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Donald's Encyclopedia of Popular MusicA B C D E F G H I J K L M N O P Q R S T U V W X Y ZOSBORNE BROTHERSBobby Osborne, mandolin and tenor vocals (b 7 Dec. '31, Hyden KY), and Sonny Osborne, five-string banjo and baritone vocals (b 29 Oct. '37, Hyden) have led the bluegrass act which over the years has attracted the larger country music audience. The family moved to Dayton OH '42; Bobby made his pro debut on WPFB in Middletown '49, moved to West Virginia and joined the Lonesome Pine Fiddlers; while he served in US Marines '51-3, Sonny appeared on the Grand Ole Opry '50, joined Bill Monroe '52, worked with Jimmy Martin '53; the Osborne Brothers were formed '53, recording for King '53, RCA '54-5, MGM '56-63. They were regulars on WWVA Wheeling Jamboree '56-64, were one of the first bluegrass groups appearing on college dates '59. A distinctive three-part harmony sound was perfected when Bennie Birchfield joined '59, later replaced by Ronnie Reno, then Dale Sledd, in late '70s by Jim Brock, then Bobby Jr. Bluegrass fans were shocked when they adopted a progressive image, using electric instruments, steel guitar and drums, but this led to TV spots, folk festivals, a contract with Decca '63 and Grand Ole Opry spot '64. Chart breakthrough with "Up This Hill And Down' '66 followed by further hits "Rocky Top' '68, "Tennessee Hound Dog' '69, "Georgia Pinewoods' '71. They appeared in films Music City USA and Road To Nashville '66, guested on Wilburn Bros TV show, Porter Wagoner show, Midwestern Hayride. They switched to CMH label mid-70s. Albums incl. Country Pickin' And Hillside Singing '60 and Cuttin' Grass '61 on MGM; Voices In Bluegrass '65, Modern Sound Of Bluegrass '67, Rube-eeee '70, Country Roads '73, Pickin' Grass And Singin' Country '74, all on Decca/MCA; From Rocky Top To Muddy Bottom '76, Essential Bluegrass (with Mac Wiseman) '78, Bobby Osborne & His Mandolin '82 on CMH. Two vols. of Once More on Sugar Hill LPs combined on CD. |