Bluegrass Icon Bobby Osborne Passes at 91
Bobby Osborne, the influential mandolin player and singer who co-led the groundbreaking bluegrass band, the Osborne Brothers, has passed away at the age of 91. The band defied convention by incorporating drums, electric bass, pedal steel guitar, and string sections into their music, as well as being the first to record with twin banjos and amplify their instruments with electric pickups. They also introduced three-part vocal harmonies, with Bobby's high-pitched lead voice above the others, creating their signature sound. Despite facing criticism from traditional bluegrass fans, the Osbornes achieved success and were named vocal group of the year by the Country Music Association in 1971. Bobby Osborne's innovative mandolin playing expanded the instrument's vocabulary beyond the established style of Bill Monroe.