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Dierks Bentley mourned the loss of Bobby Osborne, a Kentucky-born bluegrass legend known for his music with late brother Sonny Osborne. Osborne has died at age 91.
The Grand Ole Opry paid tribute to the “Rocky Top” icon on Tuesday (June 27), writing in a caption on Instagram: “We’re so thankful the Opry was home sweet home to you, Bobby Osborne. Thank you for all the cherished memories and dedication. We love you. ❤️” The Osborne Brothers — Bobby and Sonny — were inducted into the Opry in the 1960s.
Bentley, a longtime bluegrass fan whose latest record includes influences of the genre, remembered the moment a friend introduced him to the Osborne Brothers’ music. Bentley was “mesmerized” by Osborne’s voice, he said, sharing a photo of the Osborne Brothers album he listened to the most. He wrote in his caption:
“I loved the Osborne Brothers. My friend Terry Eldredge turned me on to them when I was getting to know him and the guys that played in the Station Inn house band, The Sidemen. My first time backstage at the Opry was with Terry, who played guitar and sang low tenor with Bobby and Sonny. I'll never forget that performance. So many great records but this is the one I listened to over and over again the most. Trying to learn the baritone part (still am) from Sonny and just mesmerized by power and high pitch of Bobby's voice. Not many people can cover Osborne Brother songs because you have to lower the key so much to sing it, and that just takes ‘all the fire out of it,’ as Sonny once said. He was right. Sad day for Country Music and Bluegrass with both Sonny and now Bobby gone. RIP.”
Others shared memories as they honored Osborne’s life and career, including Opry officials and the Bluegrass Hall of Fame, in which the Osborne Brothers were also inducted in the 60s.
“The passing of American music icon and Bluegrass legend, Bobby Osborne, has left a profound void in the Bluegrass community. Inducted into the Bluegrass Music Hall of Fame in 1994 alongside his brother Sonny Osborne, the duo made major musical contributions with a half-century musical partnership. Throughout their illustrious career, The Osborne Brothers produced a string of timeless hits, each resonating with their signature sound and Bobby’s extraordinary vocal prowess. Songs like ‘Ruby (Are You Mad),’ ‘Rocky Top,’ and ‘Midnight Flyer’ are just a glimpse into the musical legacy Bobby Osborne leaves behind.”
“To say he was a legend falls short of the impact he had on all of us,” said Paul Schiminger, interim executive director at the International Bluegrass Music Association, per the Associated Press. “An innovative musical pioneer, Bobby set and held the gold standard for bluegrass vocals.”
“Bobby Osborne was among the last of his generation of bluegrass pioneers,” Opry executive producer Dan Rogers said in a statement. “What a profound loss for the Opry family and bluegrass music fans around the world. Mr. Osborne's legacy will live forever on this stage we love and wherever his style is emulated. Thank you to Bobby Osborne for more than 70 years of music and memories.”