The Earls of Leicester, Sierra Ferrell, and Alison Brown Honor Earl Scruggs

In May 2023, the Country Music Hall of Fame and Museum celebrated the donation of renowned musician, bluegrass pioneer, and Country Music Hall of Fame member Earl Scruggs’s storied Gibson RB-Granada Mastertone banjo to the Museum’s permanent collection.
Scruggs played the iconic banjo throughout his more than 60-year career, including in concerts, on TV sound stages, and in the recording studio with Flatt & Scruggs and the Earl Scruggs Revue. The banjo can be heard on Scruggs’s famous composition "Foggy Mountain Breakdown," by Lester Flatt, Earl Scruggs & the Foggy Mountain Boys-showcasing his innovative three-finger picking style that would influence generations of musicians and expand the possibilities of the instrument across the world. The Gibson banjo remained Scruggs’s primary instrument until his passing in March 2012.
Vince Gill opens the ceremony, followed by remarks by Museum CEO Kyle Young. Lindsey Scruggs, Earl’s granddaughter, shares her memories of her grandfather playing the banjo and offered thanks to the Museum for its stewardship of country music’s story.
The Earls of Leicester-Jerry Douglas (dobro), Shawn Camp (lead vocals and guitar), Jeff White (mandolin), Johnny Warren (fiddle), Daniel Kimbro (bass), and Charlie Cushman (banjo)-perform "Salty Dog Blues" and "Rollin’ in My Sweet Baby’s Arms,” and are joined by Sierra Ferrell singing “Before I Met You.”
Before Alison Brown’s performance of “Earl’s Breakdown,” backed by the Earls of Leicester, Brown and Douglas speak about the importance of the banjo’s donation and the original instruments of Flatt & Scruggs and the Foggy Mountain Boys being reunited again in performance for the first time in more than fifty years. "These instruments are the reason why I play music at all," said Douglas.
Following the ceremony, Scruggs’s Gibson RB-Granada Mastertone banjo was returned to the museum’s galleries. The banjo is on display in the museum’s Precious Jewel core exhibition, alongside several other iconic instruments.
FOR MORE
Learn more about the Museum’s collection: countrymusichalloffame.org/co...
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[@jeffro7p202]

Mark my words sierra ferrell is one of a kind and our grandchildren will be honoring her just as we are earl scruggs

[@artphot]

Thanks for Including Sierra Ferrell in this video ,she's as country as country can possibly be!

[@markh9875]

Including, unfortunately, the cattle nose ring. There are fashions I like and those I dislike. Even those I dislike I often think, "Well, it isn't my taste, but I get it " The nosering and the flat-billed baseball hat are two exceptions. I don't get these at all. They have zero redeeming features and no context in which they work for me at all. They're just hideous.

[@markh9875]

Yes, beautiful singing.

[@raccoonlittlebear6476]

Sierra Ferrell - (Mountain Wild) a beautiful spirit, singer-songwriter. Real country! And a bit of a rebel.🤠

[@mbrand19971]

She is the real deal and the industry better keep their eye on the ball.

[@simonvanderheijden432]

​@@markh9875 There are always people who need to criticise other people. If they can't find something in the performance to moan about they will find something in the way the artist looks or something they said in an interview. You strike me as a man that, if you stood on the riverbank and watched Jesus walk on water, would say to the guy standing next to you.. See? He can't swim..

[@cliffhorton1198]

My goodness we’re watching a legend in the making with Sierra Ferrell

[@bobjones6572]

Go and see her while she's still playing bars and small venues. She tours extensively but will undoubtedly become a more expensive ticket. Driving four hours in July to see her in Detroit. Sports pundits frequently overuse the term generational talent, but I feel totally comfortable with applying it to Sierra.

[@buckjones1299]

Hi h

[@CorneiliusLibowitz]

@@bobjones6572 Afreed. I'm driving about the same distance up to Door County in July... Should be a great show....as always!

[@bleachyberserko4191]

She's excellent, I missed her recent UK tour with nick shoulders and am wounded. For all I haven't seen her, I'd have to agree with the other commentors, go and see her (and nick) before they get bigger!

