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Bobby Osborne, part of duo who first recorded ‘Rocky Top,’ dies at 91
By Keith Farner
Published:
Bobby Osborne, a legendary Bluegrass musician known for being a part of the duo who recorded “Rocky Top,” has died at 91.
The Grand Ole Opry confirmed his passing and added: “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.”
“Bobby Osborne was among the last of his generation of bluegrass pioneers,” Opry executive producer Dan Rogers said in a statement to The Tennessean Tuesday. “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.”
Osborne cut “Rocky Top” with his longtime brother and bandmate Sonny Osborne, but his mandolin playing and familiar tenor vocal stretched far beyond a Tennessee state song. Osborne inspired generations with his picking, and was known for songs such as “Pain In My Heart,” “Big Spike Hammer” and “I’ll Be All Right Tomorrow” to the bluegrass canon.
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. ❤️ pic.twitter.com/icpvcMv1om
— Grand Ole Opry (@opry) June 27, 2023
A former newspaper veteran, Keith Farner is a news manager for Saturday Down South.
