Sad news to post.  The talented and well-respected veteran dobro master Junior Barber has passed away.  Junior leaves behind a lifetime of professional performances, recordings, and many musical friendships. A quiet and humble gentleman, Junior chose his thoughts and words as carefully and profoundly in conversation as he did when selecting his notes for dobro solos.  He only said and played what was needed to be expressed, and it was always to the point and perfect.

Junior was never too busy to encourage less experienced musicians with helpful pearls of wisdom which I was lucky enough to be a recipient on many an occasion.  I most likely speak for many when I say that just his presence in a jam session or performance elevated the event exponentially.

Junior’s discography, the many bands he participated in,  his music awards, and milestones earned reflect both the talent and dedication he brought to his music. This article in Bluegrass Today lists just some of these accomplishments.

I share this sad news with many people, both inside and out of the music community, in the North Country and well beyond.

It is with both deep respect and melancholy that I offer my sincere  condolences to Junior’s family.