Dear Smithville Review and readers:    

I hope that this letter finds all of you well and most importantly, SAFE. As a 

connoisseur of tastefully-done Music of all genres, and also a Musician, it has

been a great priviledge of mine to appear on shows as a sideman (aka "hired help")

with a few Bluegrass/Gospel bands. Part of the fun, in addition to getting to 

enjoy the beautiful scenery, meet wonderful people, and make my living doing 

what I love, was getting to hear many of my Musical heroes in other bands

ply their trade superbly. 

At the head of the pack of heroes whose Music has thrilled the fans and

festival-goers to the max, has been Kentucky's Osborne Brothers. Building a 

respected name for themselves across the United States, 

the Osbornes moved up in the ranks, unleashing a string of unforgettable hits

such as "Georgia Piney Woods", "Tennessee Hound Dog", "Midnight Flyer", and of

course I'd be amiss to leave out "Rocky Top".  

Overflowing crowds at their shows have for years resulted in promoters clamoring to 

get the Osborne Brothers for "their" weekend. Also, the Osbornes have been a major draw 

at Nashville's Grand Ole Opry since the mid-60's.

Because of these facts, and because of their adept instrumentalism and vocal 

work (the "wizardry of Osborne" as we in Bluegrass say), I would like to see the Osborne Brothers inducted into the Country Music Hall 

of Fame as soon as possible. After all, if I meet 10 people who know anything

about Bluegrass and C/W music, and say "Wish that I was up on old Rocky Top...", 8 of

them will belt out, "down in the Tennessee hills".

Thanking you for your time, and hoping all the best, we're...

Bobby & Bonnie Hathorn

"Hear that Banjo!"

1061 Tower Road                                 

Ellisville, MS  39437   (601) 342-1223