Some of the top performers in bluegrass music got together this past weekend to offer a very special concert for Lance LeRoy. It was held at the home of his son, Lanny, in Mt. Juliet, TN where Lance and his wife, Myrtle, now live.
Now retired, LeRoy is remembered for bringing a high level of professionalism to the business of bluegrass. His company, The Lancer Agency, managed the career of Lester Flatt from the time he left Earl Scruggs in 1969 until his passing ten years later. He ensured that his clients, including Jimmy Martin, Del McCoury, Sally Mountain Show, and The Bluegrass Cardinals, were treated properly by promoters and venues, believing they deserved the same treatment as Nashville’s country stars.
Lance was also in the mix when the International Bluegrass Music Association was being discussed prior to its organization, and it is said that a letter he wrote and circulated among bluegrass business insiders was the impetus for the first meeting about forming a bluegrass trade association.
The concert this weekend was planned by Lance’s son and his longtime friend, Larry Stephenson. As Larry’s wife, Dreama, tells it, Larry knew who to invite to perform, and Lanny knew how to throw a party.
Picking out on Lanny’s deck was David Parmley, Rhonda Vincent, Roland White, members of their bands, and a vocal reunion of The Osborne Brothers.
Dreama shared a few photos from the party, which looks like a bluegrass dream jam. She says that she overheard Lance telling Eddie Stubbs that this was the best day in his whole life.
Well done all!
More of Dreama’s photos from the get-together can be found on her Facebook page.
