Bobby Osborne Profile on NPR

[Ed Goist]

Nice profile of the legendary Bobby Osborne on this morning's Morning Edition on NPR. Enjoy!

At 86, Bobby Osborne Doesn't Intend To Quit Singing Anytime Soon

[allenhopkins]

In the early 1960's, the Osborne Brothers were the first "real" (as opposed to "city-billy") bluegrass band I ever saw, in a Cambridge MA coffeehouse. They were touring as a trio with Benny Birchfield on guitar, and their performance really blew me away! Ruby, Are You Mad At Your Man was their big signature song, and Bobby sang it twice during the evening.

Listening to the NPR feature, I heard Bobby attribute his health at age 87 to avoiding tobacco, drugs and alcohol. I'd add to that his ability to control his weight; he's "half the man" I saw at Club 47 that night.

I have recordings of the Osbornes with Jimmy Martin, before they went out as a brother duet, and of course Sonny, age 14 I believe, recorded with the Blue Grass Boys in the '50's. Bobby's Grammy nomination is long overdue and well-deserved. Not too many of those first-generation bluegrass musicians left, and I hope they all get recognized before we have to do it posthumously.

Give me the roses while I live, trying to cheer me on;
Useless are flowers that you give, after the soul ls gone.

[CarlM]

One of the few pictures with Kenny Baker smiling and laughing has Bobby Osborne to one side. I have long felt that Bobby was probably had something to do with the fun and laughter.

[Timbofood]

Carl, that’s one of the best “Kenny Baker” shots ever! I wonder what the joke was?!

[Bogle]

Great photo, Carl!

Bobby and Kenny were very close friends. Here's a photo (sorry about the quality) of Bobby, who was a special guest at The Station Inn's Kenny Baker Appreciation Night last October 28th. He told a couple of hilarious "Baker" stories, and was in great voice that night!

Fiddler Brian Christianson organized the event and the night's music was superb.....it was a VERY special show!