The bluegrass, newgrass, new acoustic and dawg music worlds were shocked and saddened to learn of the passing of Tony Rice on Christmas morning. He died suddenly while making his morning coffee.
Rice was, nearly without argument, the most influential flat-picking guitarist in history. All of the genres mentioned above will be forever touched by his input. His technical ability was matched only by his imagination, taste and consummate musicality. He was a giant, who cast a long shadow and will be sorely missed. His iconic D-28, once owned by the equally influential Clarence White, and itself as recognizable as Rice, with its modified soundhole and uncharacteristically bound fretboard, is said to be headed to Rice's brother, Wyatt.
Rest in peace, Tony.
