Tony Rice died on Christmas morning

[MissouriPicker]

Another great one has passed away.  Reports say that Tony Rice died on Christmas morning while making his coffee.  It was pretty sudden from what is being said.   He hadn’t performed publicly for several years and had numerous health issues.  RIP!

[olie]

He was a true legend - influenced countless pickers. R.I.P., Tony.

[QuestionMark]

May his memory be a blessing.

 

QM aka “Jazzman” Jeff

[Dave F]

From Ricky Skaggs

Sometime during Christmas morning while making his coffee, our dear friend and guitar hero Tony Rice passed from this life and made his swift journey to his heavenly home. It’s still quite a shock to the whole family. After talking with Tony’s wife Pam and their daughter India, they asked if I would make a statement on their behalf and give them some privacy to process during this difficult time. I was honored to help out. Tony is also survived by his brothers Wyatt and Ronnie, and all of you who loved his music and those who will continue to share it with others. 
 
Tony Rice was the single most influential acoustic guitar player in the last 50 years. Many if not all of the Bluegrass guitar players of today would say that they cut their teeth on Tony Rice’s music. He loved hearing the next generation players play his licks. I think that’s where he got most of his joy as a player. With many IBMA Awards and a Grammy Award, Tony was a gracious recipient of the International Bluegrass Music Association’s highest honor as an inductee into their Hall of Fame in 2013. 
 
Not only was Tony a brilliant guitar player but he was also one of the most stylistic lead vocalists in Bluegrass music history. When I joined the group The New South in 1974, I knew I’d found a singing soul mate with Tony. Our voices blended like brothers. In 1980, we recorded the album 'Skaggs And Rice' for Sugar Hill as a tribute to our duet heroes with just the simplicity of guitar, mandolin, and our voices. All these years later people tell me how much the purity of that record still touches their heart. That’s who Tony was, a singer from the heart. 
 
I will miss him as I’m sure all of you will. But where Tony is right now, he’s not missing us. He’s in the place that God has prepared for those who love Him and receive Him. Rest In Peace dear brother. Thank you for your great talent and the music that will continue to inspire more and more generations to come.
 
- Ricky Skaggs

 

[kelly campbell]

R.I.P.  Tony Rice..Great talent.

[livemusic]

I am very sorry to see this, he was an amazing talent, a true virtuoso. RIP Tony.

[kidblast]

I didn't follow his work closely, not much a bluegrass fan, but I know enough to realize he was one of those "larger than life" talents.

RIP Tony.

[zombywoof]

I am also not a follower of bluegrass but you would have to have been living in a cave cut off from the world not to have seen the inspiration and joy Tony Rice provided a generation of players and listeners.   RIP Tony.  You were a one of  and will be sorely missed. 

Edited December 27, 2020 by zombywoof

[CAMELEYE]

I'm sad to read this. 

Thank you, Tony, for all the inspiring music.

RIP.

[bobouz]

I bought the duet album Ricky Skaggs references (Skaggs & Rice) shortly after it's initial release, and their harmonizing was just stunningly beautiful.  Go to Youtube and give a quick listen to Will The Roses Bloom (where she lies sleeping) for a joyful treat featuring Tony's singing, and those incredible harmonies.