Randy Scruggs was a country music legend who had a remarkable career as a musician, songwriter, and producer. He was the son of banjo pioneer Earl Scruggs and the brother of Gary Scruggs, with whom he formed the Earl Scruggs Revue in 1969. He won four Grammy Awards, three CMA Musician of the Year awards, and produced albums for many famous artists, such as Waylon Jennings, Emmylou Harris, and Alison Krauss. He also wrote several hit songs, including “We Danced Anyway” for Deana Carter and “It’s Only Love” for Mary Chapin Carpenter. He was widely respected and admired by his peers and fans for his talent and versatility.
How Did Randy Scruggs Die?
Randy Scruggs died on April 17, 2018, at the age of 64, after a brief illness. The exact cause of his death was not publicly disclosed, but some sources reported that he had been battling cancer. He passed away peacefully at his home in Nashville, surrounded by his family and friends.
According to Rolling Stone, his funeral service was held on April 23 at the Ryman Auditorium, the historic venue where his father had performed many times with Lester Flatt and the Foggy Mountain Boys. The service featured musical tributes from Vince Gill, Ricky Skaggs, Emmylou Harris, Rodney Crowell, John Prine, Jerry Douglas, Travis Tritt, and others. His daughter Lindsey Scruggs spoke about her father’s love for music and his family.
What Was Randy Scruggs’ Legacy?
Randy Scruggs left behind a rich legacy of music that spanned genres and generations. He was instrumental in creating some of the most acclaimed albums in country music history, such as Will the Circle Be Unbroken: Volume Two by the Nitty Gritty Dirt Band, which won the CMA Album of the Year award in 1989 and featured collaborations with Johnny Cash, Roy Acuff, Chet Atkins, and others. He also produced the follow-up album Will the Circle Be Unbroken: Volume Three in 2002, which won him a Grammy for Best Country Instrumental Performance for his rendition of “Foggy Mountain Breakdown” with Earl Scruggs, Steve Martin, Leon Russell, Vince Gill, Marty Stuart, and others.
As a songwriter, he penned songs that captured the emotions and stories of country music fans. He had a knack for writing catchy melodies and memorable lyrics that resonated with listeners. Some of his songs became classics in the genre, such as “Don’t Make It Easy for Me” and “Chance of Lovin’ You” by Earl Thomas Conley, “Love Has No Right” by Billy Joe Royal, and “Shakin’” by Sawyer Brown.
As a musician, he was a master of the guitar who could play any style with ease and flair. He started playing at a young age and learned from some of the best in the business. He played on countless records by various artists, adding his distinctive touch and sound to each track. He also recorded his own solo album Crown of Jewels in 1998, which showcased his skills as a singer and guitarist.
Randy Scruggs was a country music icon who influenced many artists and fans with his music. He was a humble and generous person who loved to share his passion and knowledge with others. He was a devoted husband to his wife Sandy, a loving father to his daughter Lindsey, and a loyal brother to his brother Gary. He was a friend to many in the music industry and beyond. He will be dearly missed by all who knew him and appreciated his work.
