Ricky Skaggs Reacts to Passing of Bluegrass Great Tony Rice

Bluegrass legend Ricky Skaggs is mourning the loss of his fellow IBMA Bluegrass Music Hall of Fame member, Tony Rice. The awarded guitar virtuoso passed away yesterday, December 25, at age 69. Today, Skaggs released the following statement:
"Sometime during Christmas morning while making his coffee, our dear friend and guitar hero Tony Rice passed from this life and made his swift journey to his heavenly home. It's still quite a shock to the whole family. After talking with Tony's wife Pam and their daughter India, they asked if I would make a statement on their behalf and give them some privacy to process during this difficult time. I was honored to help out. Tony is also survived by his brothers Wyatt and Ronnie, and all of you who loved his music and those who will continue to share it with others.
Tony Rice was the single most influential acoustic guitar player in the last 50 years. Many if not all of the Bluegrass guitar players of today would say that they cut their teeth on Tony Rice's music. He loved hearing the next generation players play his licks. I think that's where he got most of his joy as a player. With many IBMA Awards and a Grammy Award, Tony was a gracious recipient of the International Bluegrass Music Association's highest honor as an inductee into their Hall of Fame in 2013.
Not only was Tony a brilliant guitar player but he was also one of the most stylistic lead vocalists in Bluegrass music history. When I joined the group The New South in 1974, I knew I'd found a singing soul mate with Tony. Our voices blended like brothers. In 1980, we recorded the album 'Skaggs And Rice' for Sugar Hill as a tribute to our duet heroes with just the simplicity of guitar, mandolin, and our voices. All these years later people tell me how much the purity of that record still touches their heart. That's who Tony was, a singer from the heart.
I will miss him as I'm sure all of you will. But where Tony is right now, he's not missing us. He's in the place that God has prepared for those who love Him and receive Him. Rest In Peace dear brother. Thank you for your great talent and the music that will continue to inspire more and more generations to come."
-Ricky Skaggs
Tags : Tony Rice Tony Rice death Tony Rice funeral ricky skaggs news ricky skaggs
Hot Trends
-
Crowder Undergoes Emergency Surgery Following Leg Injury
-
Recent Accident Inspires Forrest Frank’s New Single "Lemonade (feat. The Figs)"
-
Brandon Blackstock, Ex-Husband of Kelly Clarkson and Former Stepson of Reba McEntire, Dies at 48
-
Josh Wilson Announces NOEL Tour with JJ Weeks, Releases Inspiring New Music
-
Joel Smallbone To Star In Upcoming Historical Epic "Young Washington"
-
Mel Gibson’s Resurrection To Hit Theaters In Two Parts On Good Friday And Ascension Day
-
Wanda Bell Launches LadyBellRadio.com 24/7 Gospel Music Platform
-
Lecrae Speaks About How His New Song Deals with Opposition
-
Sherwin Gardner Earns Multiple Marlin Awards and Flashes Flow Masters Gospel Showcase
-
Author and Adventurer JT Mestdagh Shares Inspiring Journey in New Edition of "No Bad Days"
-
Tasha Cobbs Leonard’s TASHA Debuts at #1 Across Multiple Billboard Gospel Charts
-
Josiah Queen Releases New Single “Cloud and Fire”
-
Angelo & Veronica Announce New Album "Created For You"
-
Forrest Frank Turns Pain into Praise with New Single “Lemons Into Lemonade”
-
Samantha Ebert Unveils "No One knows," A Heartfelt Anthem for Those Facing Unseen Struggles
Most Popular
-
Crowder Undergoes Emergency Surgery Following Leg Injury
-
Recent Accident Inspires Forrest Frank’s New Single "Lemonade (feat. The Figs)"
-
Brandon Blackstock, Ex-Husband of Kelly Clarkson and Former Stepson of Reba McEntire, Dies at 48
-
Josh Wilson Announces NOEL Tour with JJ Weeks, Releases Inspiring New Music
-
Joel Smallbone To Star In Upcoming Historical Epic "Young Washington"
-
Mel Gibson’s Resurrection To Hit Theaters In Two Parts On Good Friday And Ascension Day
-
Wanda Bell Launches LadyBellRadio.com 24/7 Gospel Music Platform
-
Lecrae Speaks About How His New Song Deals with Opposition
-
Sherwin Gardner Earns Multiple Marlin Awards and Flashes Flow Masters Gospel Showcase
-
Author and Adventurer JT Mestdagh Shares Inspiring Journey in New Edition of "No Bad Days"
-
Tasha Cobbs Leonard’s TASHA Debuts at #1 Across Multiple Billboard Gospel Charts
-
Josiah Queen Releases New Single “Cloud and Fire”
-
Angelo & Veronica Announce New Album "Created For You"
-
Forrest Frank Turns Pain into Praise with New Single “Lemons Into Lemonade”
-
Samantha Ebert Unveils "No One knows," A Heartfelt Anthem for Those Facing Unseen Struggles