To celebrate Jesse McReynolds’ 85th birthday earlier this month, family, friends and neighbors of the bluegrass mandolin legend got together at Jesse’s home outside of Nashville for a birthday tribute in the form of a celebrity roast. Popular radio host Harv Mason served as the roastmaster, with stories shared by Sam Bush, Del McCoury, Jim Buchannan, Eddie Stubbs, Jeanie Seely and several others.
But nobody had anything bad to say about Jesse, who is as beloved figure as there is to be found in bluegrass music. The running joke became what a great guy he is, and how there was noting to say against him.
Jesse’s actual birthday was July 9, but the get together ocurred the following Sunday, on the 13th. From all reports, a fine time was had by all.
Rural Rhythm Records, who recently re-released a set of radio show recordings Jesse made with his brother as Jim & Jesse in 1962, shared these photos from the event.
