Coble notes the death of bluegrass legend Earl Scruggs
Washington,
Mar 29, 2012 -
(Washington, D.C.)----The past chairman of the House subcommittee that deals with music industry issues said today he was saddened to learn of the death of bluegrass music legend, Earl Scruggs. U.S. Rep. Howard Coble (R-NC) said when he was chairman of the House Judiciary Subcommittee on Courts, the Internet, and Intellectual Property, he became friends with Scruggs.
"Earl and his late wife Louise became good friends of mine," Congressman Coble stated, "when Earl was one of the witnesses who testified before our subcommittee on artists’ rights issues. He was a passionate advocate for the fair treatment of all musicians."
Rep. Coble was honored when he was asked to participate in the 2008 Grammy Awards in Los Angeles when Earl Scruggs was presented with a Lifetime Achievement Grammy.
"This son of North Carolina revolutionized the art of banjo playing," Rep. Coble noted. "One of the highlights of my congressional career was when I was asked to help present Earl with that Grammy. He was so humble and appreciative for being honored by his peers. While we were seated together in the audience, he slapped me on the knee and said, ‘thanks for being here, man.’ It is something I will never forget."
Coble, well-known on Capitol Hill for his love of bluegrass music, concluded that Earl Scruggs will never be forgotten. "Music fans everywhere, including me, will miss Earl," Coble said. "The good news is that we will always have his music to remember him. My condolences go out to his sons, Gary and Randy, and his music fans everywhere."
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