[@sandorando]

I saw Sierra for the first time in a small venue in 2021. The opener Bella White was fantastic, but when Sierra started singing it was like we were all at the center of the universe. It was an unreal feeling. Hope she’s around for a long long time.

[@cranefly23]

I’m an Englishman living in England. I’m now in my mid-70’s. I have loved Bluegrass since I ‘discovered’ it in my youth. I recall in the late ‘60’s/early 70’s trying various record stores in different parts of the Country, trying to find a source of Flatt & Scruggs music. Needless to say, all I got were blank looks. One would have thought I was speaking a foreign language. There was no KZbin, and indeed no internet back then, so I’m so pleased to be able to view things like this now. Thank you.

[@yisraelforeman904]

Are you aware that the roots of Bluegrass Country Music are in Scottish and Irish Folk Music. It's no wonder I love it so much, having been born and raised in the Southern States of America, and also being of Scottish, Irish, English, and Indigenous First Nations Native American Ancestral Heritage.

[@shable1436]

Look up my old friend who played with them, I grew up in same town, and he was retired and played golf everyday, but I had no idea he was famous as he was until I toured Nashville and saw his name with flatt and Scruggs at the Gibson museum, I knew he played bluegrass back in the day, but wasn't into it, until much later, until new grass sounds were coming out in the 90s. He name was Butch Robins from Virginia, yes the same one that played with Bill Monroe, and I had no clue he was a legend, because he was so humble and never talked about music world with me, just everything else, from fishing to golfing. Can you believe I was a professional musician as well, but completely different genres, and yet we never talked about it, I was much younger and just playing in garage bands then, and Butch had already stopped playing professionally and touring that I knew of. It's one of the weirdest things to see his name on that wall in huge letters at the Gibson showcase in Nashville, and I was like WTH is his name here for😂

[@ArchB57]

Sierra Ferrell... the best thing to hit authentic country music in years.

[@chesterwilberforce9832]

Agree 100%.

[@mofer35]

Me 2!!

[@rpmhart]

Damn! That wasn't COVERIN' the songs, that was CHANNELING THE SPIRITS of the originals. Perfect blend of instruments and musicians. Even folks who aren't bluegrass fans would have to take note of that and say "Whee-Yew, them boys is killer GOOD."

[@47fireguy16]

I went to high school with the Scruggs' sons and Josh Graves son and daughter. I remember walking to school many mornings and passing the Martha White bus outside the Scruggs house loading up to hit the road again. A lot of good memories of a truly great bluegrass group.

[@denaclements3936]

This was a wonderful program. I really liked that Sierra Ferrel, never heard her before and she was great. Thanks for having on youtube.

[@CorneiliusLibowitz]

Welcome aboard. Unlike the haters in this comment section, you can appreciate a great artist when you see/hear one. If she (and her band) are ever passing thru/near your town, go see her before she gets big... She's still playing relatively smallish venues, and is on the festival circuit....

[@shable1436]

She had thousands come out to see her last September here, and ppl were still standing under trees, and over the hill beside the amphitheater, other words she's already huge, she's just a few records away from legendary status

[@Sanderly1820]

My grandparents raised me up on country music, when hearing Vince Gill singing, it takes me straight back to my childhood, and Sunday mornings, grandad cleaning his prized brass collection, gran in the kitchen, getting Sunday lunch, then I watched them having a dance along to Vince, Willie, Waylon,Don and Charlie Pride. I'm 46 and now terminally sick, my only wish is to see the ole oprey house and Vince , we can all dream .

[@jeanetteambrose4854]

🙏

[@jimblevins4085]

Jerry Douglas said it all, more pickers inspired by those instruments and musicians than the world will ever know, They are a humble bunch too !

[@donaldgustafson9099]

Foggy Mountain Breakdown is what got me hooked on Bluegrass in the first place. I never seem to tire of the tune, no matter who covers it.

[@MBRMrblueroads]

I am very moved by the respect shown here of the great musicians and their cherished instruments. I am glad to know those instruments are in a good place

[@barry1705]

Salty dog blues, was written by the Morris brothers from Asheville N.C. There is a video on KZbin with Earl and his son back yard picking with the Morris brothers. Priceless music 🎶.

