Few songs are as identifiable with a single school as “Rocky Top” is for the Tennessee Volunteers. Today, Bobby Osborne – one of the men who sang the recorded version of the iconic song – has passed away.
On Tuesday, the Grand Ole Opry in Tennessee confirmed the passing of the Osborne at the age of 91. In a tweet, the organization offered their thanks for many years of performing for them.
“We’re so thankful the Opry was home sweet home to you, Bobby Osborne. Thank you for all the cherihed memories and dedication. We love you.”
In a statement, Grand Ole Opry executive producer Dan Rogers credited Osborne as being one of the great pioneers of bluegrass music. He offered thanks to his decades of contributions to music.
“Bobby Osborne was among the last of his generation of bluegrass pioneers,” Rogers told The Tennessean. “What a profound loss for the Opry family and bluegrass music fans around the world. Mr. Osborne’s legacy will live forever on this stage we love and wherever his style is emulated. Thank you to Bobby Osborne for more than 70 years of music and memories.”
We’re so thankful the Opry was home sweet home to you, Bobby Osborne. Thank you for all the cherished memories and dedication. We love you. ❤️ pic.twitter.com/icpvcMv1om
— Grand Ole Opry (@opry) June 27, 2023
Bobby Osborne and his brother Sonny formed the band “Osborne Brothers,” which performed from 1953 all the way until 2005.
Sonny Osborne retired in 2005 and passed away in 2021, while Bobby continued to perform with the Rocky Top X-press.
They had dozens of songs rank in the top 100, but their rendition of Rocky Top (written by Felice and Boudleaux Bryant) in 1967 has since become the anthem fight song for the Tennessee Volunteers.
Our hearts go out to Osborne’s family and loved ones.