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Ask Sonny Anything… tell us about Kenny Ingram

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Ask Sonny Anything is a recurring feature where our readers pose questions to the great Sonny Osborne, one half of the iconic Osborne Brothers who redefined bluegrass music in the 1960s, and noted banjo maven and collector of fine prewar instruments. Everyone is encouraged to pose queries of your own each week in the comments, about his history in the music, his wealth of banjo knowledge, or regarding any life advice you might be needing.

Sonny, If you don’t mind, please a few words and thoughts about Kenny Ingram. He was such a wonderful guy and I am sure you have some good thoughts to share. Thanks Chief.

– STLIL

Brother STLIL I would be more than happy to share with you all that I know about Kenny Ingram.

I met him in 1973, I don’t rightly remember the actual place but in one of the many hours we shared talking, and discussing “things” he told me exactly where it was but 50 years has slipped past and I have forgotten. I seem to remember Georgia though. I believe he had just started with Lester Flatt where he remained until Flatt’s passing.

We talked about banjo playing… right hands in particular. I had been around the block a few more times than Kenny, and in the beginning he was full of questions, like how did you do this, why did you do this, when do you do this. It went on like this for a couple years and Kenneth kept gaining, growing in confidence when already he had the fastest right hand I had ever seen. Boy could play some kinda fast for sure. But at the same time he was growing into a good man, and making himself into the great banjo player that we remember.

The last time I saw Kenny was one year ago last Sunday I believe. You have to know this part of the story too. The past few times Kenny came to lunch his actions and attitude were changing. But, I need to mention that he was probably the most private person I ever knew. He worked the last 10 years with Larry Stephenson. Larry and I discussed Kenny’s health more than once. He was changing right before us. We kept asking him if he was OK, and he kept assuring that he was, but dammit we could see.

After the last time we saw him, I tried to talk to Kenny, Larry, and Lincoln also tried. But like me, they got no response. Dammit, maybe I should have tried harder but he was so private that I didn’t want to invade his world, whatever it might be. We live with regrets, that will be one of mine.

s

—–

Hey Sonny, so glad to see you’re still active in the bluegrass world. I so enjoyed the times I spent watching your group and many others at the Snuffy Jenkins festival at Cliffside, NC, and wondered if you had a special memory from those appearances?

– Lane K.

Lane… come right on in. Your question about the Snuffy Jenkins festival brings back a couple of memories. If I’m thinking of the right place, it’s near Earl’s home. Between shows we had several hours and I went to Earl’s house, where he lived as a kid. Where he learned to play a little bit. I got to meet Junie for the first time. Got to meet Snuffy Jenkins for the first time, and got to see and hold his RB4. I got to sit on the porch where Earl told me several years later, that’s where he learned to play Reubin the right way, and Junie heard it for the first time. It actually got a reaction out of Junie and Earl said: “I knew I had something right there!”

I sat on that porch. I SAT ON THAT PORCH, FOLKS. WHERE “THE MAN” STARTED IT ALL. And I believe it because HE told me where it was. As I’ve said many times before. Me and Brother Bobby went on one hellacious ride together.
s

—–

Hi Sonny, Stan here…occasionally known as Jebbh Mixus from The Mixus Brothers (which we named as an homage to you two)…anyhoo, I have three questions for you as you were so kind to answer one for me about singing a few months ago, and now I’m being selfish… first one is: I was listening to the song you did called One Tear and noticed that the internet’s said it was written by someone named Judy Osborne… did that happen to be any relation to you?

Secondly, I have noticed that the YouTube has many live recordings of ya’ll, and in many of them there are moments during and between songs where I say you were absolutely funny as all get out with your comments and shenanigans… do you think having fun on stage is and was one of the most important parts of having as long of a career as you did??

Lastly, and I appreciate your patience with me, when you toured Sweden and recorded one of your shows there for the public consumption that is now on YouTube, you of course played Ruby but I must say that your solo during that song was one of the most god forsaken amazing displays of banjo playing in the history of mankind… in the video you, after the solo, you shook your head and it seemed like you were playing like a man possessed. Do you remember it and do you think you can pinpoint that period or any period as having the best command of the neck and your creative mind for soloing?? Even if you answer even one of these questions or none, I am much obliged to you for letting us delve into your psyche on playing and unabashed memories of your life so, thank you!