[@fretfix1]

They also do the best version of On Top Of Old Smokey I have ever witnessed in that video. The whole vid is a wonder to behold,,,

[@garywilson12]

really enjoyes this great old music

[@user-yn9mx1hl2o]

I am an Englishman too living in England. I have a 5-String Banjo. I am aged 87 and STILL practicing!

[@TomSpeaks-vw1zp]

82 and still learning❤

[@ronhowell4886]

What a great bunch artists. Sierra Ferrell is so damn good.

[@huliniswhoiam]

Agreed!

[@CorneiliusLibowitz]

This is true, but try telling that to the haters...plenty of 'em in this comments section...

[@anyways661]

​@@CorneiliusLibowitzhaters hate what they can't emulate!

[@67plymouth440]

So many memories are stirred by this group. RIP all.

[@josephreiland2658]

As a boy that grew up with a dad from the hills of Tennessee, bluegrass was always played in our house. This took me back to those days. All of these artists are amazing too.

[@timothyharrison8953]

Funny, a lot of negative comments about Sierra's appearance, but the most replayed part of this video is her singing. I love to hear her sing and embrace her original style

[@alanclarkson1921]

What a fantastic tribute. Done with integrity, dignity, and respect. God bless you for sharing this with us. Earl will always be a legend. And, the standard by which banjo players live by. For those who love Bluegrass music, our ears, minds, and hearts will always treasure the music of Earl Scruggs.

[@oldhippypeace]

Wonderful You Tube...thank you for being able to watch and listen to so many artists I loved 50 years ago.

[@johnhayes1641]

Beautifully and amazingly done. The Earls of Leicester and Alison Brown are incomparable.

[@huliniswhoiam]

No thoughts on Sierra Farrell? I thought she killed it!

[@keithclark486]

​@@huliniswhoiam Should have led her out on stage with a rope.

[@CorneiliusLibowitz]

@@keithclark486 Why?

[@marcmt4171]

What a great tribute. So glad you had Sierra on. She's the real deal.

[@als1023]

This is a wonderful tribute to a man, his banjo and the music that shaped a good part of my life. Thank you so much for everything done here, and the Scruggs family for all they have contributed. Excellent choice in musicians to display their talents, love and respect for the music. Around the world the legend of ' Earl ' will live forever in the hearts and minds of the fans who really hear the creative genius that is this bedrock of American Bluegrass and acoustic music.

[@DbgdG]

Enjoyed viewing this! What a pleasure to hear so many great and historic instruments played again on the same stage.

[@martinmonfee7974]

Outstanding tribute to Mr.Earl Scruggs and all those represented at the hall of Fame, Earl and all those gone home would have been very proud of your performance! Some of the best of today's Bluegrass pickers on that stage!🪕🎻

[@leeroyholloway4277]

What a delightful presentation. I was honored to play bass for Shawn Camp for a couple of years in the early 90's. He is a true ambassador of traditional music as are all of the Earls of Leicester.

[@robertwilliams-wd6cp]

You Tube, what took you so long to recommend this video to me, you know how much I like Bluegrass music! thirteen days, come on man!

[@michaelmullins1290]

The Earl's had the banjo and Josh's Dobro in Bristol when I heard them. Very cool to hear them live. Those guys are cool. Shawn talked to me until they said we gotta close. I'll never forget that night.

[@paullanier8280]

Thank you all so much !!!! This sound brought memories back to my old ears. Thank you , too , Sierra for your beautiful singing. Allison, you made another beautiful facet on the gem . God bless you , all .😊

[@truthray2885]

I think that last bit about all the instruments "knowing each other" so well was the coolest part of it all.

[@wolfsheadhillbluegrassband6965]

21:51 She is always great, would love to hear her in the Netherlands 33:12 Goosebumps

[@rescuecow90]

I only watched to see Sierra,she was excellent as ever,your right the finale was special,made me say wow out load.

[@tomas5376]

Gracias for all these wonderful memories!!

[@dansaver8247]

Fabulous. It had me in tears.

