Vern Gosdin, who was known simply as "The Voice," passed away yesterday (4/28) in a Nashville hospital. The cause of death is not known at this time, but Gosdin is reported as having suffered a stroke a few weeks ago.

Vern Gosdin was born in Woodland, Alabama, on August 5, 1934. He idolized The Louvin Brothers and The Blue Sky Boys as a young man and sang in the local church where his mother played the piano.

As a teenager, his family hosted The Gosdin Family Gospel Show on a radio station in Birmingham, Alabama.

In 1961, he moved to California, where he joined the West Coast Country music movement, first as a member of the Golden State Boys, then the Hillmen before forming The Gosdin Brothers with brother Rex. The duo hit the charts in the late 1960s with Hangin’ On on the Bakersfield International label, then with Till The End on Capitol Records.

It was while with the Golden State Boys and then with another bluegrass group, the Hillmen, that Gosdin became known within bluegrass music circles. In 1963 and 1964 the quartet of Vern Gosdin, brother Rex, Don Parmley and Chris Hillman did some recordings that were released on the Together label. With its forward-looking sense of exploration, the album helped to pave the way for other progressive bluegrass groups like the New Grass Revival and the Seldom Scene.

The eponymous album was later released by Sugar Hill Records (SH-3719).

Gosdin went on to have an illustrious career in country music. His recording of Yesterday’s Gone reached No. 9 on the country chart in 1977. After that he enjoy much success with his recordings of I Can Tell by the Way You Dance (You’re Gonna Love Me Tonight), Do You Believe Me Now, Chiseled in Stone, Set’ Em Up Joe and I’m Still Crazy.

His last Top 10 singles Right in the Wrong Direction and Is It Raining at Your House? were released in 1990.

One of the most recognisable voices in traditional country music is now silent.

This past April, we told you about a special celebration in Monticello, KY honoring Don Parmley, founder of The Bluegrass Cardinals. He performed on banjo with the Cardinals for years along with his son, David Parmley. Other members of the band over the years include Don Rigsby, Randy Graham, Jimmy Haley and Herschel Sizemore.

On July 28, Wayne County, KY continued the honorifics by unveiling a commemorative highway sign which reads “Welcome to Wayne County (KY) ‚Ä¢ Home of Don Parmley ‚Ä¢ Founding member of the Bluegrass Cardinals.”

Don is retired now, but occasionally appears in Bluegrass Cardinals reunion shows with fellow founding members David Parmley and Randy Graham.

Congratulations Don – you’re immortal!

We got a note from Randy Graham, mandolinist and tenor singer with David Parmley and Continental Divide, about an event scheduled this weekend to celebrate the life and musical career of Don Parmley.

Here’s Randy’s note:

I want to take a moment to tell everyone about a special event coming to the Aspire Center in Monticello, KY, next Saturday, April 14th. “A Day with Don Parmley,” will honor Don and his many achievements and contributions in bluegrass music.

As many of you know, Don was the studio banjo player for the Beverly Hillbillies TV show for most of it’s run on CBS, and a co-founder of the Bluegrass Cardinals who toured worldwide from the mid-seventies until he retired in the mid-nineties. Under Don’s leadership, the Bluegrass Cardinals served as a learning ground and springboard for the careers for many bluegrass artists touring today. Included among these are: Don’s son, David Parmley, Dale Perry, Mike Hartgrove, Larry Stephenson, Norman Wright, and myself, to name but a few. Don’s professional resume also includes collaborative efforts with: legendary country vocalist, Vern Gosdin, Chris Hillman, of the Byrds, and multiple Grammy nominated guitarist, Billy Strange.

Festivities began at noon and run until 7:00 PM. On hand to entertain are: Sage Knoll and New Harvest, plus appearances by David Parmley & Continental Divide and a rare performance by the three original Bluegrass Cardinals: Don and David Parmley & myself. The Aspire Center is located at: 225 Highway 1275 N Monticello, KY… Phone: (606) 340-9362. You can Google a map from your door to the Aspire Center in Monticello, KY.

Looking for another reason to come?? NO ADMISSION CHARGE… THE EVENT IS ABSOLUTELY FREE TO THE PUBLIC.

We’ve looked forward to this event a long time. Hope to see you there!!