Buck White, Patriarch and Mandolinist of the Whites Dead at 94

Buck White, patriarch and mandolin player for The Whites passed away earlier today (January 13) at the age of 94. Formed in 1972 The Whites consisted of Buck and his daughters Sharon and Cheryl. They charted several singles on the Billboard Hot Country Songs chart and won two Grammy Awards in their years together.

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Earlier today, bluegrass heavy-hitter Ricky Skaggs, who has been married to Sharon White since 1981 shared the sad news on his Facebook page. He forwarded a message from White’s daughters Sharon, Cheryl, Rosie, and Melissa.

“The Lord answered our prayers and took our daddy, Buck White, home peacefully this morning at 8:00 a.m.,” the post began. “We are so thankful for his 94 years on this earth. He was a great dad who taught us by example to put Jesus first always. His great loves were the Lord, our mother, his family, and music,” the White sisters added. “Most people will remember him not only for being a great musician and entertainer but also for being fun-loving and full of mischief. He lived a full life and finished well,” they concluded.

Buck White Left Behind a Legacy

Buck, Sharon, and Cheryl White made their mark in the bluegrass world throughout the 1980s. Their album Old Familiar Feeling produced multiple hit songs including “Hangin’ Around” and “You Put the Blue in Me” among others. They were also inducted into the Grand Ole Opry in the early ‘80s. Before his passing, White was the oldest living member of the Opry.

However, the trio’s run didn’t stop then. They appeared on the O Brother Where Art Thou? Soundtrack. The Whites performed the Carter Family classic “Keep on the Sunny Side” for the classic film. Their work on the album brought them Album of the Year at the Grammys, the CMA Awards, and the International Bluegrass Music Awards.

The Whites also took home the Distinguished Achievement Award from the International Bluegrass Music Association in 2006 for their contributions to bluegrass.

Buck White was a loving father and husband, an exemplary musician, and left a mark on the country and bluegrass world that will far outlive even his youngest fans.

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