Frank Marion Necessary, 20 Dec. 1935-15 Dec. 2011

A month ago (see the BIB for 16 Nov.) we had occasion to mention Reno-style banjo-player Frank Necessary, longtime musical partner of AL Jones, and their band the Spruce Mountain Boys. Jay Armsworthy, IBMA member, sends the sad news that Frank Necessary died on Thursday afternoon, 15 December, after a long illness. His funeral will be held on Wednesday 21 Dec. in Leonardtown, Maryland. Niall Toner writes:

I share the sadness at the news of the passing of Frank Necessary. I had played with Frank and Al Jones at the 2005 Jerusalem Ridge Festival, and I was due to interview Al during my recent visit in connection with Bill Monroe, but I understand that he was at Frank's bedside in the hospital since early September. May he rest in peace.

The image above shows the cover of the band's early Rounder album (now out of print). A fine photo of Frank Necessary, together with funeral details and a condolence list, can be seen here. The photo below, taken by Moira Toner, shows Niall with Frank (left) and AL Jones beside the Spruce Mountain Boys trailer, rehearsing for their set at Jerusalem Ridge in 2005.