The bluegrass world is mourning the loss of one of its most influential and beloved musicians, Terry Baucom, who passed away on December 7, 2023, at the age of 71. Baucom, who was known as “The Duke of Drive” for his powerful and distinctive banjo playing, had a long and illustrious career that spanned more than five decades and several groundbreaking bands.
Who was Terry Baucom?
Baucom was born on October 6, 1952, in Monroe, North Carolina, and grew up in a musical family. He learned to play the banjo at age 10, inspired by the Beverly Hillbillies TV show, and the fiddle at age 14. He was influenced by his mother, who sang and played the fiddle, his uncle Pen Vandiver, who was a renowned fiddler, and his friend Arnold Shultz, a black musician who played guitar and fiddle and taught Baucom the thumb-style technique that later became popularized by Doc Watson and Merle Travis.
Baucom’s professional career began in 1970, when he joined Charlie Moore’s band as a fiddle player. He soon switched to the banjo and became one of the most sought-after musicians in the genre. He was a founding member of several influential bands, such as Boone Creek (with Ricky Skaggs and Jerry Douglas), Doyle Lawson and Quicksilver, IIIrd Tyme Out, and The New Quicksilver. He also played with Lou Reid and Carolina, BlueRidge, Dale Ann Bradley, Mountain Heart, and Tony Rice, among others.
In 2010, Baucom formed his own band, Terry Baucom’s Dukes of Drive, which featured Joey Lemons on mandolin, Will Jones on guitar, and Joe Hannabach on bass. The band released four albums and had several hit songs on the bluegrass charts, such as “The Rock”, “Around the Corner”, and “Fine Time to Get the Blues”. Baucom also released two solo albums, In a Groove (2011) and Never Thought of Looking Back (2013), which showcased his banjo skills and featured guest vocalists such as Russell Moore, John Cowan, Sam Bush, Marty Raybon, and Tim Stafford.
Baucom was widely respected and admired by his peers and fans for his mastery of the banjo, his innovative style, his musical versatility, and his humble and friendly personality. He won numerous awards from the International Bluegrass Music Association (IBMA), including Banjo Player of the Year in 2011 and 2013, and Recorded Event of the Year in 2013 for “What’ll I Do”. He was also inducted into the Blue Ridge Music Hall of Fame in 2015.
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A Sad Farewell
Baucom announced his retirement from touring in August 2023, citing health issues. He revealed that he had been diagnosed with a severe and rapid form of Alzheimer’s disease, which had affected his memory and cognition. He made his final appearance with his band at the Camp Springs Labor Day Bluegrass Festival in North Carolina, where he received a standing ovation from the audience.
Baucom passed away peacefully on December 7, 2023, surrounded by his family and friends. He is survived by his wife Cindy, his son Daniel, his daughter-in-law Lauren, his grandson Wyatt, his brother Tony, and his sister Linda. He also leaves behind a legacy of music that will continue to inspire and delight generations of bluegrass lovers.
The bluegrass community has expressed its sorrow and condolences for Baucom’s death, and has paid tribute to his life and career. Many musicians have shared their memories and stories of working and playing with Baucom, and have praised his talent, generosity, and kindness.
A Lasting Impact
Terry Baucom was a remarkable musician and a remarkable human being. He left an indelible mark on the history and culture of bluegrass music, and he influenced countless banjo players and bands. He also brought joy and happiness to millions of listeners around the world, who admired his skill and enjoyed his music. He will be remembered and honored as one of the greatest and most beloved figures in bluegrass. He will be sorely missed, but his music will live on forever. Rest in peace, Terry Baucom, the Duke of Drive.
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