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NEWS Last Updated: Saturday May 4th, 2013 01:05:32 pm EST |
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| Published: Friday - March 30, 2012 at 10:48:50 PM |
| In Remembrance of Earl |
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Earl Scruggs, part of the famous legendary Flatt & Scruggs, that provided the soundtrack for the hit tv series, The Beverly Hillbillies, (1962-1971) has passed from natural causes, per his son, Gary Scruggs, an accomplished musician, as well. The fame of this "Banjoist Supreme" was worldwide, and his three finger style of pickin' was imitated by everyone who came after him, that picked up a banjo to learn to play it. He took the instrument to new heights of popularity, though in `69, the famous duo Flatt & Scruggs went their seperate ways. His popularity as a solo act continued and his modesty and tremendous skill with his instrument impressed all who heard and met him. He soon became a one name legend, "Earl". His surname was never needed, when speaking of Bluegrass music and genres beyond.
My phone rang, and I didn't hear it, Wednesday night, and my good friend, banjoist, and WWB Chatter, from Australia, Leonie Dettman, was calling, sobbing to leave the message that Earl Scruggs had died. I didn't hear anything else she said, after that. It was a pain shot straight to the heart. Something she said, about being tore up and choking tears back, I vaguely remember, but I just kept thinking, Earl is dead. I stlil need to call her back.
The Bluegrass community mourns his loss, as this alternative "niche" genre has bloomed and blossomed in recent years, largely due to his influence and hard work, and to include many celebrities of its own making, yet, he was the "Earl" of Bluegrass. Many celebrities such as Steve Martin, Marty Stuart, John McEuen, point to his music, and to him for being one of the most influential people in their music today. Indeed, his influences stretched far beyond Bluegrass.
WWB Volunteer Dj of the Month, California Banjoist, Matt Coleman, had this to write in a group email to all WWB volunteers:
"For me, Earl Scruggs' place in the history of American - music , is about how he believed that the 5 - string banjo was not limited inside the box of old-timey and first-generation bluegrass , not at all. He has been known as the " inventor " of the 3 - finger -roll style of 5 string banjo. This just isnt true, there were 3 - finger style pickers before Earl, he just brought it to a level never before heard.
On the album " Earl Scruggs Family and Friends " , an album from the 33 RPM days ... it's a mix of music + interviews. From my Foggy Mountain memory I will try to write here to my best ability some of Earl's words :
" There's a whole new breed of music players ( today 1960's ) and I'm one of them ... ha ha .. I just did not want to play Cumberland Gap and Cripple Creek over and over and over again ... I enjoy playing different
types of music ... and now with the banjo ... I beleive it can fit into today's ( 1960's ) type of music ... it fits really well ... I really had dreams of this ... " The album launches into Earl , with The Byrds , covering Bob Dylan.
So, Earl was really right there with the first " new-grassers " bringing traditional + modern folk - rock , together with his style. Some columns I've read today have compared him to other legendary - genre/instrument masters : Chet Atkins, Jimi Hendrix, Miles Davis, Chuck Berry, Aaron Copeland ... he's deserving of the praise , IMHO.
Thank you, Earl ...
Earl ... he who only needs one name ... Earl ... Rest In Peace ...
MC *Matt Coleman*
I agree with Matt. There will be many articles written about Earl Scruggs, in the forthcoming weeks and all the accolades that are said, all the praise that will be heaped upon him, wont be enough and won't quite heal the hurt, in the hearts of so many 'grassers.. For WorldWideBluegrass.com listeners , DJs and fans, where his music will always be spinning daily and his loss so grievously felt. we can only imagine the Choir of Angels singing a good gospel harmony and on that big banjo break chorusing with, "Aaaaah, pick it, Earl."
R.I.P. Beloved Bluegrass Brother
.......Gracie Muldoon, Founder, WorldWideBluegrass.com
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