Who Is Sonny Osborne

Sonny Osborne is a renowned banjo player and bluegrass musician who, along with his younger brother Bobby, formed the Osborne Brothers, a highly influential bluegrass band. Born on December 7, 1937 in Hyden, Kentucky, Sonny began playing the banjo at a young age and quickly became a skilled musician. He and Bobby formed the Osborne Brothers in the 1950s, and they gained popularity in the 1960s and 1970s with hits such as "Rocky Top" and "Kentucky."

The Osborne Brothers were known for their high-energy stage performances and their modernizing influence on bluegrass music. They introduced elements of rock and roll and country music into their sound, and their hits became popular with a wider audience beyond just the bluegrass community. The Osborne Brothers also became known for their close harmonies and their ability to showcase each member's musical abilities.

In addition to his success with the Osborne Brothers, Sonny also had a successful solo career and released several solo albums. He also contributed his banjo playing and singing to many other artists' recordings over the years. He was inducted into the International Bluegrass Music Hall of Fame in 1993 and was also honored with a Kentucky Colonel appointment by the Governor of Kentucky.

Sonny retired from performing in the late 1990s and passed away October 24, 2021.