Sandy Hatley and Terry Shue (right) Terry Shue, North Carolina bluegrass bassist and son of the late banjo picker/luthier, Bob Shue, lost his battle with COVID early on January 18, 2022. The 65-year-old began his involvement with bluegrass at an early age,
Fred Geiger, noted banjo player and instructor in Maryland, died in the early morning of January 12 when his house was engulfed by fire, with him in it. He was 82 years of age. His was a familiar name to two
Ralph Emery, who became known as the dean of country music broadcasters over more than a half-century in both radio and television, passed away from complications after a stroke suffered in late 2021 at the Tristar Centennial Medical Center in
John Rice Irwin, cultural historian, writer and the founder of the Museum of Appalachia, passed away in Clinton, Tennessee, on January 16, 2022, at 91-years-old. He travelled the back roads and collected thousands of everyday items from the colorful mountain folk
Well-respected banjo picker Thomas W. 'Tommy' Neal passed away on January 11, 2022, after a very brief spell of hospice care. Born in York, Pennsylvania, he was 73 years of age. He had been known as 'Tommy' since the late
The millions of members of the Martin guitar family are mourning today, with news that Diane Repyneck Martin, wife of Chris Martin, C.F. Martin & Co Executive Chairman, passed away on January 4 following a 10 year bout with breast
Photos of Al Jesperson by Craig Evans Alan Jesperson, popular Minnesota bluegrass performer, died suddenly at his in Minneapolis home on December 30. He was 74 years of age. Known as Al to his friends, Jesperson was raised in nearby Minnetonka. He
If you know Steve Dilling, banjoist with Sideline, then chances are you know his devoted parents, Don and Linda Dilling of Garner, NC. They have been his biggest fans, strongest supporters, and beloved family and were ever present at festivals,
John Viers, a popular and prominent banjo banjo in southwestern Virginia, has died. He passed away on November 21 at 78 years of age. Born John Thomas Viers in 1943 in Hiwassee, VA, he started playing banjo in the third grade
David Surette, beloved New England guitarist, mandolinist, singer, and songwriter, died December 20 following a six year battle with cancer. He was 58 years of age. Surette was well known among players, students, and fans of old time and bluegrass music,
