Bobby Osborne death: Bluegrass musician dies aged 91, cause of death & obituary

Another bluegrass legend has gone: After learning of the demise of this American music classic, 7-time Grammy Nominee and bluegrass superstar Bobby Osborne, the music community is in deep mourning.

He was a beloved member of the Bluegrass Music Hall of Fame & Museum as well as the Grand Ole Opry, and his voice was unsurpassed in bluegrass music.

Since the news of his demise spread online, many people have been saddened and are now anxious in learning what Bobby’s cause of death was. Read on to learn more details about his life and Bobby Osborne cause of death.

Bobby Osborne’s death: What happened to him?

A sad day for bluegrass music: Bobby was one of the most creative voices in the history of bluegrass, shattering boundaries of the genre and making the music more accessible than ever.

Bobby will always be recognized for his piercing high tenor, distinct mandolin style, and capacity to invent fresh bluegrass sounds. 

An icon of Bluegrass Music, Bobby was a songwriter, singer, and instrumentalist who made an indelible mark in that genre, and whose influence was felt in both Country and Rock music.

In partnership with his younger brother Sonny in the Osborne Brothers, he was a member of the Grand Ole Opry and the Bluegrass Hall of Fame.

His high and clear singing on such songs as “Rocky Top,” “Once More” and “Ruby” earned him a prominent place in both Country and Bluegrass music history. His loss is a major one for bluegrass fans around the globe.

American bluegrass artist Bobby Van Osborne passed away suddenly at the age of 91. Bluegrass Band published the following statement on their social media website to share the news of his passing.

The page wrote the following,

We are very sad to hear of the passing of Bobby Osborne. The Osborne Brothers have always been a major influence on us. His impact on bluegrass harmony and mandolin playing will forever be a part of bluegrass music. Our prayers and sympathy go out to his friends and family.

Read also, Jesse Mcreynolds bluegrass musician died peacefully

Bobby Osborne: Biography

Bluegrass musician Bobby Van Osborne was born in the United States on December 7, 1931. He is a member of the Grand Ole Opry and the International Bluegrass Music Hall of Fame.

He co-founded the Osborne Brothers with his brother Sonny Osborne. Osborne served in the US Marine Corps and was honorably discharged in 1953. He was awarded the Purple Heart for his bravery.

The mandolin is Osborne’s main instrument, and he teaches bluegrass music at the Kentucky School of Bluegrass and Traditional Music in Hyden, Kentucky.

Musical Career

Since the 1950s, Bobby Osborne has released numerous albums. The songs “Kentucky” and “Rocky Top” by the Osborne Brothers have been designated as the official state music of Tennessee and Kentucky, respectively.

Osborne served in the Korean War after being enlisted in the US Marine Corps in 1951. He was injured during the battle and was awarded the Purple Heart. “Bobby did not know bluegrass music.

One evening, he was tuning into WSM radio to hear the Grand Ole Opry. He was drawn to the banjo’s tone and later learned that Earl Scruggs was playing a song called “Cumberland Gap.”

He developed an interest in that genre of music after that. Bobby performed guitar and sang on numerous shows with Ernest Tubb. He should play the mandolin, Ernest Tubb advised, to go with his high tenor voice.

Bobby followed the advice, and it remained one of his key tools for the remainder of his professional life. Osborne released his first solo album since 2009’s Bluegrass & Beyond in 2017, titled ORIGINAL.

Osborne’s cooperation with Peter Rowan resulted in the album, which inspired him to work with Alison Brown once more.

Numerous bluegrass/Americana musicians and artists, such as Vince Gill, Sam Bush, Jim Lauderdale, Sierra Hull, Claire Lynch, Del McCoury, Ronnie McCoury, Robbie McCoury, Stuart Duncan, and Rob Ickes, are included on the album.

In 1972, he also wrote the song “Windy City,” which was later covered by Alison Krauss for her album of the same name.

Sidney Cox sang the song on Jimmy Kimmel Live after Krauss and Suzanne recorded it. Osborne is still playing music with his band, the Rocky Top X-Press, as of 2022.

Bobby Osborne cause of death

The Osborne Brothers’ Bobby Osborne passed away today. He was the last one of the Golden Age of Bluegrass. They were boundary-pushers, trend-setters, and rock stars.

They could have released their music today and it would still rank among the best songs ever played. He is a true pioneer in bluegrass and country music. His amazing voice and talent will always be remembered.

Bluegrass Music has lost most of the acts that made the music what it is today. Please keep the family of Bobby Osborne in your thoughts & prayers. The actual cause of Bobby’s passing has not yet been disclosed.

As soon as new details become available, we’ll update this article. Moreover, the family’s privacy must be respected even though attempts are being made to compile pertinent information and promptly deliver the most recent updates.

Tribute paid by the well-known musicians 

Logan Smith paid tribute to Bobby Osborne,

I was privileged to get to meet Bobby Osborne a few years back at the Grand Ole Opry and he was such a nice guy. His music, stories, and his version of “Rocky Top” will live on for generations to come. My thoughts and prayers go out to his family and friends.

Donna Ulisse  Bluegrass singer-songwriter wrote,

Ahhh, another great one is gone. My heart feels heavy with the news that Bobby Osborne is not physically on this earth anymore …but the beauty of his talented legacy will live through the ages. Godspeed Bobby! The angels sure gained a wonderful voice!!!

Natalie Tomlinson a musician wrote a tribute,

Very saddened to hear of the passing of the legendary Bobby Osborne. He has been one of my favorites ever since I was little, and I was very lucky to have had him as a music teacher and to call him a friend for several years. There’ll never be another like him! I’ll always be grateful for all the music and fun stories. 

Lincoln Hensley Banjo player for The Tennessee Bluegrass Band wrote,

RIP Bobby Osborne. At 91 years old you were the only one that could do what you did, and you knew it. You carried yourself with class and integrity. You and your brother took Blue Grass music to places it had never been before, and some that it hasn’t been back since! I thank God for your music, friendship, and the memories I got to make with you. You were the best vocalist I will ever have the privilege of standing beside. 

Obituary

Saying goodbye is often difficult, and it can be hard to find the words to express how you feel about a loved one who has passed.

We are sorry to announce the demise news of a Multi-talented musician and good soul here. Bobby Osborne was such a Sweet, very professional, and gifted artist who will be fondly remembered by so many. Bobby Osborne took his final breath on June 27, 2023.

Rest in peace, Bobby Osborne. You will be missed but never forgotten. He was surrounded by loved ones who will continue to honor his legacy by living their lives to the fullest.

Funeral arrangements and services will be announced later by his family members and we will update the details soon.

Please feel free to pay respects to Bobby Osborne by leaving a note below or by sharing your memories of him.

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