Bobby Osborne to receive honorary degree

Bobby Osborne will be recognized next month during the graduation ceremony for the Kentucky School of Bluegrass and Traditional Music in Hazard, KY on May 15. He will receive an honorary Associate Degree in Human Letters from Dr. Allen Goben, President and CEO of the Hazard Community and Technical College where the Bluegrass and Traditional Music school is located.

Osborne will be honored not only for his lifetime of contributions to bluegrass music, but also for his service as an adjunct faculty member at the school, where his cousin Dean Osborne serves as director of the bluegrass program.

Dean makes the case for Bobby’s honorary degree.

“Bobby Osborne has been a member of the Grand Ole Opry since 1964, has performed at the White House as well as all 50 states and many foreign countries. He is internationally known as a master vocalist and mandolin player, but this honor recognizes his contribution to education and to the preservation of bluegrass. I say that because Bobby Osborne has put his heart and soul into our music school.”

President Goben is also appreciative of Bobby’s service to the school.

“We couldn’t be happier to honor Bobby Osborne in this way since he is a legend in the music world and a stand-out in our eyes because what he has made possible for our students. He has unselfishly devoted his time, energy, and expertise to help our program become a national leader.”

For his part, Bobby, who at 78 has spent more than 60 years in the music business, is pleased to see this recognition come his way.

“I never expected anything like this to happen to me in my life. I’m very proud the administration thinks that much of me to honor me in this way.”

You can find more information about the Kentucky School of Bluegrass and Traditional Music online.

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About the Author

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.