– Stan

Stan…good questions. Thank you. First one…Judy is my wife of 62 years. She wrote this poem while she was in the 8th grade. And I’ll let her tell you in her own words.

Sonny was looking for new songs to record. I showed him a poem I had written, he put it to music and Voila!

They began rehearsing the next day at Bobby’s and when they got around to working on One Tear, Sonny called me and asked if I could write another verse. Words came to me as fast as I could write them down. I called him back in just a few minutes.

We ran over it a time or two, and the song came to life. It’s been recorded a dozen times or more. Very good bluegrass tune.

You asked about Sweden and the recordings made of our Stockholm show. I’ve been asked many times when I play certain things am I playing what I have planned to play or does it just happen. It’s just a thing that goes as it goes. I know the fingerboard pretty well so I don’t get lost and from there it just happens.

I’ve heard some things back and wonder what I was thinking, to do stupid things like that. Our shenanigans, as you called it, was not part of our plan but it did come in handy at times. We watched many bluegrass bands through the years and they, for the most part, were dead serious on stage and seemed as though their faces would break if they were to smile. We decided to have a good time and try to see that our audience laughed along with us.
s

—–

Mr. Osborne, Joe Medford was one of the less-heralded first generation bluegrass banjoists, in spite of his ability. He recorded with Mac Wiseman in the early 1950s. Did you ever cross paths with him?

– Bzrdhd

Bzrdhd…Sorry to say I never had the opportunity to meet Joe. Funny thing about him. When he recorded the several tunes with Mac and the several with Charlie Monroe, you would swear at certain points it was Earl, but I heard some other things he did and they were not so… I should say AS good. Wrong phrasing, conflicting background notes. Almost like it was some other guy playing. Strange. I talked with Mac several times about Joe, as to the kind of guy he was, etc. This probably won’t sit to well with some, but Mac said Joe had a tendency to over indulge in adult beverages so from personal experience this would cloud one’s vision…so, maybe that’s the answer.

Great tone out of an RB100..he had that “THING” didn’t he? YES HE DID.
s

—–

Sonny, in my work archiving the decades of recordings and videos my mother left behind, I ran across an Osborne’s set at the Festival of the Bluegrass. On a break between songs, Bobby can be heard off mic giving you a string of jabs about “I don’t know how you ever think you are going to keep a banjo that cheap in tune.” I’m wondering if there is more to that story. This would have been around 1985.

Charles C.

Charles… welcome my brother… Butch Robins and I had just paid $5000 for our banjos… the highest price ever for that time. Butch bought one of the two best RB4 style banjos ever, and I think I got the finest, best sounding banjo Gibson ever made. It is a 1934 flat head Granada original 5 string. The other RB4 that is that good is owned by Dana Cupp. I rarely tune on stage with the exception when KRAKO show his a–! Then there is no tuning.

So Bobby, knowing how much I paid and realizing I did nothing during that show but tune, made his infamous statement. “I don’t know how you ever think you are going to keep a banjo that cheap in tune!”
s

If you have something you would like to ask Sonny, be sure to post it in the comments below, or send it to us directly.

Earl Scruggs mural painted in downtown Shelby, NC

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Shelby, NC, the birthplace of Earl Scruggs and the home of the Earl Scruggs Center, has set aside funding for murals of both Scruggs and country legend Don Gibson, also a hometown boy.

Destination Cleveland County and Uptown Shelby Association announced the project today, along with news of the completion of the Scruggs portrait, which emblazons the pedestrian alley side of Newgrass Brewing Company, just one block from the Earl Scruggs Center. Patrons of the brewery will sit at outdoor dining tables alongside the mural, which is taken from one of the most iconic photos taken of Earl as a young man when he first joined the Blue Grass Boys.

Eagle-eyed banjo aficionados will note that he is playing a style 11 banjo, before he acquired the Hearts & Flowers Granada so commonly associated with him during his time with Flatt & Scruggs.

Work on the Gibson mural is set to begin soon. It will be located on the building that houses Miss Molly’s Boutique, which was the one-time residence of Don’s wife, Mrs. Bobbi Gibson.

Scott Nurkin of The Mural Shop in Chapel Hill, NC, is the painter for both projects, as a part of the North Carolina Musician Murals Project. He says that it gives him great pride to be able to remember them in this way.

