J.D. Crowe passes

[Ridgegrass]

Sad day for Bluegrass.
James Dee("J.D.") Crowe joined the heavenly band this morning. He was 84. Certainly among the elite of banjo players, band leaders and performers. His band "THE NEW SOUTH" reigned supreme in Bluegrass. Their 1975 album with Tony Rice, Ricky Skaggs, Bobby Slone, and Jerry Douglas is among the best recordings of Bluegrass ever cut. J.D. was an innovator and a great band leader. He incorporated up to date styles and songs in his recordings. The New South's country album 'SOMEWHERE BETWEEN " launched the country career of the great Kieth Whitley.
In recent years J.D. was doing appearances with Paul Williams and Doyle Lawson.
He was truly the greatest. The Angel band just improved 100%! R.I.P. J.D.
J.O'.

[Ridgegrass]

Two fantastic albums. J.D. Crowe and the NEW SOUTH. J.D. on the right above and 2nd from right below.
Cherished possessions of mine. Anybody aspiring to learn Bluegrass; this is how it's done.
J.O'.

[WillyCamaro]

God bless mate, the Lord called J.D. home.
Now he's playing the best he's ever done, and we have his legendary recordings to remember him by down here...
Merry Christmas brother picker!

[Ridgegrass]

You too Willie Boy. Get a YouTube video of Tony Rice, JD and Ricky doing "Summer Wages". Written by the great Canadian, Ian Tyson. It'll inspire you.Tony's guitar, Jerry's Dobro, and Ricky's fiddle/viola solos are perfection.
JD's baritone parts are so tight it's nearly impossible to separate them out.
Hate to belabor the point but that band shaped my early career and still does. J.O'.