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1924
2012
Bluegrass legend and Cleveland County native Earl Scruggs dies
By Joe DePriest
[email protected]
Earl Scruggs, who grew up in Cleveland County and left on U.S. 74 nearly 70 years ago to become a bluegrass legend, died Wednesday at age 88.
Scruggs' son Gary said his father passed away Wednesday morning at a Nashville hospital. Gary Scruggs said his father died of natural causes.
Earl Scruggs was pioneer on the five-string banjo who profoundly changed country music with Bill Monroe and later with guitarist Lester Flatt.
Scruggs used three fingers to pick the banjo, instead of the traditional clawhammer style, and elevated it from part of the rhythm section – or a comedian's prop – to a lead instrument.
His string-bending and lead runs became known worldwide as "the Scruggs picking style." It was perhaps most prominently displayed on the iconic theme song from "The Beverly Hillbillies."
Born on a farm near Boiling Springs, 50 miles west of Charlotte, Scruggs lived on South Washington Street in Shelby while working at the Lily Mill.
Within a few months of quitting the mill, Scruggs was a sensation on the Grand Ole Opry, rising to the top of the music world with his unique three-finger picking style that he perfected without formal training.
In the 1950s, he and partner Lester Flatt popularized bluegrass music with folk music audiences outside the South and reached an even greater audience during the 1960s.
Scruggs' masterpiece, "Foggy Mountain Breakdown," was the theme song for the movie "Bonnie and Clyde" and became an American classic.
In 2002, Scruggs returned to Cleveland County for the dedication of new U.S. 74 signs declaring: "Welcome to Shelby: Home of Earl Scruggs.
Chamber Chairman John Schweppe said at the time that the honor was long overdue – the first step in trying to tap into Cleveland County's rich musical heritage.
Work is now underway in Shelby to turn the 105-year-old Cleveland County Courthouse into a regional music and performance facility: the Earl Scruggs Center: Music & Stories of the American South.
Restoration work that began in the spring of 2010 is almost finished; the next phase is creating interpretive exhibits that focus on education and stories that explain the area's cultural history.
Scruggs gave his blessing to the project. He and his sons, Gary and Randy, made several local personal appearances in support of the center.
On Jan. 6, when Scruggs turned 88, he was the subject of a profile in the Jan. 17 issue of the New Yorker magazine. Entitled "The Master from Flint Hill, " the piece was written by Scruggs' friend, entertainer Steve Martin.
"Some nights, he had the stars of North Carolina shooting from his fingertips," the article begins. "Before him, no one had ever played the banjo like he did. After him, everybody played banjo like he did, or at least tried."
Gary Scruggs says funeral plans are incomplete. The Associated Press Meghan Cooke contributed.
690 Entries
Earl and his picking made me smile every time I heard him play.
Kat Florez
Other
October 1, 2023
Earl Scruggs inspired me to play the banjo. He will always be the greatest banjo player ever.
terry barbin
April 25, 2021
God is a God of all Comfort and he will Comfort the family's..My heartfelt condolences to the family's...
May 11, 2020
I would like to offer my sincerest condolences to the family and friends of mr EARL SCRUGGS he was a well known country singer who will sorely be missed may the true God grant him peace
March 31, 2020
You are a "Centerpeice", in the musicians of the world. You have changed many musicians as to how they play the old 5-string. You will never be forgotten...
Gerald W Gay, Waverly, Virginia
Gerald Gay
November 30, 2017
My name is Thomas L. Thacker . Mr scruggs got me playing the banjo. Mr scruggs is the best Banjo player ever. I never got to meet him but will miss him. I grow listening to him and Mr flatt. Rest in Peace MR. Scruggs.
July 16, 2017
When I here earl play it brings peace and joy to my soul,wish I could of met such a humble talented gentleman,dan talbot ,west whately mass
Dan Talbot
April 7, 2017
What a great talent to be missed. It's so difficult to cope especially when we lose someone so talented; who meant so much to family and friends. May the God of all comfort be with you during this period of great loss as future promises awaits us when our mourning will be turned into joy .(Jeremiah 31:13 )
Rossy
March 28, 2017
You gave me great memories since I was a tot. You were the greatest ever. I will miss you and Lester always. Thank you for the memories and I will seek out your music so long as I shall live. There just aint nuthin better.
Rest in peace my friend. I hope to see you both on the other side.
Richard L Miller.
Richard Miller
October 26, 2016
Good man
March 29, 2016
Hi my mom said we was related to you. It's to bad we didn't get to know you.
Christie Wilkins
March 29, 2016
Sure miss you on the Beverly hillbillies.may you rest in peace god bless thanks for all the good music
allen hammond
March 22, 2016
The most imitated musician in American History. A hero of all banjo pickers around the world. I had an opportunity to visit the Earl Scruggs Center in his home town of Shelby, NC this week. All banjo players should visit, wonderful place to see the life of the Great Earl Scruggs.