“Earl and Don are two of the biggest names in country and bluegrass music, and given their undeniable talent and accomplishments, they had to be a part of the NCMMP. The work of the performers included in the project covers an immense spectrum of musical genres and makes me proud to call North Carolina my home. My hope is that these murals recognize the accomplishments of these incredible musicians as well as spark interest and curiosity.”

Nurkin is currently completing a mural of John Coltrane in his birthplace of Hamlet, NC.

So when visiting Shelby to see the Earl Scruggs Center, be sure to visit Newgrass Brewing and pay your respect to the great Earl Scruggs.

Carolina Blue adds Hawg Wild BBQ as a sponsor

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In what may be the most perfect pairing since Martha White sponsored Flatt & Scruggs, Carolina Blue has announced that they have taken on the sponsorship of Hawg Wild BBQ in Brevard, NC.

The popular restaurant has operated at the entrance of the Pisgah National Forest, serving up the smoked meats for locals and tourists alike since 1997. They are big bluegrass music fans who have known the band for some time.

Guitarist and co-founder Bobby Powell says that this has been a regular stop for them for the past ten years, and that owners Don and Sandy Brown have become friends.

“We’ve all eaten at Hawg Wild BBQ over the years and Don and Sandy have always been so kind to us. The news of this sponsorship comes at absolutely the perfect time as most of our shows have canceled throughout the summer. The online concerts have been a great way for us to keep our playing chops up, stay connected with our fans, and make a few bucks through donations to help sustain the band until we can get back out on the road. Don and Sandy are a blessing to us and their BBQ is amazing. It’s going to be really easy to sing about a place we already love!”

Powell and his co-founder Timmy Jones are at work now creating a jingle for Hawg Wild that they will premiere on their June 22 live stream Facebook concert. The whole region has embraced Carolina Blue as hometown heroes, and these concerts are quite popular in the area, as well as throughout the Facebook community.

Don Brown said that it was a perfect way for them to give something back after appreciating their music for years.

“Carolina Blue is homegrown and we’ve worked with them over the years at different catering events. We’ve always enjoyed their music and I’ve even had the opportunity to take some banjo lessons from James McDowell. During this pandemic, I started thinking of ways that we could all help each other. Sandy and I decided to sponsor Carolina Blue as part of our commitment to support community schools, groups, or organizations that promote education, good character, and our traditional style of music from this part of the country.”

Well done all! If you find yourself in Brevard, NC, be sure to visit Hawg Wild BBQ and git ya’ some.

IBMA announces finalists for 2020 Songwriter Showcase

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The IBMA Songwriter Showcase Selection Committee has announced the finalists for the Songwriter Showcase, to be held in late September during their 2020 World of Bluegrass convention.

Writers are chosen for this honor each year when the committee considers submissions from all over the world. These finalists will be able to perform their songs before the attendees at the showcase, which include top artists and producers from across the bluegrass and acoustic music spectrum.

Here are the chosen songwriters, who represent a wide range of ages and backgrounds within the bluegrass realm.

  • Aaron Bibelhauser & Mike Finders – Time In and Out
  • Beth Lee – Dreams Are Cheap in Tinseltown
  • Forrest O’Connor – It Never Ends
  • Heather Kenney – Whole Life of You
  • Jaelee Roberts – One’s Real Life
  • Jeff Hovis – This Old Man’s Tools
  • Johnny Williams – Sailor’s Regret
  • Mark Kilianski – Old Buffalo
  • Nick Chandler – Big Bill Johnson
  • Theo MacMillan – Burn Down the Sun

There is an entire track during World of Bluegrass dedicated to the craft of songwriting, bearing the fairly obvious name, the Songwriter Track. It includes about a half dozen events over the three days specifically for writers to meet each other, exchange ideas, and pitch songs to the wider professional community.

At this point, the World of Bluegrass and its attendant shows are still scheduled for September 29 through October 3 in Raleigh, NC. The IBMA has yet to announce a cancellation, though the Governor of North Carolina has not yet released restrictions that prevent gatherings of this kind. Intense deliberations are currently underway to be ready to convert to an all-virtual conference should these restraints not be lifted.

Many conventions in the state have already postponed or moved their events due to the uncertainty, and the IBMA will likewise need to make a go/no go decision quite soon.

We will certainly let everyone know what the call is made.

