We have learned that noted Nashville guitar builder and luthier Mike Long has suffered a stroke. It occurred last Thursday and, for the time being, he is unable to speak and is experiencing difficulty swallowing.
He had just returned home from the hospital yesterday, but has a lot of therapy ahead of him. Fortunately, the doctors expect considerable improvement.
A bevy of bluegrass artists have owned and played Mike’s guitars, including Tom Adams, Steve Gulley, Brandon Rickman, Dale Ann Bradley, James King, Ray Edwards, Ernie Evans, Kevin Prater, Tim Stafford, Roland White, and many others.
Mike is also married to bluegrass royalty, in the form of Gloria Belle, who he wed in 1989. Gloria, of course, worked for some time with Jimmy Martin and is regarded by many historians as the first prominent female vocalist in bluegrass music.
Cards and well-wishes can be sent to:
479 Brentlawn Drive
Nashville, TN 37220
Stroke rehab can be arduous and time consuming. Let’s all hope to hear news soon of a complete recovery.
