RIP Billy Ray Lathum

**craigw** · Aug-18-2018, 6:21pm

I just learned from my friend, Leroy McNees an original member of the iconic west coast Bluegrass group, the Kentucky Colonels that his old band mate Billy Ray Lathum passed away this morning. Billy Ray was a hard driving banjo player who added comedy to the Colonels' act and later did a stint with the Dillards. Regretfully, I have no further details. RIP Billy Ray!

**CarlM** · Aug-18-2018, 7:31pm

That is sad to hear. They are one of my favorite bluegrass bands.

**William Smith** · Aug-19-2018, 4:48am

That's a bummer, Love that old band! They had IT! Billy could smoke the banjo and sing some pretty high tenor. I believe no one can match that old White Bros. band for some serious raw on the spot playing, yep that live stuff was it.

**Timbofood** · Aug-19-2018, 1:17pm

Just go listen to the bit “A Girl Named Ruth” it’s KY colonels patter at its very best! I am truly saddened by this news!
Thanks for sharing though.

**allenhopkins** · Aug-19-2018, 8:03pm

One by one we lose those influential musicians of a half-century ago.

**SummyB** · Aug-20-2018, 7:06pm

Originally Posted by craigw

I just learned from my friend, Leroy McNees an original member of the iconic west coast Bluegrass group, the Kentucky Colonels that his old band mate Billy Ray Lathum passed away this morning. Billy Ray was a hard driving banjo player who added comedy to the Colonels' act and later did a stint with the Dillards. Regretfully, I have no further details. RIP Billy Ray!

Billy Ray was one of my dearest friends in the world. I spoke to him on the phone Friday night, because the thoughtful caregiver said she would put the phone to his ear. (I'm in AZ, not TN.) I told him I loved him, and that there were many people who loved him. The caregiver said that, at that moment, he opened his eyes. I'm pretty sure he heard me. The next morning, August 18, 2018 he passed away. We are uncertain about funeral arrangements, but I will try to keep everyone posted. RIP Billy Ray. I wouldn't be surprised if Billy's playing banjo at a heavenly hootnanny right now. He was a kind man, with a big heart, a great sense of humor, and a tremendous love of his family.