My Dad (who was born in 1893)and all of his siblings were musicians (not professionals); my dad could play & tune anything that had strings and I can remember the first time I ever heard Earl Scrggs on the radio (we had recent been given a radio which ran on the tractor battery!) My dad said "Listen to that kids; first time I ever heard anyone on the radio who picked the banjo w/all his fingers like Ludie & I do". Ludie was my dad's younger sister and she also played the 5 string with what some later called the 'claw-hammer' style.
My dad was the first person I ever heard play a banjo and I thought that was the way everyone played. I later dated a guy for a short time who played banjo with Wilma Lee & Stoney Cooper, but he did not play it like my dad had.
My two youngest brothers were on the Jr Grand old Opry in the mid 1950s; but they never played professionally either. We just loved music and we ALL Loved Earl Scruggs' music.
I met Mr Scruggs & his wife a few years before Mrs Scruggs died, while doing waitress work. They were very sweet/kind people and I cared a great deal for them.
Am so sad to learn of Mr Scruggs' death. I send my deepest sympathies to his family; especially the sons who played with him. I know they will miss him dearly, as will his fans. I have his family in my prayers.
I join w/ Vince Gill in saying; 'Go Rest High on that Mountain' You have earned it, Mr Scruggs!!