Grand Ole Opry Legend Jesse McReynolds Dies At Age 94

Jesse McReynolds Of Jim & Jesse Left A Lasting Impact On The Music World

Jesse McReynolds was born into a musical family. His grandfather, Charlie McReynolds, participated in the RCA Bristol Sessions in 1927.

Years later, Jesse formed a bluegrass duo with his brother, Jim, which they called Jim & Jesse. Jesse sang lead in the duo, while Jim sang tenor.

Jim & Jesse’s journey as a recording duo started in 1952 with Capitol Records. Over the years, they recorded numerous records that have influenced multiple generations of musicians since.

Jesse wrote many of the duo’s hits, including “Cotton Mill Man,” “Diesel On My Tail,” and “Sweet Little Miss Blue Eyes,” among others.

Jesse was also a well-respected mandolin player. He was known for developing his own technique that differed from the one Bill Monroe popularized in the 1940s. His technique came to be known as the McReynolds style, or crosspicking. This created a unique sound that mimicked banjo picking, which made Jesse stand out from other musicians.

Jim & Jesse were also known for hosting a popular radio program called the Suwannee River Jamboree. The program ran through the 1950s and 1960s, and was syndicated on radio and TV.

The duo joined the Grand Ole Opry in 1964, further cementing their status as legendary musicians.

Jim & Jesse remained active until Jim passed away in 2002.

After Jim’s death, Jesse continued performing as Jesse McReynolds & The Virginia Boys. The group made regular Opry appearances until the COVID-19 pandemic brought things to a temporary halt in 2020.

Bluegrass Legend Jesse McReynolds Dies At His Nashville Home After 2 Weeks In Hospice Care

Sadly, Jesse died on Friday, June 23 at the age of 94. Bluegrass Today reports he died at his home in Nashville with his wife at his side.

Jesse was in hospice care for two weeks prior to his passing. He died of natural causes.

According to Bluegrass Today, funeral services for Jesse will be held on Wednesday (June 28) at 11 AM at the chapel of Alexander Funeral Home & Cremation Center.

Visitation hours are on Monday, June 26, from 4:00-8:00 PM, Tuesday, June 27, from 2:00-8:00 PM, and Wednesday, June 28, from 9:00 AM until the start of the funeral service.

Jesse’s family said in lieu of flowers, those wishing to honor him can make contributions to the following places.

Opry Trust Fund
One Gaylord Drive
Nashville, TN 37214

Dogingham Palace Rescue
5912 Colchester Drive
Hermitage, TN 37076

Our thoughts and prayers go out to Jesse’s loved ones during this difficult time. May he rest in peace.