Overlook Farm Fiddler’s Convention in August, presented by Clay Jones

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There’s really nothing special about missing outdoor events this summer. All over the world, popular gatherings have been cancelled for 2020, with even a few next year already announcing postponements.

But it’s doubtful that anyone is grieving harder than those who regularly attend the various contests and fiddlers conventions held across the Appalachian region every year. Long running events like the Old Fiddlers Convention in Galax, VA have been cancelled, along with similar ones in Sparta and Mt Airy, NC, leaving annual visitors who plan their vacations around them each year feeling mighty blue.

So Clay Jones, notorious North Carolina guitar slinger and outsized bluegrass personality has decided to do something about it. In just a few weeks’ time, he has organized what he is calling the 1st Annual Overlook Farm Fiddlers Convention, set to run the same week in August as the Galax convention would have been held.

He tells us that it was actually his girlfriend who was the impetus for the creation of this new event.

“I was talking with my girlfriend, Donese Helms, who was just distraught over Galax being cancelled. She goes every year, and looks forward to it for months as soon as the weather warms up. So we basically looked at each other and thought, why don’t we do one here?”

Here being Overlook Farm, a 100 acre horse ranch in Stoneville, NC where he is currently working tending horses and cutting fields. So he spoke with the owner, Abby Jones (no relation), and she loved the idea right away. It won’t be high tech, but he says it will serve as a place where people can get together and pick, something most grassers are feeling after months of social isolation and COVID-19 restrictions.

The Convention will run August 4 – 8, and registration will be on site only, first come, first served. Rough and RV camping will be offered, but no hookups as they don’t have time to bring that all in. Campers are welcome to bring and use generators, and there is a full service campground just across the street. 

Jones offers tremendous credit to the farm’s owner, an experienced horsewoman who used to train the Lippizzaner Stallions for their show in Las Vegas.

“Abby has really opened up her heart, as she understands that people are dying to pick and get together.

We know that some people are still cautious about getting together in groups, and we respect everyone’s decision – no judgement. But I also respect those who just want to get out there and pick like we used to as a kid.

And since this is private property, if the governor doesn’t approve we just hold a peaceful music protest.”

Some of Clay’s enthusiasm to move ahead with this surely comes as a result of a recent near death experience. He tells us that he has recovered nicely from triple bypass surgery just a few weeks ago.

“I was working in the Texas oilfields over the winter, and suffered a heart attack while I was coming back. I had been driving about 18 hours and thought I was just really tired. When I filled up with gas in Birmingham, two cops who were at the next pump asked me if I was OK. They said I was sweating a lot and it was really cold, and they wanted to call the paramedics to check me out before I headed back out.

Once they got there, they told me I was having a heart attack and took me straight to the hospital. The doctor said I had 100% blockage in one artery, 80% in another, and 70% in another. He told me that I would have died on the road if they hadn’t brought me right in.

I feel awesome now. It was tough after the surgery but feel like I’m 20 years old again. I Feel so much better, and know that I’m fortunate to be alive.”

Overlook Farm Fiddlers Convention will accept competitors in the usual competition categories for both bluegrass and old time music, but the actual contest won’t be broken into certain times. Anyone with a contestant registration can come up anytime over the weekend and compete, regardless of whether it is a band or an individual, on any instrument.

Tickets will be sold at the gate – $40 for a contestant ticket, $40 for the full week, and $100 for RV camping. Each contestant will receive their fee back after they play on stage. Clay is especially excited about launching the Clay Jones Flatpicking Guitar Contest, where the winner will receive a title belt just like the wrestlers do.

Jones invites everyone to come on out the first week of August. The gates will open on Tuesday morning, August 4, with youth competitions on Thursday and regular adult competitions on Friday. He says that there is a golf course across the street, and the Dan River park is only a short distance away. They will not be able to allow 4-wheelers or dirt bikes on the farm, or glass containers.

“We want to make this a low key and very enjoyable convention, like I remember as a kid. And electric bass is OK!”

More details can be found on their Facebook page, where you can contact Jones for additional details.

Willow Oak Bluegrass Festival to be held in June as scheduled

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If you are tired of being cooped up inside, and can’t wait to hear some live music, here’s a festival coming up next month that will be held as scheduled.

