The music world mourns the loss of Bobby Hicks, a seminal figure in bluegrass music, who passed away at 91. Bluegrass Today reported that Hicks, renowned for his fiddle skills in bluegrass music, died due to heart disease complications.
Born Robert Caldwell Hicks on July 21, 1933, in Newton, North Carolina, Hicks was introduced to music at a young age, starting with the mandolin and guitar before discovering his true passion for the fiddle.
His journey into professional music began with performances alongside artists like Jim Eanes and Benny Jarrell & the Flint Hill Playboys before his significant stint with Bob Williams set the stage for greater achievements.
In 1953, Hicks joined Bill Monroe & the Blue Grass Boys, a pivotal moment that marked the beginning of his profound impact on bluegrass music. Initially playing bass, he soon switched to fiddle, contributing to the genre's defining sounds.
His military service interrupted his music career from 1956 to 1958 when he served in the Army during the Korean War, returning to music with renewed vigor post-service.
Hicks's contributions to Bill Monroe's "Bluegrass Instrumentals" album in 1965 are still celebrated today. "What an explosion that album created in bluegrass!" he once remarked about the project's impact on the genre.
Following his time with Monroe, Hicks worked with Porter Wagoner and then moved to Las Vegas to perform with country singer Judy Lynn for seven years, a testament to his versatility and demand as a musician.
He returned to Greensboro, North Carolina, in the late 1970s due to his mother's poor health, dedicating himself to local performances and music education.
In 1981, Hicks joined Ricky Skaggs & Kentucky Thunder, further cementing his legacy in bluegrass music. He also played a key role in the Bluegrass Album Band, participating in its first five records.
Though he retired from touring in 2004, Hicks never stopped playing music, continuing to perform locally and share his skills with aspiring musicians.
His contributions to the genre were officially recognized in 2017 when he was inducted into both the North Carolina Music Hall of Fame and the Bluegrass Music Hall of Fame.
Hicks's health declined following a heart attack on August 10, leading to surgery for a pacemaker installation on August 11. Unfortunately, he passed away in his sleep around 3:30 a.m. on August 12, in western North Carolina where he lived.
His passing has left a void in the bluegrass community, with many remembering his eagerness to play and share his music. Banjo player Lincoln Hensley recalls, "He always wanted to play and sing."
Survived by his widow, Cathy Hicks, plans for his memorial reflect his deep connection to his surroundings. "A private service, after which Bobby’s ashes will be scattered among the mountains where they live," said Cathy Hicks. A public Celebration of Life will be announced at a later date.
The bluegrass community and music lovers worldwide are paying their respects, echoing the sentiment, "Farewell to Bobby Hicks. A bluegrass life lived to the fullest. We aren’t likely to see his kind again; a true bluegrass hero. R.I.P., Bobby Hicks."
As plans for his public Celebration of Life are finalized, the legacy of Bobby Hicks remains a beacon for many in the musical world, inspiring future generations to pursue passion and authenticity in their musical endeavors.
