Lost a legend today at 69 . One of the best to do it . Sad day .
RIP Tony Rice .. Sad day for Bluegrass fans
- Thread starter BobbyBReloaded1975
- Start date
He actually died on Christmas day. So thankful for the handful of times I got to see tr
Could you say he was to bluegrass guitar what Scruggs was to the 5 string! OK I will!
Bluegrass great Tony Rice, the Grammy-winning acoustic guitar player cited as an influence by musicians as diverse as Jason Isbell and Steve Martin, passed away Christmas Day at age 69. On Saturday evening, the legendary Ricky Skaggs, a longtime friend and fellow International Bluegrass Music Hall of Famer, paid tribute to Rice in a statement released by his publicist:
“Sometime during Christmas morning while making his coffee, our dear friend and guitar hero Tony Rice passed from this life and made his swift journey to his heavenly home. It’s still quite a shock to the whole family. After talking with Tony’s wife Pam and their daughter India, they asked if I would make a statement on their behalf and give them some privacy to process during this difficult time. I was honored to help out. Tony is also survived by his brothers Wyatt and Ronnie, and all of you who loved his music and those who will continue to share it with others.
“Tony Rice was the single most influential acoustic guitar player in the last 50 years. Many if not all of the Bluegrass guitar players of today would say that they cut their teeth on Tony Rice’s music. He loved hearing the next generation players play his licks. I think that’s where he got most of his joy as a player. With many IBMA Awards and a Grammy Award, Tony was a gracious recipient of the International Bluegrass Music Association’s highest honor as an inductee into their Hall of Fame in 2013.
“Not only was Tony a brilliant guitar player but he was also one of the most stylistic lead vocalists in Bluegrass music history. When I joined the group The New South in 1974, I knew I’d found a singing soul mate with Tony. Our voices blended like brothers. In 1980, we recorded the album 'Skaggs And Rice' for Sugar Hill as a tribute to our duet heroes with just the simplicity of guitar, mandolin, and our voices. All these years later people tell me how much the purity of that record still touches their heart. That’s who Tony was, a singer from the heart.
“I will miss him as I’m sure all of you will. But where Tony is right now, he’s not missing us. He’s in the place that God has prepared for those who love Him and receive Him. Rest In Peace dear brother. Thank you for your great talent and the music that will continue to inspire more and more generations to come.”
Bluegrass great Tony Rice, the Grammy-winning acoustic guitar player cited as an influence by musicians as diverse as Jason Isbell and Steve Martin, passed away Christmas Day at age 69. On Saturday evening, the legendary Ricky Skaggs, a longtime friend and fellow International Bluegrass Music Hall of Famer, paid tribute to Rice in a statement released by his publicist:
“Sometime during Christmas morning while making his coffee, our dear friend and guitar hero Tony Rice passed from this life and made his swift journey to his heavenly home. It’s still quite a shock to the whole family. After talking with Tony’s wife Pam and their daughter India, they asked if I would make a statement on their behalf and give them some privacy to process during this difficult time. I was honored to help out. Tony is also survived by his brothers Wyatt and Ronnie, and all of you who loved his music and those who will continue to share it with others.
“Tony Rice was the single most influential acoustic guitar player in the last 50 years. Many if not all of the Bluegrass guitar players of today would say that they cut their teeth on Tony Rice’s music. He loved hearing the next generation players play his licks. I think that’s where he got most of his joy as a player. With many IBMA Awards and a Grammy Award, Tony was a gracious recipient of the International Bluegrass Music Association’s highest honor as an inductee into their Hall of Fame in 2013.
“Not only was Tony a brilliant guitar player but he was also one of the most stylistic lead vocalists in Bluegrass music history. When I joined the group The New South in 1974, I knew I’d found a singing soul mate with Tony. Our voices blended like brothers. In 1980, we recorded the album 'Skaggs And Rice' for Sugar Hill as a tribute to our duet heroes with just the simplicity of guitar, mandolin, and our voices. All these years later people tell me how much the purity of that record still touches their heart. That’s who Tony was, a singer from the heart.
“I will miss him as I’m sure all of you will. But where Tony is right now, he’s not missing us. He’s in the place that God has prepared for those who love Him and receive Him. Rest In Peace dear brother. Thank you for your great talent and the music that will continue to inspire more and more generations to come.”
Thanks for sharing. Not a huge fan of Bluegrass, but the wife drags me to Doyle Lawson and such every chance she gets.
Wow I was traveling all weekend so I just found out . Very sad . He was a true pioneer
Even if you’re not a fan of bluegrass checkout some of his stuff . In terms of a guitarist he is one of the greatest to do it . Some of his flat picking solo’s were every bit as technically stunning as a Van Halen solo . I would say he was on of the most influential acoustic guitarist ever .
Absolutely . I had to learn one of Tony’s solos for a cover gig . It was the old Bill Monroe Fiddle tune “Jerusalem Ridge”. Lol after about 5 minutes of trying to figure it out I called the guys and was like “No F$&@$&g way this is happening”. It was dumbfounding . The guy was a monster player
When saw this, my first thought was Tony Rice of Woodruff HS and ND fame.
Mine too, both were hero’s of mine growing up...but my Chapin Eagles took Woodruff’s version down twice.
RIP TR and thanks for the standard you set. We may never see it matched.
ABSOLUTELY in regards to Tony Rice being one of the best!!! That man was amazing with the sounds he got and the methods he used! JMHOFWIW, but as someone who seemed to have mastered the guitar many a moon ago, his influence is definitely out there!!!...
2003 Recorded Event of the Year
Tony Rice, guitarist who brought a touch of jazz to bluegrass, dies at 69
Why Tony Rice Was Bluegrass Music’s Great Experimentalist
Totally AWESOME sample of his techniques herein!!!...
Anyway, just thought I'd mention the above. God rest Tony Rice's soul!!
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You have good taste to dig those up, my friend. I've watched a lot of those old clips myself.