[@dancochrane617]

This is excellent singing and playing. I love this music. Thanks 😂. Never get tired of the sound of bluegrass music done so well.

[@topixfromthetropix1674]

Well, I'm. about 473 dog years old. As a sound tech, I worked with Earl and Lester about a dozen times. They had an amazing ability to remember names.

[@ryankc3631]

Wow, they could not have chosen better than Sierra Ferrell. And what a great honor for her.

[@willian.direction6740]

Thanks for an amazing KZbin about the music and museum where the instruments are now on display.

[@marbleman52]

Music for the Soul and Heart....excellent in every way...time tested & proven musicians and their instruments...!!!

[@inaciobrito8259]

THE DOBBRO IS AN WONDERFULL INSTRUMENT

[@ratgts]

Awesome...!

[@plainolded5030]

The Earls of Leicester are fabulous. Shawn Camp just flat out kicks hiney. I think that was THE best Salty Dog Blues I've ever heard. Alison Brown is a class act also.

[@huliniswhoiam]

It's a little controversial, but I like some of their versions better than I do the originals!

[@CorneiliusLibowitz]

No mention of Sierra Ferrell? Hmmmmmmmmm..................

[@cousinadam5157]

@@CorneiliusLibowitz Word. 🤠

[@williamcornelison4721]

I still have my album Lester Flat and Earl Scruggs at Carnige Hall

[@Elgatoviejo]

December 8 1945 is considered to be the Birth of Bluegrass the first time Lester and Earl played with Bill Monroe at the Opry. Exactly 17 years later to the day they performed at Carnegie Hall.

[@skipstein744]

Thanks for the music and fond memories. Onward!

[@michaelgonzalez7304]

As a Rock N Roll/Heavy Metal music fan (Rock N Roll head/Metalhead) as well as a guitar player, I have an appreciation for Bluegrass/Country music because if it wasn't for this music, Rock N Roll/Heavy Metal would have never happened. I would love to meet Kyle at the Country Music Hall Of Fame because he is the CEO. Kyle is right because like he said, Gibson did not make a lot of these Granada's (Maple back and sides Banjo) and you can find this Banjo in the 1930 Gibson catalog and it was the top of the line Banjo produced by Gibson and is the rarest. As Kyle said, only 20 - 50 of these RB Granada Mastertones were built by Gibson at their factory at 225 Parsons Street in Kalamazoo, Michigan. Gibson made a couple of Tenor Granada's, a couple of Plectrum Granada's, and a couple of factory 5 string Granada's (And one of them was Earl's).

[@johncostelloe743]

Well done one of my favourite tunes

[@pjhimself252]

“Here’s a little tune” OMG classicly understated

[@truebardix]

Great! Love it!

[@PWoods0078]

A Great And Well Deserving Show!!!🏵

[@banjoyBoy]

Excellent!

[@someguy4505]

Fantastic!

[@orestmedvid2704]

Sierra Farrell ,OMG powerful voice amazing personality , sounds damned close to the Coal Miners Daughter / Loretta Lyn .

[@danpoole4915]

Damn! That was gooood!

[@dlagrua]

Wow that was quite a great performance by all but must say that Alison Brown and Jerry Douglas playing was absolutely perfect.

[@markbyrum4743]

You're getting it Charlie Cushman! Wow! What a tribute!

[@tnelson4593]

It’s nice to see Earls Grand daughter speaking fondly of her family. Earl and Louise and their boys Gary,Randy and Steve will be missed.

[@saito125]

OMG... goosebumps galore!

[@tobypuente8841]

Happy 100 Earl! What you started is going strong😊

[@Swearing0000]

Wish I could have seen it live…it was a great show.

[@wayner806]

Yay for Sierra joining in!

[@cadillacslim73]

Lovely 😊

[@jdgee1600]

Ohhh, sing it, Sierra!

[@juliam.mallen9019]

Phenomenal!

[@user-wf1vy8wg9y]

Love it

[@lspvdspv]

当時のメンバーの本物の楽器を使用しての演奏は圧巻でした！ブルーグラスに栄光あれ！

[@seanmellows1348]

Excellent tribute, stellar musicianship. Sierra is the new queen of country and bluegrass.

