Tony Rice was one of the most influential and innovative guitarists in the history of bluegrass music. He was known for his virtuosic technique, expressive style, and distinctive voice. He played with many legendary musicians, such as David Grisman, Ricky Skaggs, Jerry Garcia, and Alison Krauss. He also inspired countless guitarists, who admired his skill, creativity, and passion. He died on December 25, 2020, at the age of 69, leaving behind a legacy of music and a community of fans.
The Official Announcement
According to USA Today, Tony Rice’s death was announced by his longtime friend and collaborator Ricky Skaggs, who said that Rice died while making his coffee at his home in Reidsville, North Carolina. Skaggs said that he had spoken to Rice the day before, and that they had exchanged Christmas wishes. Skaggs also said that Rice had been suffering from health problems for many years, and that he was at peace with his condition.
According to Wikipedia, Rice had a muscle disorder around his vocal cords that left him unable to sing onstage, and tennis elbow that limited his playing. He had not performed publicly since 2013, when he was inducted into the International Bluegrass Music Hall of Fame. He had not recorded any new music since 1999, when he released his last album, Unit of Measure.
The Reddit Reaction
Tony Rice’s death sparked an outpouring of grief, tribute, and appreciation from the bluegrass community on Reddit. Many users shared their favorite songs, albums, and stories of Rice, and expressed their admiration and gratitude for his music. Some examples are:
- u/soarin_tech posted a discussion thread titled “Tony Rice gravesite?”, asking if anyone knew where Rice was buried, and saying that they wanted to pay their respects. The thread received 22 upvotes and 4 comments, with some users providing possible clues, and others expressing their condolences.
- u/TylerReeseMusic posted a discussion thread titled “How does somebody like Tony Rice become SO SO SO good like he did?”, wondering how Rice achieved such a high level of mastery and skill on the guitar. The thread received 42 upvotes and 15 comments, with some users offering advice, insights, and anecdotes about Rice’s practice, influences, and style.
- u/BluegrassBass posted a link to a YouTube video of Rice playing “Freeborn Man” with the Tony Rice Unit, with the title “RIP Tony Rice. You will be missed.” The post received 41 upvotes and 2 comments, with users praising Rice’s performance and expressing their sadness.
The Legacy and Impact
Tony Rice’s cause of death Reddit revealed how much he meant to the bluegrass community, and how much he influenced the genre and the guitar. He was a pioneer, a legend, and a hero, who pushed the boundaries of bluegrass music, and created a unique and original sound. He was also a mentor, a friend, and a role model, who inspired and supported many musicians, and shared his love and knowledge of music. He was a gift to the world, and his music will live on in the hearts and ears of his fans. He was more than just a bluegrass guitarist, he was Tony Rice, a musical genius and a gentle soul.
