Bobby Hicks is coming up on a major milestone. On July 21, 2013, the iconic fiddler will turn 80 years old, and is inviting family, friends, and fans to join him for a celebratory concert that afternoon in Marshall, NC.
Hicks started his career in bluegrass more than 60 years ago when he went to work for Jim Eanes. A few years later, he joined Bill Monroe’s band in 1953 at 21 years of age. He started on bass, but was playing fiddle with The Blue Grass Boys a year later, recording a number of songs with Monroe before joining the Army in ’56. Returning two years later, he cut ten more sides with Monroe including such classics as Scotland, Wheel Hoss, Cheyenne, Roanoke, and Big Mon.
In 1958, Bobby moved to country music, playing for Porter Wagoner. He spent many years in the ’60s working in Las Vegas with Judy Lynn, who also featured him as a vocalist. Ricky Skaggs brought him into Kentucky Thunder in 1981 where he stayed until 2004 playing both fiddle and banjo.
The show on the 21st will be held on Blanahassett Island in Marshall starting at 4:00 p.m., and there is no fee to attend. Hicks will perform with Blue Wheel Drive, and pickers are invited to bring their instruments and take part in a jam following the show.
For more details, contact Pat Franklin at 828-649-2332.
