Died On This Date (February 4, 2012) Snuffy Smith / Respected Banjo Maker

Thomas “Snuffy” Smith
DOB Unknown – February 4, 2012

Snuffy Smith was a notable luthier as well as a banjo picker himself who, over the course of his career, was entrusted by countless musicians for repairs and such.  Working out of North Carolina, Smith developed the Snuffy Smith Bridge which is the preferred bridge of banjo pickers of all stripes and is sold all over the world.  In fact, some Gibson banjos come already fitted with his bridge.  Smith was reportedly suffering from different health issues in recent year and died of an apparent heart attack on February 4, 2012.

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



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 (December 24, 2011) Jody Rainwater / Bluegrass Pioneer

Jody Rainwater (Born Charles Johnson)
1920 – December 24, 2011

Jody Rainwater was a bluegrass pioneer who found his calling as a teenager, at first playing the mandolin.  Before long, he and is brother were performing as Chuck and Slim, the Johnson Brothers.  The boys built a local following thanks in part to their comical on stage banter.  In 1937, they were hired by High Point, North Carolina radio station, WMFR to perform live every Thursday evening.  By 1945, the duo were no longer together, so Rainwater enlisted in the Marines and served during WWII.  Upon his discharge, he formed the Blue Ridge Mountain Boys with Woody Hauser and developed an onstage persona known as Little Jody.  By the late ’40s, they disbanded, and Rainwater was soon playing bass alongside Lester Flatt and Earl Scruggs in the Foggy Mountain Boys.   The band had a hit with the Rainwater composition, “I’m Waiting To Hear You Call Me Darling.”  Upon doctor’s orders, Rainwater retired from the group in 1952 and went to work hosting a morning radio show on WSVS.  His program quickly became the biggest money-maker at the station and would continue to be until his retirement in 1984.   He also performed local gigs with his own group from time to time during this period.  Jody Rainwater was 92 when he passed away on December 24, 2011.

Thanks to Paul Bearer for the assist.



Died On This Date (November 28, 2011) Tom Roady / Drummer For Ricky Skaggs

Tom Roady
DOB Unknown – November 28, 2011

Tom Roady was a much respected drummer and percussionist who is perhaps best remembered for his recent work with Ricky Skaggs.  Roady can be heard playing on Skaggs’ latest offering, A Skaggs Family Christmas, Volume 2, and was gearing up to go out on tour with Skaggs.  Throughout his long career, Roady played with the likes of Vince Gill, Martina McBride, Dixie Chicks, Joan Baez, Bob Seger, and Kenny Chesney.  Earlier in his career, Roady was a session player at the storied Muscle Shoals studio, working for Jerry Wexler, and playing on tracks by Lynyrd Skynrd, James Brown, Etta James, Wilson Pickett, and many more.  As reported by CMT, Tom Roady was 62 when he passed away in his sleep on November 28, 2011.  Cause of death was reportedly attributed to heart problems, although he had been battling cancer.



Died On This Date (September 13, 2011) Wilma Lee Cooper / Grand Ole Opry Member

Wilma Lee Cooper (Born Wilma Lee Leary)
February 7, 1921 – September 13, 2011

Wilma Lee Cooper was an accomplished bluegrass and country performer who joined the ranks of the Grand Ole Opry in 1957.  Born and raised on West Virginia, Cooper was just a child when she began singing in her family gospel group, the Leary Family.  In 1939, she married fellow musician, Stoney Cooper with whom she went on to perform and record with as Wilma Lee & Stoney Copper and the Clinch Mountain Clan.  Throughout the late ’50s and early ’60s, the duo released a series of charting records that included “Big Midnight Special” and “The Tramp On The Street.”  After her husband passed away in 1977, Cooper continued on as a solo artist until a stroke in 2001 forced her retirement.  She did however, return to the Opry stage in 2010 as part of a group sing-along to celebrate the venue’s grand re-opening.  As reported in Music Row, Wilma Lee Cooper died of natural causes on September 13, 2011.  She was 90.

What You Should Own

Wilma Lee & Stoney Cooper - Wilma Lee & Stoney Cooper