Jerry Williamson passes

Jerry Williamson, long time bluegrass musician and noted audio engineer, died April 6 following a long struggle with brain cancer.

The West Virginia native had been part of several popular bands, including Red Wing and Outdoor Plumbing Company. In more recent years he had been a fixture running sound at bluegrass festivals, and has been heralded as an important figure in bringing high quality audio as a regular component at bluegrass events.

Jerry had performed on both bass and reso-guitar, and is remembered by friends and fellow musicians for his good humor and positive attitude. His generosity and assistance to young musicians was legendary, as was his willingness to mentor young players in the ways of professional audio.

He also left behind a number of original songs in the bluegrass catalog, many recorded by top figures in the music.

His son, Kevin, is a successful bluegrass artist as well, who had performed with his dad as a member of Red Wing and Glenn Duncan & Phoenix. Kevin was recently a member of the Farm Hands, and now tours with his wife and three daughters as Williamson Branch.

R.I.P., Jerry Williamson, with sincere condolences offered to his family and many friends.