Died On This Date (January 12, 2012) Charlie Collins / Played With Roy Acuff

Charlie Collins
DOB Unknown – January 12, 2012

Charlie Collins was a legendary multi-instrumentalist who is best remembered for playing in Roy Acuff’s band for over 25 years.  It was 1966 when he joined Acuff’s Smokey Mountain Boys, and he remained until Acuff’s passing in 1992.  Collins next joined up with Bashful Brother Oswald with whom he played for many more years. After Oswald passed away in 2002, Collins joined the Grand Ole Opry Dance Band. In fact, until the week prior to his own death, Collins played the Grand Ole Opry nearly every weekend.    Over the years, he graced recordings by the likes of Jim & Jesse McReynolds, Bill Monroe, Sam Bush, Norman Blake, and Mark O’Connor.  Charlie Collins was 78 when he passed away on January 12, 2012.

Thanks to Henk de Bruin at 2+ Printing for the assist.



Died On This Date (September 21, 2010) Rual Yarbrough / Bluegrass Pioneer

Rual Yarbrough
January 13, 1930 – September 21, 2010

Rual Yarbrough was a respected banjoist who performed and recorded with some of biggest names in bluegrass.  Proficient on the banjo, Yarbrough formed his first band, the Dixie Gentlemen, during the mid 50s.  After the group broke up in 1966, Yarbrough went on to play in Jimmy Martin’s band.  From there he played with Jim & Jesse McReynolds, Bobby Smith, and the great Bill Monroe, for whom he played on over twenty records.  Rual Yarbrough was 80 when he died of pulmonary fibrosis on September 21, 2010.