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The Osborne Brothers

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Vocalists

The Resume

    Born in Roark, Kentucky
    Bobby Osborne (December 7, 1931-June 27, 2023), mandolin, guitar and lead vocals
    Sonny Osborne (October 29, 1937-October 24, 2021), banjo and harmony vocals
    Best known for the song ‘Rocky Top’ (1967)
    Also recorded the singles ‘Once More’ (1958), ‘Tennessee Hound Dog’ (1969), ‘Ruby, Are You Mad’ (1970), ‘Georgia Piney Woods’ (1971), ‘Midnight Flyer’ (1971), ‘Blue Heartache’ (1973), and ‘I Can Hear Kentucky Calling Me’ (1980)
    Sonny retired in 2005, Bobby continued as a solo artist

Why they might be annoying:

    They could be easily confused with the later Brothers Osborne.
    They caused controversy among bluegrass purists when they used electric instruments on records and in live shows.
    They never had a top ten hit on Billboard’s country singles chart, with their signature song, ‘Rocky Top,’ peaking at #33.

Why they might not be annoying:

    Bobby served with the Marines during the Korean War and earned a Purple Heart.
    They were known for their tight harmonies and virtuoso instrumentation.
    They joined the Grand Ole Opry (1964).
    They were the first bluegrass group to play at the White House (1973).
    ’Rocky Top’ was named state song of Tennessee (1982), although Tennessee has rather diluted the honor by choosing an additional nine state songs over the years.

Credit: C. Fishel


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Year In Review:

    In 2023, Out of 9 Votes: 55.56% Annoying