Eddie Hammer (with bass) and River Ridge
North Carolina bassist, John “Eddie” Hammer, 72, passed away suddenly while doing what he loved: playing music for others. As he was preparing to entertain patrons with the duo, Davis Bradley, at Prissy Polly’s BBQ in Kernersville on Saturday, June 13, 2026, he collapsed and though efforts were made to revive him, Eddie passed away.
Band mate, Kathy Davis, shared what happened.
“This has truly been an impactful chain of events and we are just heartbroken. Brad [Bishop] and I are a Virginia-based duo. We come to North Carolina at least twice a year to play some annual weekend shows including Prissy Polly’s BBQ in Kernersville. For the last two years, we have called upon Eddie to join us on bass. We had reached out to Eddie back when we scheduled the show in October, and then again recently to remind him. He was very excited to join us and was looking forward to playing.
He came to the job with his upright bass and a backup electric bass, amp, all his gear. We were all set up and we were catching up and having conversation, laughing getting ready to play when we turned to start the first song. We heard his bass fall to the floor and he just fell over. A few folks that knew life-saving stepped up immediately and started administering CPR until the emergency squad arrived. They worked tirelessly on him before transporting him to the hospital.
Our hearts are broken and we are saddened. We are thankful he was not alone and was there to do what he loved with us. He was a good man and our friend.”
Bradley Bishop added..
“Kathy and I said goodbye to our good friend, John “The Hammer” Hammer tonight, a talented bass player and a good friend. He could play anything we asked of him like he had done it a hundred times. He always had a big smile and a good story to share. We always looked forward to playing with him and valued his friendship.
“He is with the Lord. Blessings and comfort to John’s family and many friends. He will be missed by us and many others. Rest in peace, dear friend.
A heartfelt thank you and appreciation to Greg and his team, and all our friends at Prissy Polly’s who stayed and prayed with us for John, and took turns trying to revive him while we waited for the EMTs.…your prayers, kindness, and comfort are a blessing from God.”
Eddie also has played with other central North Carolina groups including River Ridge bluegrass band, Hammer & Song bluegrass gospel ensemble, and several others. His pickin’ pals reflected on his talents.
Jeff Hayes of River Ridge shared…
“Eddie was so solid with his playing. He made every band he played with better. He was always beaming with confidence. He played with my dad and Uncle CM [in] the Gospel Strings and they never sounded better. He will be missed.”
River Ridge lead guitarist, Bob Dotson, reflected…
“I don’t really have the words. Eddie and I traveled many, many miles together to countless gigs: him talking from the time we left until we got back. He was truly an incredible musician. As a bassist, he knew where all the right notes were. He had great timing and could make anyone sound good. He will be greatly missed. Eddie was one of a kind.”
Mandolinist Racy Maness recalled…
“We played ten years together (2006-2016) in a gospel bluegrass band. He was strict with his time.”
Funeral arrangements are incomplete at this time.
R.I.P., John “Eddie” Hammer.
