Charles R. Freeland, known in the bluegrass world as Dick, passed away yesterday morning, August 14.
Along with Bill Carroll and Sonny Compton, Dick founded Rebel Records in 1959. The label has become an institution in bluegrass music, though Bill’s involvement only lasted until 1979 when he sold the company to Dave Freeman.
During Dick’s management of the label, Rebel introduced new artists like The Country Gentlemen and Seldom Scene, Japanese grassers Bluegrass 45, Emerson & Waldron, and Ralph Stanley & the Clinch Mountain Boys when Ralph returned to performing after brother Carter’s death.
Dick and his family have been mourning the loss of his son, Ronnie, who died after a lengthy illness last month.
We will post further updates as they are known.
R.I.P., Dick Freeland.
