Bobby Osborne Obituary, Death – Weare sudden to announce the death of Bobby Osborne. “This has been a difficult week for our bluegrass family, with the passing of Jesse McReynolds and now our dearly departed Bobby Osborne,” said a family member. The Osborne Brothers were, without a doubt, the most talented harmony singers in the annals of bluegrass music, in my opinion. They put forth the effort, and the result was a resounding victory. They inspired a desire in all of us to improve as singers. The brothers came up with a new approach so that Bobby could sing his lead where he wanted it, and brother Sonny and one more harmony singer could do two parts below Bobby’s lead.
Bobby’s voice has an exceptionally high pitch, so the brothers had to work around it. Then there were songs in which Bobby would sing lead during the verse, then swap to tenor during the chorus, and Sonny would take the lead during those tunes. They had numerous unique and interesting arrangements of harmony, which differentiated them from everyone else in the bluegrass and country music scenes. Bobby was not only an incredible singer, but he was also an additional link in the chain of bluegrass mandolin players. He was wonderful and a true artist in his craft.
Bobby, you and Sonny owe each and every one of us a debt of appreciation for providing us with a goal to work toward in the music that we adore so much. Thank you.” I’m sure everyone already knows the sad news of dad’s passing on 6/27. Dad was doing great right up to the very end, doing everything he loved, which included nearly fifty-nine years at the Grand Ole Opry as often as he could up until June 17th when he had to cancel because he wasn’t feeling just quite up to his standards. Unexpectedly he passed Tuesday morning with family around him.
75 years of Bluegrass history was made from 1949 until 2023 working with the Lonesome Pine Fiddlers, the Stanley Brothers, as the Osborne Brothers with Sonny, with his own band the Rocky Top X-Press, and passing it on to future generations at the Kentucky School of Bluegrass & Traditional Music. Funeral details: Held at Crestview Funeral home in Gallatin, TN Visitation is 12:00pm – 7:00pm Wednesday July 5th, Service is 10:00am Thursday July 6th On behalf of mom, the family, the Rocky Top X-Press, and myself: thanks to everyone for the love and support
