Bluegrass legend Earl Scruggs dies at age 88

AP - google hosted ^ | 28 March 2012 | Chris Talbott

[smokingfrog]

NASHVILLE, Tenn. (AP) — Bluegrass legend and banjo pioneer Earl Scruggs, who teamed helped profoundly change country music with Bill Monroe and later with guitarist Lester Flatt, has died. He was 88.

Scruggs' son Gary said his father passed away Wednesday morning at a Nashville, Tenn., hospital. Gary Scruggs said his father died of natural causes.

The elder Scruggs was an innovator who pioneered modern banjo sound. His use of three fingers rather than the clawhammer style elevated the banjo from a part of the rhythm section — or a comedian's prop — to a lead instrument.

[smokingfrog]

RIP

http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=eCBdiutb-50

[Red_Devil 232]

Earl Scruggs And Lester Flatt - Cripple Creek

[Clara Lou]

Oh, my goodness. I did not know Earl Scruggs existed until he and Lester Flatts appeared on the “Beverly Hillbillys.”

I’m old.

[bert]

Lester and Earl.......

I interviewed them for the NC State Technician back in the day

[the invisib1e hand]

RIP (Rock In Peace!)

[I Drive Too Fast]

Amazing talent. The Beverly Hillbillies theme was performed by the duo of Lester Flatt & Earl Scruggs.

[montanajoe]

Damn..

I really enjoy his music. RIP

[smokingfrog]

Ballard of Jed Clampett

[tet68]

Man, Earl is playing to the heavely choir now.
What can you say, so long Mr. Scruggs it was
a pleasure to hear your fine music.

Just look at the changes in country music he
witnessed!

[the invisib1e hand]

I interviewed them for the NC State Technician back in the day

What did they say?

[Southside_Chicago_Republican]

Rest in peace.

[hoosiermama]

Our boys will be grieving tonight.

[smokingfrog]

The Foggy Mountain Boys used to be on the Beverly Hillbillies purty regular, like.

[mylife]

Major bummer. He was one of the best.

Doc Watson & Earl Scruggs

[Krankor]

When I was a kid, I always thought those two women who played their wives on the Beverly Hillbillies really were their wives in real life.

[Cboldt]

-- I did not know Earl Scruggs existed until he and Lester Flatts appeared on the "Beverly Hillbillys." --

A classic episode!

[Jimmy Valentine]

If you go on you tube there is a great video of Earl playing "Sally Gooden" with the Chieftains. Best ever.

RIP Earl, you were the best.

[Revolting cat!]

I once thought that Flatts and Scruggs were English words I hadn’t yet learned!

[smokingfrog]

Flatt & Scruggs were quite the BG duo, back in the day,

I wonder how they decided who got top billing?