(editor’s note – no ex post facto proof for Doug Kershaw)

Musical Talent Seems To Run in Scruggs Family

by Mike Kane, The Post-Star, July 27, 1978

Maybe it’s a case of good genes.

Most people know that Earl Scruggs is the top banjo picker on earth and that he revolutionized the way the instrument is played with his three-finger style. What most of the small but enthusiastic crowd that attended The Earl Scruggs Revue’s concert at the Saratoga Performing Arts Center Tuesday didn’t know was that Randy Scruggs is one helluva musician too.

The elder Scruggs, to use a trite expression, is a legend in his own time. He played with the legendary Bill Monroe and later split with Monroe to perform with guitarist Lester Flatt. The pair parted ways in the 60s after a huge commercial success with the Theme from The Beverly Hillbillies.

Earl Scruggs played the Hillbillies’ theme Tuesday, but I just can’t believe that he has ever had a better guitarist with him than his son Randy. The curly-haired performer handled both acoustic and electric guitar chores with ease and precision and did a nice job on fiddle on the Orange Blossom Special.

Now don’t get the idea that Earl Scruggs didn’t do his thing. He did. The Horowitz of the banjo, if you will, he remains very subdued throughout the show, but when it’s time for lick, watch out. Earl Scruggs doesn’t have to jump around to make his instrument sing. He seems content to stand back and watch his sons grab a share of the spotlight. Although he appeared tired, he beamed whenever one of his sons performed a strong solo. Among his instrumentals were The Flint Hill Special and the Foggy Mountain Breakdown.

The rest of the band is all family. Gary Scruggs plays bass and handles the lead vocals, while Steve Scruggs, the youngest brother to join the act, primarily plays piano. Steve also plays guitar.

Gary’s vocals, while strong, suffered from a bit of muddiness at times from the sound system. Steve’s piano work is excellent. Most notably, his work on Foggy Mountain Breakdown.

Backing the band on drums is Taylor Rhodes, Randy’s brother-in-law.

The Post-Star, July 25, 1978

Views: 9