Elton T. caviness
Elton Caviness
October 1, 2015
Rest in peace to a wonderful man.
February 12, 2015
Earl was the greatest banjo player in the world. His music will go on forever. Rest in peace and thank you for sharing your talent for the world to enjoy.
david corn
November 27, 2014
You Are Greatly Missed, I Met You Once And Seen You Several Times. You Were My Hero.
Bill Childs
September 11, 2014
This was truly an amazing person with so much talent the loss is clearly ours. Prayers fill our hearts while singing praises to God asking him to let us never forget the love we have for this wonderful person gone from our lives never forgetting the joy we shared experiencing a great talent. Hebrews 6:10.
May 30, 2014
SLIM WILSON AND THE DIXIE DRIFTERS.MAY
YOU REST IN PEACE.THE WHOLE WORLD WILL MISS YOUR GREAT TALENT FOR YEARS TO COME.
April 4, 2013
Terry Sharp , I seen him and lester at my Gym in concord,arkansas when I was 17 years old, They were fund raising funds for building a new masonic lodge there. I am now 66 years old. I will never forget seeing them.
October 6, 2012
ONE OF,NO THE GREATEST BLUE GRASS BANGO PICKERS THAT EVER OPICKED ONE UP, NEVER BE ANOTHER EARL SCRUGGS MASTER OF THE GIBSON,,,HIS MUSIC WILL LIVE ON AN ON,,,,,
JIM HINSON
July 17, 2012
Please accept my sympathy at such a sad time. May you find comfort from God's word recorded at Ecclesiastes 9:5, 10 regarding the loss of your loved one.
Olga P.
June 11, 2012
Thomas O'Neill
June 2, 2012
Though I never personally met you, I miss you as a lifelong, dear friend by the music you left behind. I look forward to a day when I might jam with you as I transition to the other side.
Rest easy. . .
thomas O'Neill
June 2, 2012
Just think about all the "beautiful music" Mr. Earl Scruggs has shared with each of us! Let us be "thankful" for all of the good times. My family will truly miss ... THE EARL SCRUGGS! Our prayers are with the Scruggs family.
Patrick O. Clark
May 23, 2012
KATHY AND BUDDY BARNETT
May 21, 2012
We will miss earl scruggs,my mother said they was no man like him my mother is cousin with earl she is 85 years old and had cancer.my mother injoy watching him on tv and playing his song.
doris waters
May 12, 2012
At the end of each life is a legacy of love.. My deepest condolences to the family and friends. As the days and weeks pass and as you return to life routine, may you continue to feel comforted by the love and support of God, family and friend James 4:8 Draw close to God and he will draw close to you
l|LIsa Parson
May 1, 2012
God will give you your request.(Psalm 119:76) . . .May your loving-kindness serve, please, to comfort me. . .
FF
April 27, 2012
Earl and Lester were the best bluegrass pickers ever, no one could match Earl picking that banjo! I loved watching them on the beverly hillbillies.
May God give the family the strength and comfort needed in the days ahead!
R.I.P. Earl
Marsha Green
April 23, 2012
When I was a little girl, we visited family in Danville, Virginia. They took us to a huge barn dance, it was on live radio. When we walked in the door, Earl Scruggs said, "Here is someone from home! Welcome Herbert Foster!" And the audience did, it was a llittle embarrasing. As we were watching the dancing, our Mother got gone, we were concerned until we saw her across the dance floor, dancing too. She always enjoyed dancing, so it was fun. I now love and appreciate blue grass music. Had several friends who showed me the talent in it, "Daddy Bob" (Bob Overby, related to Earl Monroe) and Earl Miller (Carolina Ramblers). Peace to family members and friends of an icon in music.
Audrey Bost
April 20, 2012
may the God of peace reside with the families and friends.
maru holmes
April 17, 2012
I grew up listening to Flatt and Scruggs and later to Earl and his sons. You can't hear a banjo and not think of him. What an awesome "picker" Thank you for the memories and God be with all of your family.
Lillian Tripp
April 16, 2012
I play one track back to back to remember EARL. I hear perfect tonality.--Foggy Mountain
Bruno Vadigno
April 13, 2012
i love bluegrass and earl scruggs is an amazing banjo player my dad tries so hard to mirror the style but he doesn't and can't hit it right... so unique!
hailley hendrickson
April 12, 2012
bless you friend
whiskey ridge band
April 11, 2012
My thoughts and prayers are with you in your time of grief. May your memories bring you comfort.
Norma Jean Kretschmer
April 11, 2012
My Grandmother was a related to Mr.Earl Scruggs, and I fell in love with Bluegrass, as it knew it was in my blood.
We will dearly miss you and your music.