The Willow Oak Bluegrass Festival in Roxboro, NC is on for June 18-20. Hosted by Lorraine Jordan & Carolina Road, it promises all the great music, good times, and family atmosphere you have been missing since the shutdown began. Other entertainers include Russell Moore & IIIrd Tyme Out, Sideline, Carolina Blue, The Malpass Brothers, and many more. Believe me, they are just as excited about getting back on stage as you are to get to see them!

Willow Oak Park has a jam tent set up 24/7, with plenty of other activities for non-pickers. A stocked fishing pond can be accessed on site, and hot showers are available in the park.

Full details on tickets and camping/hookups can be found online.

Let’s hope to hear of many more festivals that are going ahead this season after learning of all the cancellations.

IBMA announces first round of showcase artists for World of Bluegrass 2020

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The International Bluegrass Music Association has announced the first round of artists invited to showcase as part of the Bluegrass Ramble during the 2020 World of Bluegrass convention in Raleigh, NC.

The annual convention, which the organization calls “the biggest week in bluegrass,” involves a three day business meeting followed by the annual International Bluegrass Music Awards show, and then a two day festival held in downtown Raleigh.

Members of the wider bluegrass community look forward to this week every year, as an opportunity to get together, hear great music, take care of business, and make plans for the future. With 2020 getting off to such a rough start for performers and event producers, IBMA Executive Director Paul Schiminger knows how much being able to assemble in Raleigh means to all of us.

“We believe this year’s IBMA World of Bluegrass will be more important for our industry than ever, and the IBMA team is working hard (from home, of course!) to produce an event that will be a key part of our industry’s recovery effort. The events remain as scheduled as we build plans for live and/or virtual formats, depending on what is allowed and prudent for the health of our community.”

As part of this celebratory event The Bluegrass Ramble, which invites promising artists and acts to perform before the assembled industry professionals, is a major highlight of the week. Showcase invitees are chosen from among dozens who submit from all over the world for this prestigious honor, and can be the spark that ignites a successful career in many cases.

Acts are selected based on one of two criteria: newer artists who are prepared to make a big jump forward, and established acts who have made a considerable change in their personnel or approach.

The 2020 Bluegrass Ramble invitees are:

Each invited showcase act will be given at least two opportunities to perform during World of Bluegrass, which runs from September 29 through October 3. Full details about the event and its various sub-events can be found online.

Nu-Blu Offers free DVD as a gesture during COVID quarantine

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The Coronavirus has affected everyone’s lives and livelihoods. One profession hit hard during the stay-at-home orders, of course, is entertainment. No one understands this more than Nu-Blu, a full-time touring bluegrass band based out of Siler City, NC. They have a special free offer during the lockdown to keep music fans entertained.

“Our plan is to resume touring as soon as things open back up. But for now, we wanted to find a way to bring music right into people’s homes. We’ve decided to offer our DVD, The Stories We Can Tell, for free! You can get all the music, interviews, and track by track, all for free,” shared Carolyn Routh of Nu-Blu.

Order online at www.nu-blu.com. Use the code: freedvd.

“We’ve all been locked in just like you guys, and it’s getting a little crazy. We sure are missing being out on the road playing for everyone, and we thought, hey, why not just do something that could bring our show into people’s homes! So we are giving away a copy of our DVD to anyone that wants one. We hope to see you all and get back out on the road real soon!”

The vocalist and bass player elaborated…

“COVID-19 has been a hard hit for the band. We were in California when everything started shutting down. The dates we had left to play while on the West Coast were all canceled within a period of two days.”

“We finished shooting a video in the California desert for our new single, Horse Thieves and Moonshiners, and started back home to North Carolina. Soon after, our full tour schedule for the next few months started to melt away. All of our shows through the end of June have been canceled/rescheduled, many not until next year.”

So what does this mean for the working band? 

“Unfortunately, we are still out of work at the moment. This makes things especially hard because Nu-Blu is all of our full time jobs. I always tell people, ‘If we don’t play, we don’t eat.’ That somehow doesn’t seem as funny right now.”

Carolyn’s husband, Daniel, is guitarist and vocalist in Nu-Blu. Other members of the band are Justin Harrison, mandolinist and fiddler, from Beargrass, NC, and Austin Hefflefinger, banjoist and vocalist, from Rimersburg, PA.

For almost two decades, Nu-Blu has been making remarkable strides in the music industry.

