Terry Baucom, renowned banjo player and bluegrass singer, has died at the age of 71.
Terry Baucom was arguably one of the best musicians in bluegrass music. Credited as a founding member of some of the genre’s greatest bands like Boone Creek, Doyle Lawson & Quicksilver and IIIrd Tyme Out, Baucom was an accomplished banjoist.
Baucom was inspired to learn the banjo at age 10 after hearing Flatt & Scruggs on The Beverly Hillbillies. He spent six decades mastering the instruments and lending his talent to some of bluegrass music’s most iconic groups. After spending several years playing with his dad’s bluegrass group, The Rocky River Boys, Baucom teamed up with Ricky Skaggs, Jerry Douglas, Wes Golding and Steve Bryant to form Boone Creek.
After two years with Boone Creek, Terry joined Doyle Lawson’s original Quicksilver lineup where he remained from 1979 to 1985. He would return to the gig in 2003. During his hiatus from DLQ, Baucom formed IIIrd Tyme Out, a band comprised of other former Quicksilver members.
Baucom’s career also included stints with Lou Reid & Carolina, Blue Ridge, and his own band, Dukes of Drive. Three months ago, after a decades-long professional career, Terry Baucom announced his retirement.
Terry Baucom’s death was announced on Facebook by his former bandmate and boss, Doyle Lawson, who wrote:
“It is with great sadness that I have been asked by Cindy Baucom on behalf of all of Terry Baucom’s family, to let you know that Terry passed away this morning,” Lawson wrote. “I’ve known Terry more than fifty years and his impact within Bluegrass music speaks for itself. Bauc never tried to dazzle you with his picking, never sought attention for himself but attention came to him because of the uniqueness of his picking In addition to that he was a solid bass and baritone singer. And I’m gonna miss that dry sense of humor that was his and only his. Rest in peace dear friend, your journey here is complete.”
Bluegrass today reports that Baucom died after being diagnosed with Lewy Body Dementia earlier this year. “Bauc,” as his friends affectionately called him, understood his diagnosis and prognosis, but continued to play with Dukes of Drive until late May. He continued to travel with his band and spent time with fans, visiting, posing for pictures and giving autographs, until his health would no longer permit him to do so.
Our thoughts and prayers are with Terry Baucom’s family and all who knew and loved him. See Terry’s talent displayed in the clip below.