Mary Green
April 10, 2012
Thanks for everything, Earl!
Rene Marchand
April 6, 2012
Another American Jewel lost. Once again, we are diminished.
Blessed Be to his family.
Steve Bowley
April 6, 2012
My dear deceased father enjoyed your music so much and taught all of our family about bluegrass. What a beautiful sound. My condolences to your family. Oh how much Heavan will enjoy your sweet picking. God Bless
Patricia Kidd
April 5, 2012
One of the best pickers in the country music field. He will be sorely missed by all of the fans.
May God go with you and your's
Clayton Allen
April 5, 2012
You will surely be missed.
PW Lee
April 4, 2012
You music is a very happy part of my life. Thank you!
Nina McGee
April 4, 2012
The use of the word "Icon" has been worked to death in the media, and assigned to people who do not or did not deserve it. Earl Scruggs was a true ICON, in the clearest meaning of the word. He was the first, and probably the last on the 5 string banjo. He is in Heaven, but he will be missed by me and my family. From all appearances, he was a humble caring man, who was the BEST at his craft.
Steve Bennett
April 4, 2012
A true legend .we will miss you
John Grubb
April 4, 2012
will always remeber ur music
Beverly Price
April 4, 2012
Every time I hear a banjo I think of you. I still will. Tom Tolar and all of this Family
April 4, 2012
My Dad brought home a Flatt and Scruggs record when I was nine years old.That was forty nine years ago.I learned to play the banjo sometime later and I would have to say that Earl changed my life forever.I feel like I have lost a member of my family.I'll never forget you.
Joseph Stultz
April 4, 2012
Thank You So Much For Your Love Of Playing Music For The World... The Banjo Was Just Awesome...R.I.P. Mr. Scruggs We Love You From Someone Who Cares... In Kentucky
April 4, 2012
Will be greatly missed
Wilma Hudson
April 3, 2012
Earl Scruggs CD will always be playing in my house, Best of the best.
Andre'
April 3, 2012
Will truly be missed
Michael Smith and family
April 3, 2012
so glad i got to see you play twice
glenda
April 3, 2012
Thanks for the music
LJ
April 3, 2012
joann branson
April 3, 2012
good bye friend
ward shields
April 3, 2012
My sincere condolences to the Scruggs family and dear friends. God will get you through this most difficult time. - Psalm 46:1
April 3, 2012
Great banjo picker. Great music.
Ken Hicks
April 3, 2012
sorry to hear about his death really enjoyes music from beverly hillbillies karen of pgh
karen edmondson
April 3, 2012
it's really a big lost of ,earl, one of the best of bluegrass ledgends,music has changed so much.i really miss the music that i was brought up on,i wish radio would play more of the real music
curtis pugh
April 3, 2012
Missing you...
April 3, 2012
THOUGHTS & PRAYERS ARE WITH ALL HIS FAMILY & FRIENDS. MAY GOD BE WITH ALL THE FAMILY AND COMFORT YOU. THE WORLD HAS LOST A GREAT BLUEGRASS LEGEND. HE WILL BE MISSED BY ALL. GOD BLESS, T & C HENDRIX LOVE FROM THE LONESTAR STATE**TEXAS
T&C HENDRIX
April 3, 2012
You were the best and we bluegrass music lovers have lost a true bluegrass legend! Thoughts and Prayers to the family!
Scottie & Karen Underwood
April 3, 2012
There will never be another Lester Flatt and Earl Scruggs. They were THE BEST EVER. If you were able to stand still while they were playing, your next stop would be the undertaker.
Al Lee
April 3, 2012
Oh my what a true legend in his time awesome Banjo player and everything he played... May god bless your family Earl I know your family is truely heart broken by your loss as all of us your fans are by you passing... Your music I will listen to forever and ever... Earl R.I.P. always from a true fan of your music. Bluegrass music was your gift... From someone who cares!!
April 3, 2012
RIP
April 3, 2012
My Condolences to the Scruggs Family:
may you be comforted by God's Word, the Bible. James 4:8 encourages; "Draw close to God, and he will draw close to you."
April 3, 2012
so sorry to hear of mr.scruggs passing.iloved his music. i'll pray for his family.i loved the chieftains and earl playing together.
dorothy donovan
April 3, 2012
Oh, but to hear him play. I could not control my feet. Earl had complete control. His music will always be in my memory.
Connie Baker
April 2, 2012
I grew up listening to you play your banjo.It is my favorite instrument and I will never forget you and your music.and I am sure God needed you for his band.You will be greatly missed.
