Sad news from Florida… Local bluegrass icon Roger Bass has died at age 70, one day before his 71st birthday.
Mark Horn, Vice President of the Southwest Florida Bluegrass Association shares this report:
“Roger Bass passed away peacefully on Friday, November 16 in Punta Gorda, Florida after a short battle with cancer. Roger was well known in bluegrass circles from his work with the popular group Tater Hill for many years, followed by his own group, Roger Bass and the Hillbillies.
His close association and stage antics with the ever-popular Goldwing Express is legendary. Staging a classic Cowboys and Indians rivalry on stage with humor that delighted audiences, the improvisational comedic situations were unending.
Roger also loyally supported the Special Olympics for over 18 years with Tater Hill.
There will be a graveside service in Milton, FL at the Crain Cemetry on Wednesday (11/21/2012) at 10:00 a.m. (EST). On December 1, there will be a tribute concert for Roger at the Desoto County Fairgrounds in Arcadia, FL featuring James King and many of Roger’s friends in bluegrass, with Evan Carl hosting.
I know he has a lot of friends out there who may not know of his passing, as this came on quickly. We were all hopeful of having more time with him.
Roger was a dear friend, and will be sorely missed by all who knew him.”
In lieu of flowers, the family requests that donations be made in Roger’s name to:
Tidewell Hospice, Inc.
917 N. Arcadia Ave.
Arcadia, FL 34266
Roger’s full obituary can be read online, where condolences and remembrances can be posted.
Here’s a video of Roger and the Hillbillies at the Everglades Bluegrass Festival in 2009.