Carolyn recalled…

“Now at almost 17 years later, we have released 7 albums, 5 of which have landed in the Billboard Top 10 chart, and the DVD. We’ve had our music featured on CBS Sunday Morning, performed live on Fox, Imus in the Morning, the Huckabee show (yes, the former Arkansas governor played bass with us), and countless regional and local TV and radio networks.  

“We’ve done collaborations with the legendary Rock and Roll Hall of Famer, Sam Moore (from Sam and Dave), the original ‘soul man’ himself. We’ve brought in Grammy winners, Rhonda Vincent and Jimmy Fortune (of the Staler Brothers), for duets on songs. It’s amazing how each project lends itself to opening up another door or another rung up the ladder. 

“Most recently, we were asked to become the full time hosts of TV’s Bluegrass Ridge show! Not in a million years, did we ever think we would get an opportunity like this! The show is syndicated weekly and we host 5-6 bluegrass music videos, along with an interview with a special guest artist or personality. The show has grown so much since we started hosting in August of 2018. Now we are in over 250 million homes each week! The greatest thing is that not only are people seeing us, but more importantly, they are seeing bluegrass and we are presenting so many other new artists and getting them in front of all those new fans!” 

Bluegrass Ridge can be viewed online at www.bluegrassridgetv.com.

Though their professional lives have been greatly affected, the Rouths retain a positive attitude and stay focused.

“Despite everything else, it has been nice to stay still and just breathe. Our lives are usually so hectic that it’s hard to get things done at home. Business consumes a lot of time, sometimes more time than you actually have to allot. Being on stage is the fun part. The hard work happens behind the scenes.”

Even with shows canceled, the band still has several projects in the works.

“We’re taking time to put the final touches on our new CD (slated to release later this summer) and just launched our new single. During this time that everyone is shut in due to COVID-19, we think this is the perfect song to release. It’s all about where you came from and your family stories. What a perfect time to learn those great family stories and learn more about your history. Who knows, there just might be a horse thief or moonshiner (in your family)!  

We’re also working on new music and revisiting our past catalog to spice up our shows which has been channeling our creative energy. It’s always fun to work on music and it’s a great stress relief.”

Nu-Blu has also been developing an on-line livestream website.

“We’ve not been sitting idle at home, in fact, just the opposite. We have focused on launching a brand new subscription site called Nu-Blu LIVE. Each month we will host livestream concerts, upload lessons for different instruments, and host live Q and A’s with different band members. Folks can subscribe on our website for only $2.99 at www.nu-blu.com/live.”

The performer does admit to disappointments while locked down.

“We all miss being on the road. When you are accustomed to being out over two hundred days a year, it’s hard to be grounded for an extended period of time. There are so many friends we miss getting to see, and lots of places we look forward to going, but that’s not happening right now. Playing music and traveling full time is very addicting, and we are all having withdrawals. We are also missing each other as well. Nu-Blu is family. We are missing making music together and just hanging out.”

Carolyn concluded by offering words of encouragement.

“It’s a frightening virus and it’s very real. I have heard from friends that know someone who has been infected. The best word to describe it is ‘beast’. We continue to pray that healing will soon come for all. I feel we all need to try and find positive ways to use our time. It’s important to not let yourself lapse into a bubble. Find new ways to keep yourself relevant.”  

Tom Reeves passes

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Bluegrass lovers in northern Maryland and southern Pennsylvania are without one of their favorites, as Tom Reeves passed away at his home in Aberdeen, MD on April 8, 2020. He was 86 years of age.

Born Thomas Earl Reeves in 1934, he was a native of Sparta, NC where his father, Kilby, was a well known old time fiddler. Tom’s first cousin and next door neighbor as a child was Del Reeves, who went on to have a very successful run in country music during the 1960s.

Though never a famous touring musician, Tom played his fiddle every chance he got, between a long career working at the Bata Shoe Factory in Belcamp, MD, and a second career in the Harford County Public School system after retiring from the factory.

Reeves was a member of several bluegrass groups in and around Aberdeen, and spent the past ten years with The Barn Owls, who performed every Friday night at Pop’s Place near Havre De Grace. He played an energetic style of bluegrass fiddle, which always brought out the dancers on fiddle tunes.

He also enjoyed the greatest thrill any musician can achieve, that of seeing his son, Tommy, embrace music as well. This third generation of bluegrass pickin’ Reeveses is a member of Bluetrain, where he plays bass and sings lead and harmony vocals. Tommy’s dad was always proud to see his son on stage at venues in their region.

