An announcement about Bobby Osborne’s passing was made on Tuesday, June 27, 2023.
He unexpectedly departed at the age of 91 in a hospital in Gallatin, Tennessee, a suburb of Nashville.
Their contributions had a profound impact on the genre.
Confirmation of his death was provided by Dan Rogers, the Grand Ole Opry’s vice president and executive producer.
Bobby was a renowned singer and mandolin player.
He was part of a legendary bluegrass band with his younger brother, Sonny.
His exceptional talent earned him membership in prestigious associations such as the Grand Ole Opry and the International Bluegrass Music Hall of Fame.
Moreover, he served in the US Marine Corps, where he received a Purple Heart for his unwavering service and was honorably discharged in 1953.
Osborne worked as an instructor of bluegrass music at the Kentucky School of Bluegrass and Traditional Music in Hyden, Kentucky.
He specialized in educating and imparting his knowledge of bluegrass music.
In particular, he excelled in playing the mandolin, demonstrating his exceptional skill and passion for the instrument.
Summary of His Life
Bobby Van Osborne was born on December 7, 1931.
He was a respected American bluegrass musician and played a pivotal role as the co-founder of the Osborne Brothers alongside his brother Sonny Osborne.
Osborne released multiple musical works starting in the 1950s.
However, the recordings of the Osborne Brothers, including the songs “Rocky Top” and “Kentucky,” were officially designated as state songs for Tennessee and Kentucky.
He enlisted in the U.S. Marine Corps and actively served during the Korean War in 1951.
Bobby demonstrated his courage and sacrifice as he sustained injuries in combat and was honored with the Purple Heart for his bravery.
He had no prior exposure to bluegrass music until one fateful evening when he tuned into the Grand Ole Opry on WSM radio.
The enthralling sound of a banjo caught his attention, and he later discovered it was Earl Scruggs playing a captivating tune called “Cumberland Gap.”
This marked a turning point for Bobby, sparking his interest in this genre of music.
He had the opportunity to share the stage with Ernest Tubb on multiple occasions, showcasing his guitar talents and vocal abilities.
Inspired by Tubb, Bobby received valuable guidance to enhance his high tenor voice by taking up the mandolin.
Following his 2009 album “Bluegrass & Beyond,” Bobby Osborne released his highly anticipated solo album “ORIGINAL” in 2017.
This represented a significant gap between his previous and most recent album.
The creation of “ORIGINAL” was the outcome of a successful collaboration between Osborne and Peter Rowan, which subsequently led to another collaboration with Alison Brown.
The album featured an impressive lineup of talented bluegrass/Americana musicians and artists, including Vince Gill, Sam Bush, Jim Lauderdale, Sierra Hull, Claire Lynch, Del McCoury, Ronnie McCoury, Robbie McCoury, Stuart Duncan, and Rob Ickes.
Their collective contributions made “ORIGINAL” a remarkable and unforgettable musical endeavor.
In 1972, Bobby Osborne composed the song “Windy City,” which was later recorded by Alison Krauss for her LP titled “Windy City.”
Krauss collaborated with Suzanne and Sidney Cox on the recording and even performed the song on Jimmy Kimmel Live.
Throughout his career, Osborne continued to enthrall audiences with his performances alongside his band, the Rocky Top X-Press.
His dedication to music remained steadfast until his passing in 2023, leaving behind a remarkable legacy.
The Bobby Osborne obituary currently does not disclose the cause of his death, and specific details regarding his funeral services have not yet been made available to the public.
