13 Facts About Buzz Busby

Bernarr Graham Busbice, known professionally as Buzz Busby, was an American bluegrass musician, known for his mandolin style and high tenor voice.

Buzz Busby was nicknamed the "Father of Washington, DC Bluegrass".

Buzz Busby honed his mandolin and vocal skills by performing the music of Bill Monroe around the West Monroe, Louisiana area.

In June 1951 Buzz Busby moved to the Washington DC area to begin his career with the FBI.

Shortly after his arrival in Washington while still working his day job at the FBI, Buzz Busby met Scotty Stoneman.

The group had no trouble finding jobs in 1951 and 1952, Buzz Busby recalled playing four to five nights a week during this time.

Buzz Busby made several attempts to make it in Nashville with a major label.

Buzz Busby even enjoyed a short stint with Jimmy Martin, though after one show he realized playing with Martin was not for him.

Buzz Busby is remembered for giving greats such as Dudley Connell, Charlie Waller, John Duffey and many more their start in the music, though he gave his life to bluegrass music as well.

Buzz Busby was perhaps able to be a part of the Mercury-Starday group because his music, though keeping many traditional bluegrass sounds, was atypical of the popular sounds in Nashville at this time.

Buzz Busby's song Lost was released in 1957 on Carol Records.

Buzz Busby continued to record throughout the 1960s into the 1980s.

Buzz Busby died of heart failure on January 5,2003, in Catonsville, Maryland.