Tommy also tells of his dad taking them all out to see cousin Del at Sunset Park in Chester County, PA, one of the more iconic venues for bluegrass and country artists on the east coast circuit from the 1940s into the mid ’90s. It was designated as a Pennsylvania landmark in 2018 by the state’s Historical & Museum Commission.

Both family and friends mourn the passing of this life long fiddler, family man, and church member.

R.I.P., Tom Reeves.

Snowgoons – ItÂS A Queens Thing (feat. Infamous Mobb) (Goon Bap Album)

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Yeah Yeah, Yeah, grab the pump pump (yeah)
It’s on we ’bout to thump thump

[NOYD verse]
Well if I jump I feel bad luck upon me
Make me grab my pump and call my Brook-Lyn army
We buy QB to NC
Niggas don’t want it
Debate to the G’s and the west all on it
We all flaunt it guns & chicks
And all my duns rhyme holding their dicks
With a nine on their side from hip to hip
You know the mobb niggas is sick and stay bent
Twist it get right, me and my guns is tight
And we both heated when the funds ain’t right
Because we know someone getting stuck tonight
Before I crash I’m a fuck me some ass tonight
With a pocket full of dough
The bottle of the dro
With dreams of fucking some R&B ho
They call me N-O-Y-D baby
From QB baby don’t hate me
We live, I rep Queens

[Hook: repeat 2X]
NOYD: Queens!
Godfather: Where niggas they get caught up in between guns
NOYD: Queens!
Godfather: Casino cash, cream killa Queens dun
NOYD: Queens!
Godfather: Where I live, what I rep
NOYD: QB dun, Queens!
Godfather: The Mobb rep
NOYD: Queens!
Godfather: You know we rep

[Ty Knitty verse]
I blow dro in Q-boro
Ain’t nothing change same boro
Just more places now
I’m tatooed up now
Still rep 41st, ’til I be put up in the hearst (you heard?)
Even after that yo my daughter and my son ‘gon live on
7, 1, 8 zip code triple 1, O,1
A yo its queens, money, whips and fiends
Bald heads and fades, du rags and waves
Can’t forget about braids
Niggas don’t rock like us
Ain’t no hood like us
A yo I rep QB ’til I R.I.P
96 buildings 6 blocks in QB
Everyday is like a movie, so you know we had to pursuit it
First joint "murda muzik"
A yo y’all niggas ‘gon feel it
The hood is running wild
Every clique ‘gon throw it up
Y’all know what up
Queens don’t give a fuck

[Hook 2X]
NOYD: Queens!
Godfather: Where niggas they get caught up in between guns
NOYD: Queens!
Godfather: Casino cash, cream killa Queens dun
NOYD: Queens!
Godfather: Where I live, what I rep
NOYD: QB dun, Queens!
Godfather: The Mobb rep
NOYD: Queens!
Godfather: You know we rep

[Twin Gambino verse]
Queensbridge, and thats how it is
If I can’t I get you I’m a bring it to your kids
Your moms, whatever it takes to strike back
I’ll be waiting in your crib with the mack
Black gloves, no mask so you can see my face
And realize QB ain’t playing no games
We think long range
So we can ride for the kids
And look out for my niggas up north doing bids

[Prodigy of Mobb Deep verse]
Thun we’ll stop your shine, we Queens niggas
Plus my Bed-Stuy niggas will shoot up your medinas
We the black entrepreneurs we the black mobb
I told you it was more real than words can muster
I see you faggots don’t listen wanna bite my shit
You better walk with security my niggas dump clips
Catch you with your rap clique, and beat the shit out y’all
You could have a 30 deep entourage
You could have guns galore, shanks and more
We can bang to the EMS come and haul us off
I could give a fuck for what projects you ride for
We got dogs out there and we not scared
Nigga I’m not the one, we not the team
Matter fact don’t even write me back see me in the streets
See me at the next show
Catch me at the club
We terrorize y’all niggas dun

[Hook 4X]
NOYD: Queens!
Godfather: Where niggas they get caught up in between guns
NOYD: Queens!
Godfather: Casino cash, cream killa Queens dun
NOYD: Queens!
Godfather: Where I live, what I rep
NOYD: QB dun, Queens!
Godfather: The Mobb rep
NOYD: Queens!
Godfather: You know we rep