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Bobby Osborne | |
|---|---|
 Osborne (center) and The Rocky Top X-Press in 2007 | |
| Born | Bobby Van Osborne (1931-12-07)December 7, 1931 |
| Died | June 27, 2023(2023-06-27) (aged 91) |
| Burial place | Gallatin, Tennessee |
| Occupation | Musician |
| Years active | 1953–2023 |
Bobby Van Osborne[1] (December 7, 1931 – June 27, 2023) was an Americanbluegrass musician. He was the co-founder (with his brotherSonny) of theOsborne Brothers, a member of theGrand Ole Opry,[2] and theInternational Bluegrass Music Hall of Fame.[3] Osborne was a member of theUnited States Marine Corps, received aPurple Heart for his service, and was honorably discharged in 1953.[4][5]
Osborne was an instructor of bluegrass music at the Kentucky School of Bluegrass and Traditional Music[6] inHyden, Kentucky, and his primary instrument was themandolin.[3][7]
Osborne was born inThousandsticks inLeslie County,Kentucky.[8] While growing up, he helped his father and grandfather at the older man's general store. At the same time he was attracted to the music of the Grand Ole Opry and eventually dropped out of high school to form a band with his brother, Sonny. He helped develop the vocal trio concept in bluegrass music by putting the melody in the tenor voice, instead of putting it in one of the lower vocal registers.[9]
Bobby Osborne released many recordings since the 1950s.The Osborne Brothers recordings of "Rocky Top", and "Kentucky" were named official state songs ofTennessee andKentucky, respectively. Osborne was drafted into the U.S. Marine Corps in 1951 and served in theKorean War. He was wounded in action and received thePurple Heart.[10]
"Bobby knew nothing about bluegrass music. He was listening to theGrand Ole Opry one night onWSM radio. He liked the sound of that banjo, and found out later on it wasEarl Scruggs playing a tune called'Cumberland Gap.' From then on he became interested in that type of music." He appeared on many shows withErnest Tubb, playing guitar and singing.Ernest Tubb suggested that Bobby play themandolin to complement his hightenor voice. He took the advice and it remained one of his main instruments for the rest of his career.[11]
Osborne's 2017 solo albumORIGINAL was his first album sinceBluegrass & Beyond in 2009. The album was the product of Osborne's collaboration withPeter Rowan, which led him to another collaboration withAlison Brown. The album features many bluegrass/Americana musicians and artists[12] includingVince Gill, Sam Bush,Jim Lauderdale,Sierra Hull, Claire Lynch,Del McCoury, Ronnie McCoury, Rob McCoury, Stuart Duncan and Rob Ickes.[13]
Osborne also wrote the song, "Windy City" in 1972, later recorded byAlison Krauss on her LP "Windy City." Krauss recorded the song with Suzanne and Sidney Cox and performed the song onJimmy Kimmel Live.[14][15]
Osborne continued to perform with his band, theRocky Top X-Press, until his death in 2023.[16]
Osborne died at a hospital inGallatin, Tennessee, on June 27, 2023, at the age of 91.[17]
Inducted toGrand Ole Opry (1964, as member of theOsborne Brothers)[2] Between the death ofJesse McReynolds on June 23, 2023, and his own death on June 27, 2023, Osborne was the oldest standing Opry member.
Named Vocal Group of the Year byCountry Music Association (1971 as member of theOsborne Brothers)[18]
Inducted toInternational Bluegrass Music Hall of Fame (1994, as member of theOsborne Brothers).[3]
Inducted to International Bluegrass Music Hall of Fame in 2009 as a member of The Lonesome Pine Fiddlers[19]
Awarded the Bluegrass Star Award by the Bluegrass Heritage Foundation of Dallas, Texas on October 20, 2018. The award is bestowed upon bluegrass artists who do an exemplary job of advancing traditional bluegrass music while preserving its character and heritage.[20]
Elected to Kentucky Music Hall of Fame (2002, as member of the Osborne Brothers)[21]
Nominated for Best Bluegrass Album at the 60th Annual Grammy Awards (for solo albumOriginal).[22]
International Bluegrass Music Award (IBMA) for Recorded Event of the Year (2017, for "I've Gotta Get a Message to You")[23]
2023 Inductee to the West Virginia Music Hall of Fame as a member of The Lonesome Pine Fiddlers[24]
Recognized in the Country Music Hall of Fame and Museum (Posthumously) with C.J. Lewandowski as a 2024 American Currents: State of the Music Exhibit, specifically the Unbroken Circle section of the Exhibit.[25]
