Country Music Pioneer And Bluegrass Legend Earl Scruggs Dies

During the early 1960's, millions of television viewers throughout the country tuned in to Beverly Hillbillies, and it was the first taste of country music for many of them. The duo of Lester Flatt and Earl Scruggs was responsible for the catchy theme song, as well as "Foggy Mountain Breakdown" from the 1967 movie "Bonnie and Clyde." Scruggs brought a unique three-finger banjo picking style to the stage, and his technique is now estimated as the favored style of 75 percent of the world's banjo players.

Earl Scruggs is known for popularizing a regional sound and helping it blossom into a national pastime. Undeniably a legend, Scruggs won 4 Grammy Awards, a Lifetime Achievement Award, was inducted into the Country Music Hall of Fame, has a star on the Hollywood Walk of Fame, and was still giving occasional performances close to the time of his death. At 88, the Bluegrass legend died of natural causes, and his music and influence will continue to mold the industry and American culture.

In many ways, Earl Scruggs is credited with helping create modern country music, and his instantly recognizable sound was definitely a powerful marketing tool. After his split with Flatt, he continued introducing different innovations within the country music and bluegrass genre. His popularization of the banjo spread throughout the world, and his memory is anchored in the culture of country music. Hearing how Earl Scruggs finished his story creates a warm feeling of respect for a person that truly was a legend.