Osborne Brothers

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“Rocky Top”

Single by Osborne Brothers
Released	1967
Genre	Bluegrass
Length	02:35
Label	Decca/MCA

The Osborne Brothers, Sonny Osborne, born October 29, 1937, and Bobby Osborne, born December 9, 1931, were an influential and popular bluegrass act from Hyden, Kentucky^[1].

They are probably best known for their 1968 hit song, Rocky Top, which is about mountain in Tennessee^[2].

Upon their breakout into the bluegrass scene, the group quickly became noted for their virtuosic instrumentation and exceptionally tight, melodic vocal harmonies. Their first country chart appearance was "Once More", a 1958 duet with Red Allen. Their next hit, "Up This Hill & Down", came eight years later and began a string of 18 hits through 1980. Among them were "Making Plans", "Midnight Flyer", "Tennessee Hound Dog", and "Ruby (Are You Mad At Your Man)." During the 1960s, the duet caused some controversy among Bluegrass Music purists for their incorporation of electronic and percussion instruments in their live acts and studio works. The Osborne Brothers' final chart appearance came in late 1986 with a new version of "Rocky Top."

Sonny retired in 2005, but Bobby continues to perform with his band Rocky Top X-press.