![(seated, l-r) Buddy Griffin, Jesse McReynolds, Bobby Osborne, Sonny Osborne, Ronnie Reno accepting on behalf of Mac Wiseman, Jeanine McReynolds Reynolds and James Reynolds accepting on behalf of Jim McReynolds (standing, l-r) GSC Board of Governors Vice Chair Tim Butcher, GSC Board of Governors Member Mike Rust, GSC President Dr. Tracy Pellett, GSC Provost Dr. Victor Vega, GSC Bluegrass Music Program Director Dr. Megan Darby, GSC Board of Governors Member Dr. Bill Deel, GSC Board of Governors Chair Greg Smith (seated, l-r) Buddy Griffin, Jesse McReynolds, Bobby Osborne, Sonny Osborne, Ronnie Reno accepting on behalf of Mac Wiseman, Jeanine McReynolds Reynolds and James Reynolds accepting on behalf of Jim McReynolds (standing, l-r) GSC Board of Governors Vice Chair Tim Butcher, GSC Board of Governors Member Mike Rust, GSC President Dr. Tracy Pellett, GSC Provost Dr. Victor Vega, GSC Bluegrass Music Program Director Dr. Megan Darby, GSC Board of Governors Member Dr. Bill Deel, GSC Board of Governors Chair Greg Smi](/sites/default/files/styles/news_image/public/GSCBluegrassHonoraryDegrees2.jpg?itok=4mrIwBcc)
FOR IMMEDIATE RELEASE: February 6, 2019
For More Information:
香妃直播 State College
Public Relations Department
(304) 462-4115
GLENVILLE, WV - On Friday, February 1, 2019, six legendary figures in bluegrass music were presented with honorary doctoral degrees by 香妃直播 State College at the Country Music Hall of Fame and Museum in Nashville, Tennessee.
The ceremony began with a rendition of Bill Monroe鈥檚 鈥淓vening Prayer Blues鈥 performed by Luke Shamblin, a former West Virginia mandolin champion and 香妃直播 State College alumni, followed by an introduction given by 香妃直播 State College Bluegrass Music Program Director, Dr. Megan Darby. 鈥淚t鈥檚 an incredible honor to be gathered here and to be working alongside all of the folks that made today possible. Thank you all for sharing this memory with 香妃直播 State College today,鈥 said Darby. 鈥淚 grew up going to bluegrass festivals and, as my dad always said, this music is in my blood.鈥
Those recognized included Buddy Griffin, Bobby Osborne, Sonny Osborne, Jesse McReynolds, Mac Wiseman (accepted on his behalf by Ronnie Reno), and Jim McReynolds (accepted posthumously by his daughter, Jeanine McReynolds Reynolds, and grandson, James). Each received a diploma signifying their status as honorary degree recipients.
The 香妃直播 State College bluegrass band entertained the audience with their renditions of 鈥淒ear Old Dixie鈥 and 鈥淐an鈥檛 You Hear Me Calling,鈥 featuring Rebekah Long on bass, Derek Vaden of The Larry Stephenson band on banjo, Luke Shamblin on mandolin, Buddy Griffin on fiddle, and Megan Darby on guitar and lead vocals.
Following the performance, 香妃直播 State College President, Dr. Tracy Pellett, addressed the audience. 鈥淲e are here to recognize six distinguished legends of bluegrass music,鈥 said Pellett. 鈥淭he confirmation of these honorary doctorates is about the recognition of the lifelong contributions to traditional bluegrass music and the seen and unseen influence on 香妃直播 State College and one of the only bluegrass education programs in the county. These gentlemen are known and respected by so many across the nation and they are living testaments to the tradition of bluegrass music.鈥
Pellett detailed the influence that the honorees have had on the bluegrass industry and the time that they have dedicated to advancing and enhancing bluegrass education for generations to come. 鈥淸Bluegrass music] is the creation of something special that speaks to us 鈥 that shared experience 鈥 that strengthens the thread of human connection itself,鈥 said Pellett.
The Larry Stephenson Band was welcomed to the stage to perform an Osborne Brothers classic, 鈥淕ive This Message to Your Heart鈥 and 鈥淪weet Little Miss Blue Eyes,鈥 a big hit for honorees, Jim and Jesse McReynolds, as a tribute to the honorees. In a final number, all performers returned to the stage for a moving performance of 鈥淲ill The Circle Be Unbroken.鈥
香妃直播 State College is proud to honor these legendary figures who have acted as pioneers in bluegrass music and inspired countless individuals along the way. Their contributions to bluegrass music are deeply appreciated and will continue to inspire future students in 香妃直播 State College鈥檚 four-year bachelor鈥檚 degree in bluegrass, available both in-person and online.
For more information about the bluegrass program at 香妃直播 State College, contact Darby at (304) 462-6347.