[@LizzyTexBorden]

Yep!

[@Calatriste54]

Mercy!

[@Davy-pj8mu]

Yell wish I could play with Alison one time befor I die she great I love Earles of Lester's 😊❤

[@NSResponder]

Inspirational. Earl would be proud, I'm sure.

[@archielynn3663]

that was great at the end of the vid wow that girl can getter done

[@donaldmcdonald156]

Wow of ya😮❤

[@johnday8677]

Magic

[@mprest10]

Wow. 👍👍👍👍👍

[@reneecarter6702]

Please bring back the suits, hats, and western bow ties ❤

[@CountryAndClassics]

This was such a great presentation & honour for Earl as He deserved this. I remember first seeing Him on "The Beverly Hillbillies" that got Me into following Him & Lester. 🪕

[@erice9536]

I had no idea Mr Haney was such a wonderful musician!

[@BillBreen]

Always enjoyable. I just noticed Josh on Dobro smoked Salem cigarettes! Look at his shirt pocket during his break! :)

[@weep5426]

Thank you, this was beautiful . 🤠❤🙏

[@wesleybullock814]

Sierra has my heart...

[@victorbunch7725]

Holy Smokers Cisco, You guy's have caused my screen to get really blurry! That stroke that Sierra hits there reminds me of my Cousin Refus Bunch Who was an old back woods bill-hilly as was Earl, But my goo-ness one one could over play Earl but Refus was right up there with him! lol This was just absolutely an awesome show!!!

[@Jeff-jg7jh]

Yes indeed.

[@bodarville2510]

Thoroughly enjoyed this! Is that the original bass?

[@spraudoggy]

Impressive

[@Sunviewer338]

Love that Salty Dog!

[@6uoqjp]

Someone ought to tell that mandolin player that it, too, can be picked :)

[@janicejohnson6438]

Wow! What talented bluegrass musicians. Too bad blugrass wasn't as popular in their day. It has had a big revival and has a lot o f new young listeners. Young musicians like Billy Strings and also a lot of bands who do Grateful Dead inspired music are responsible for it's revival.

[@mitchguthrie2661]

Just curious why Chris Scruggs (Gary's son) and a fantastic musician (BR 549, Marty Stuart and solo) was not a part of this ceremony or even mentioned during the event. His choice? family drama?

[@stevenacord7642]

Ohyes 👍

[@pipermac]

Great stuff!! Still...why not play "Reuben" and give everyone's voice a chance to be heard? Love to have heard Lester's Martin in full flight!!

[@greenwil]

I am a 10th Generation Grandson of Robert Cushman of Kent. I wonder where Charlie falls in, on in that Great American Legacy?

[@randywells4674]

I amazing how man must put man on a pedestal for all other men to look at our creator is the only to look up to and place above Any man for God created all man equal what a different equalities give by the creator not by man only few will be worthy of God's heaven

[@davidhuttner275]

I believe that, for this occasion, they were calling themselves "The Earls of Lester," which parodies the first names of Earl Scruggs and Lester Flat.

[@glencoe6305]

You can see the Salem cigarette pack in Uncle Josh "Buck" Graves, shirt pocket. He was a helluva Dobro player. I got to meet-Lester,Curly,and Paul,but not Earl,or Josh.

[@Channel7-qs9hn]

what is the banjo music grahh

[@richardbarrick1492]

So guys, are they playing or, pickin' " Foggy Mtn. Breakdown" ?🤔Cheers from ETn Smoky Mtns.

[@inaciobrito8259]

JERRY DOUGLAS IS GREAT PLAYING AMONG THE GUYS

[@moragmacgregor6792]

No disrespect intended -- he's a fine musician -- but the way everybody talks, you'd think Jerry Douglas was the only human being to ever pick up a dobro. He has such a monopoly on dobro-pickin' that I can't even _name_ another dobro player. He's crowded the others out like an invasive weed.

[@user-dd4qv4bf6v]

コピーをしないアメリカ人がコピーしてる🎉感激❤

[@johnfifield43]

What else did you buy at Trader Joe’s?

[@JTSunriseMusic]

🎶🤠🪕🤠🎶