In hearing of this petition, I've hurried here without one moments hesitation to sign it, as I most definitely feel that Bob & Sonny Osborne very much deserve induction into the CMHF, for as I've both seen it written, and heard it told, Bob & Sonny strove very hard over the years, to gain acceptance in mainstream country music eventhough at times, this tended to alienate them somewhat from their bluegrass audiences.

At certain periods of time (especially from the mid 60's -mid 70's) the sound of their band, was a blend of bluegrass and mainstream country sounds of the day, which I very much enjoyed ! Though some (I learned later on), frowned on their use of steel guitar and drums, and (incredulously), even on the sound of Sonny's 6-String Banjo, I, although very young at that time, thought it was great, and in my family and circle of friends their sound was accepted greatly !

Next I'll ask this, whom out anyone who has ever listened to their vocal work, can be any less than amazed, and maybe even mesmerized by it. I think it's pretty safe to say, that the Osborne Brothers were probably one of the first in Bluegrass, and maybe mainstream Country Music also, to gain great attention for their vocal harmonies.

The words ornate and intricate, have been used when describing their brand of 3 part harmony singing, and that is surely the truth, and as a performer, I can also tell you that when trying to duplicate the arrangement of a few of the Osborne's great songs such as, "Pathway of Teardrops", "This Heart of Mine", and "Once More"; but to name a few, it is very challenging and demanding for the vocalist attempting to even try it ! 

It takes a special blend of voices (or a blend of special voices), I'm not sure which,to achieve the awesome harmonies, that Bob & Sonny, and several of their fine "3rd-part" vocalists have done thru the years, and though there are many fine groups out there who feature great instrumental work, and very fine close harmony as well, each time I sit down and listen to my collection of Osborne Brothers albums (MGM & Decca especially), I always end up shaking my head, and thinking to myself, "Man ! How'd they do that !?" and  "Could anyone ever do it any better than they did it right there" ?!

So for all the aforementioned reasons, I'm very proud to add my signature to this petition, and here's hoping it will open all the neccesary eyes at the CMA, and that it will bring about the induction of the Osborne Brothers real soon !

Ron Hazlett Jr./Martinsburg, WV.