Masters
Hall of Honor Inductees
The Osborne Brothers
Bobby Osborne - Born December 7, 1931
Sonny Osborne - Born October 29, 1937
Born in Leslie County in southeastern Kentucky, Bobby and Sonny Osborne were pioneers in conceiving the now popular "high lead" vocal trio concept and recording it on a major record label during the mid-1950s. Bobby's potent, quality high lead voice blending with Sonny's lower harmony formed the nucleus of a trio that has become a standard by which others are judged. Recognized as being among the industry's most respected musicians--Bobby, mandolin and Sonny, banjo--their distinctive and inventive instrumental stylings are a hallmark of their group's sound. Honored with membership in WSM's Grand Ole Opry in 1964, the Osborne Brothers' signature songs, "Ruby" and "Rocky Top," rank high among the music's classic recordings. Their original version of the latter inspired its being named an official state song of Tennessee, as did their recording of "Kentucky" in the brothers' native state. The significance of their distinguished and influential career will long be recounted for the early creative role and the music of the Osborne Brothers in the development and popularization of professional bluegrass music.
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