues in that capacity here, managing a strong team of columnists and correspondents.