Vern Williams

Vern Williams, singer, mandolinist, bandleader, and icon of traditional bluegrass in California since the 1950s, died on 6 June. Laurie Lewis, who played bass for Vern during 1979-80, recalls: 'Asked at a workshop once about what it takes to sing bluegrass, Vern replied: "You've got to spill your guts on stage. And then walk in them." Vern sang like a siren, a car horn, a bugling elk, a big leather bellows, rearing back away from the mic and blasting through the band with his high tenor. He sang the great old songs, with a penchant for Stephen Foster and Carter Family material. He always had an interesting and varied repertoire, full of beautiful gems that nobody else was singing.'

For Laurie's other memories of Vern, see her website.