Oldest Member Of Grand Ole Opry Passes At 94

  • Thursday, January 16, 2025
  • Earl Freudenberg
Susie Luther with Buck White
Susie Luther with Buck White

 Buck White, the oldest member of the world famous Grand Ole Opry, died Monday at the age of 94.

Son-in-law Ricky Skaggs posted on Facebook, “The Lord answered our prayers and took our daddy, Buck White, home peacefully Monday morning.”

The Oklahoma City native was born into a musical family, learning to play the piano and mandolin while in high school.   Mr. White formed the family band which bore his name.  With his two daughters, Sharon and Cheryl, he joined the Grand Ole Opry in 1984 after recording a top ten country song, “Hanging Around,” in late 1982.

Chattanooga Country Music Announcer Susie Luther said, “Today I join countless fans in mourning the loss of a true legend. Buck White, of the Whites, was a Grand Ole Opry star whose voice and music were woven into the fabric of country music. His incredible talent and dedication to his craft brought joy, hope and inspiration to so many of us. May his family finds comfort in knowing how deeply Buck was loved and admired by so many. My thoughts and prayers are with his family.” 

This writer was reminded of a 1990 visit to the Grand Ole Opry with Mountain Opry President Ken Holloway.  After performing on the Friday night Opry, Buck White took us into their dressing room for a lengthy visit.  Mr. Holloway, an accomplished mandolin player, enjoyed playing a duet (Sunny Side of Life) with the legendary musician. Mr. White, a devout Christian, told us during that visit he especially liked singing Bluegrass – Gospel music.

Sharon White was married to Country Singer Ricky Skaggs in 1982.  The Whites won a Country Music Award for Vocal Duo of the year in 1987. Mr. White was labeled one of the greatest mandolin players in country and bluegrass music. 

The Whites appeared in the 2,000 film, “O Brother, Where Art Thou.”

Mr. White said in a 2022 interview on Larry’s Country Diner, “Mama always played the Grand Ole Opry on the radio when I was a little kid and I dreamed about what it would be like. When asked to join, I just about went into orbit.”

Grand Ole Opry officials said funeral arrangements are incomplete.    

 

 

Heyearl1971@epbfi.com 

 

Earl Freudenberg with the Whites
Earl Freudenberg with the Whites
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