Country Artist The Osborne Brothers

Sonny and Bobby Osborne were an influential and popular Bluegrass act during the 1960s and 1970s and until Sonny retired in 2005. They are best known for their 1967 Country hit song, “Rocky Top”, written by Felice and Boudleaux Bryant and named after a Tennessee location.

Upon their breaking into the Bluegrass scene, the Osborne Brothers quickly became known for their virtuoso instrumentation and tight, melodic vocal harmonies. They first made the Country chart in 1958 with “Once More”, performing as a trio with Red Allen. The song featured a novel inverted stacked harmony. Bobby sang the lead line highest, with Sonny singing baritone, and Red Allen singing tenor as the lowest part. This made Bobby’s distinctive voice the lead, and the third voice was somewhat interchangeable. As a result, they could hire other guitarists and singers without changing the overall sound. The “high lead” vocal trio became their signature, and they used to great effect in the Country market with songs like “Blame Me”, “Sweethearts Again”, and a remake of the Carter Family’s “Fair and Tender Ladies”.

During the 1960s, the Osbornes caused minor controversy among Bluegrass music purists by incorporating electronic and percussion instruments in their live acts and studio work. In 1960 they became the first Bluegrass group to play on a college campus, performing at Antioch College. On August 8, 1964, the Osborne Brothers were inducted as members of the Grand Ole Opry. In 1973 the Osborne Brothers became the first Bluegrass group to perform at the White House. “Rocky Top” was named an official Tennessee state song in 1982. In 1994, The Osborne Brothers were inducted into the International Bluegrass Music Association’s Hall of Honor.