Bluegrass guitarist Tony Rice, thought to be one of many all-time greats of the style, has died aged 69.
The musician handed all of the sudden on December 25, in accordance with his former label Rounder Data. Rice was extensively celebrated for his talent as a flatpicker, a fast-paced type of guitar enjoying, in addition to his extremely influential type which was itself indebted to jazz.
Tony Rice June 8, 1951 – December 25, 2020
We had been all deeply saddened by the information of Tony Rice’s sudden passing on Christmas Day, and we provide our deepest condolences to his family members and his many followers. Could he Relaxation In Peace. pic.twitter.com/K24UOgFlPi
— Rounder Data (@RounderRecords) December 27, 2020
Rice, who grew up in California earlier than transferring to Kentucky, launched his first album ‘Guitar’ in 1973, later writing and recording as a band with the Tony Rice Unit and the Bluegrass Album Band.
His collaborations over time ranged from The Grateful Useless’s Jerry Garcia to guitarist Norman Blake and mandolin participant David Grisman.
Rice was identified with dysphonia in 1994, which prevented him from singing for many of the remainder of his life. The musician made his final ever public guitar efficiency on the 2013 Worldwide Bluegrass Music Affiliation’s Corridor of Fame.
Tributes have poured in from numerous main names who had been impressed by Rice’s enjoying, together with Steve Martin and Jason Isbell.
“Aw, Tony Rice,” Martin wrote in response to the information, additionally tweeting to share one in every of his favorite Rice performances. “A reputation I’ve recognized my complete life. An excellent musician.”
Isbell known as him “the king of the flatpicked flattop guitar,” including: “His affect can’t probably be overstated. When you aren’t accustomed to his music, please look it up. I don’t know if an individual could make something extra lovely. #RIPTonyRice”
Aw, Tony Rice. A reputation I’ve recognized my complete life. An excellent musician. https://t.co/33lBEgZiPU
— Steve Martin (@SteveMartinToGo) December 27, 2020
Okay, right here’s Tony Rice. https://t.co/u0DSPaVRR7
— Steve Martin (@SteveMartinToGo) December 27, 2020
Tony Rice was the king of the flatpicked flattop guitar. His affect can’t probably be overstated. When you aren’t accustomed to his music, please look it up. I don’t know if an individual could make something extra lovely. #RIPTonyRice
— Jason Isbell (@JasonIsbell) December 27, 2020
Very unhappy information. I’ve at all times appreciated #tonyrice, and listened typically to this tune, “Me & My Guitar” which I admit borrowing a couple of licks from (regardless of bluegrass being removed from my major style). 2020 simply gained’t go quietly. RIP https://t.co/xaj4mGTuD1 https://t.co/EPRsz4tQT3 pic.twitter.com/uKkglF2mPR
— Alex Skolnick (@AlexSkolnick) December 27, 2020
I’m past heartbroken to listen to concerning the passing of Tony Rice. Nobody has had a extra profound affect on my musical world. His enjoying, singing, writing, and arranging broke the bluegrass mildew and can eternally attest to the truth that music can take you anyplace, from anyplace.
— Chris Thile (@christhile) December 27, 2020
