Cybergrass Bluegrass Music News: Bluegrass Mandolinist Larry Rice Lost His Battle with Cancer

Bob_Cherry wrote: on May 14, 2006:

Yesterday morning, Mark Johnson informed us that acoustic and bluegrass musician Larry Rice, 57, lost his battle with mesothelioma cancer and is now at peace and free of pain. At around midnight yesterday, the resperator that Larry depended on was removed and at 12:44 am, Larry left this world accompanied by family and close friends. Mark is a cancer survivor and knows what cancer is like and what it can do to a family. It was good that Mark could be there with the Rice family during this difficult time.

Larry was an extraordinary mandolin picker who played with some of the finest groups in bluegrass and acoustic music. He started playing in his father's band, the Golden State Boys, with his brothers. Larry had three brothers who all played acoustic instruments and bluegrass music. Tony, who is world famous for his unbelievable guitar work, Wyatt Rice (guitar), Ronnie Rice who played bass. The last album that all four brothers performed together on was Tony Rice - 58957: The Bluegrass Guitar Collection.

The outpouring of love for this artist was amazing. Many benefits have been held for over a year and a half to supplement his bills and to help with the family. He recorded on at least 25 different albums with his brothers, J.D. Crowe, Chris Hillman, Herb Pedersen and his own albums.

After playing in his father's band, Larry formed his own band, the Haphazards, with his brothers Tony and Ronnie. In the '70s, he joined J.D. Crowe and the Kentucky Mountain Boys and the band, with this lineup, changed the band name to J.D. Crowe and the New South. In 1973, Jim Hatton was replaced by Tony Rice on guitar. Later, in 1974, Ricky Skaggs joined the New South and replaced Larry Rice.

Larry played and learned from the greats. He was a true innovator and contributor to the unique mandolinists of the last 40 years. His innovations and his unique traditional style are still the model for many others. His music stands on it's own and because of his original style, is easily recognized. There are not many in the genre that stand out but Larry was in good company with the likes of Ricky Skaggs, Doyle Lawson, Chris Thile and just a few more who placed their mark on the music.

Larry's first solo album, Hurricanes and Daydreams, was released iin 1985. Since then, he has released other albums including his 1996 release, Notions and Novelties and his last album Clouds Over Carolina released in 2005.

Larry's approach to the music was gentle and soft. His music was once referred to as "mellow grass." Due to his unique style, he was able to take familiar tunes and make them his own by applying his smooth and gentle arrangement. This isn't to say that he wasn't a traditionalist. Larry always held tradition in high respect and he didn't stray as much as his brothers Tony and Wyatt.

It is a rough time for the Rice family as Tony Rice's brother-in-law passed away just a month ago after a prolonged and painful illness. Tony cancelled his shows for early April. Now, with the loss of his brother, Larry, his current schedule is also on hold.

Funeral arrangements have been announced and are as follows:

Viewing:
Tuesday, May 16, 2006 from 6:00PM to 8:00PM
Strickland Funeral Home
1901 S.E. Highway 19
Crystal River, FL 34429
Phone: 352-795-2678

Funeral:
Wednesday, May 17, 2006 at 2:00PM
Strickland Funeral Home
1901 S.E. Highway 19
Crystal River, FL 34429
Phone: 352-795-2678

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