Betty DeBerry
April 2, 2012
Earl Scruggs was a Music Icon for sure ,loved his Banjo picking... and he and Lesters Flatts played The Ballad of Jed Clampett was AWESOME !!!!!!!! (:
Janice Howell
April 2, 2012
I love all his country music
Kenneth Wilson
April 2, 2012
I am eternally thankful to Earl for inspiring me to learn the banjo more than 35 years ago and launch a music career that I still enjoy today. May he forever fill heaven with his great banjo music and may God bring comfort to his loved ones. He will be dearly missed by all of us who were fortunate enough to experience his great talent.
Dallas Cheked
April 2, 2012
My Dad raised us listening to this wonderful music. Our thoughts and Prayers are with you.
Bobby & Debra Cleveland
April 2, 2012
A great part of country music and Americana!
Condolences to his family.
May he keep on playin' in heaven!
Karen Lambert
April 2, 2012
I grew up listening to Earl Scruggs on radio. Love country music today but it sure has changed from the good ole days. R.I.P. You will be missed
Linda Watts
April 2, 2012
I am so sorry for your loss.
He was the best banjo players. I loved to hear him & Lester Flatt.Your family are in my prayers.
tammy walling
April 2, 2012
that is another famous singer gone but i will pray for the family
nikki mclendon
April 2, 2012
I am sorry for Americas loss and to all those people in this country, who didn't have the joy of listening to Flatt & scruggs play music like no one else has or will ever.
pearl boyd
April 2, 2012
Go with god mr. Scruggs
Elizabeth Carney
April 2, 2012
My condolences to the family of Mr. Scruggs. As the days and weeks pass and as you return to life's routine may you continue to feel comforted by the love and support of your family and friends.-Romans 15;4.
Marilynn
April 2, 2012
Awesome Banjo player!!! No one can
compare. He will be sorely missed
at Hardly, Strictly Bluegrass.
My heartfelt sympathy to his family and
friends.
Greta G.
April 2, 2012
Many prayers for your family in this time of sorrow. I had the privalge of seeing him and his band the revue here in Kalispell MT backin the 70's. Just another fan of good traditional country music.
Curtis Schroeder Kalispeel MT.
Curtis Schroeder
April 2, 2012
WE ARE SENDING OUR LOVE,PRAYERS,&CONDOLENCES TO THE SCRUGGS FAMILY,FRIENDS,FANS&AAL WHO KNEW MR. SCRUGGS.
KEN&MARY O'DANIEL
April 2, 2012
I am so sorry for your loss. I will always remember his banjo playing. Mostly the Beverly Hillbillies. Your dad was a wonderful player. I just found out last night watching the CMA AWARDS that he had passed. I was in the hospital when he died. May God Bless You and your family. Sandra Slater-Louisville Ky
April 2, 2012
I am so sorry to hear this, I use to handle Mr. Scruggs auto needs while I was in Nashville at Preston Lincoln Mercury, He would come in and wait on his Lincoln to get service, I talked with him several times over the years, He and Mr. Flatt even played some music in our customer lounge several times, he was a very nice man. So sorry .
Adam "Butch" Hobbs
Adam Hobbs
April 2, 2012
May heartfelt thoughts bring you comfort and loving memories bring you peace.
With Deepest Sympathy
L. Green
April 2, 2012
When I was a country DJ, a cat wandered in the studio. I named him Scruggs!
Mike Jacobs
April 2, 2012
Bob Griffin
April 2, 2012
Thank you for sharing a part of your life with us.
Harry Simpson
April 2, 2012
Carl Wells
April 2, 2012
I remember as a child listening to him and Lester Flatt play together on The Grand Ole Opera!!!!! Wonderful memories!!!!
Steve Mason
April 2, 2012
I grew up listening to Earl and Lester , my mother even gave me his name, I know his music is being played in heaven, God be with the family,he's gone to his reward.
Bradley Earl Morton
April 2, 2012
His music will live forever
Susan Bryant
April 2, 2012
Sympathies to the family and fans of Earl. He will be sadly missed. He leaves behind a great legacy in his music.
Garry Luke
April 2, 2012
Earl wiil live on forever,through his music.
James Bach
April 2, 2012
Your God given talent has and will continue to keep me tapping my feet and dancing in my heart and soul.. Betting you are still playing in Heaven. God made an amazing man when you were born. Thanking God for you.
A music lover in Pasadena,Tx Martha Jauregui Rocha
April 2, 2012
He taught me the True definition of music. From his heart and soul to mine. I feel for your loss and please know, I have passed the love of his music onto my children, and now theirs. God Bless
Amy Smith
April 1, 2012
The greatest banjo player ever. He will live on forever through his music. Bless him for the joy he made for music lovers all over the world.
John Kelsey
April 1, 2012
To the Scruggs Family,Sorry for the loss of your loved one.He was loved by many fans. Loretta and Bobby Prior,Jane Wilson,Phyllis Sanderson,Bobby Newman and Wayne Tucker of Florida
Loretta Prior
April 1, 2012
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