A Bluegrass Benediction: How ‘Keep On Keepin’ On’ Honors Bobby Osborne’s Enduring Legacy
By Christian Lamitschka for Country Music News International Magazine
The passing of a musical titan leaves an undeniable void, and for mandolinist C.J. Lewandowski, the loss of his mentor, bluegrass legend Bobby Osborne, felt particularly profound. Beyond the personal grief, Lewandowski was left grappling with an unfinished album—a collaboration with Osborne that now seemed like a painful reminder of what could no longer be. He admits he considered abandoning the project, even music altogether, so deep was his despair.
Yet, as often happens in moments of profound loss, inspiration found a way to break through. Sitting alone on his porch in the Smokey Mountains, Lewandowski felt a presence—a spectral conversation with Osborne himself. “I gave you something, now do what you want with it,” he recounts hearing. Those words became a guiding light, transforming his grief into a renewed purpose: to complete the album, not just for himself, but for Bobby.
The result is Bobby Osborne, C.J. Lewandowski, & Friends’ Keep On Keepin’ On, a testament to Osborne’s immeasurable impact on bluegrass and a heartfelt tribute from those who loved and admired him. This isn’t merely a collection of songs; it’s a bridge between generations, featuring some of the last recordings from the 91-year-old member of The Osborne Brothers and later, Bobby Osborne & The Rocky Top X-Press.
A Constellation of Stars and a Legacy Reaffirmed
The album’s “Friends” truly live up to the moniker, forming an all-star cast that reads like a who’s who of bluegrass, country, and roots music. We hear from members of the Bluegrass Music Hall of Fame and the Country Music Hall of Fame, Grand Ole Opry stars, Grammy Award winners, members of The Rocky Top X-Press, and even Osborne’s own sons. This broad participation underscores the vast reach of Osborne’s influence, extending far beyond the traditional bluegrass scene. What’s particularly striking is the presence of at least a dozen performers under the age of forty, including Lewandowski himself. This generational blend speaks volumes about how Bobby Osborne’s pioneering sound, nearly eighty years after he was first discovered as a teenage talent, continues to resonate with and shape the current crop of roots music makers.
“She’s No Angel”: A Song Forged in Grief and Camaraderie
The recently released fourth single, “She’s No Angel,” featuring C.J. Lewandowski and Del McCoury (with Ronnie McCoury), offers a poignant glimpse into the album’s emotional depth and its unexpected origins. Lewandowski initially found it difficult to embrace the idea of a tribute to Osborne at the 2023 International Bluegrass Music Association Awards Show. However, he pushed through for his friend, and the tribute became the highlight of the evening.
It was later that night, witnessing Del, Ronnie, and Rob McCoury jamming with Bobby Osborne Jr. and hearing Del sing “She’s No Angel,” that a crucial realization struck Lewandowski. Joining in on the low harmony while Bobby Jr. handled his father’s part sparked a profound shift. “It was so inspiring and energizing to be a part of that,” Lewandowski recalls. This impromptu session ignited the idea of inviting the McCourys to be part of the album, ultimately solidifying his commitment to complete the project as a way to “help cope with the grief and depression I had locked up inside of me.”
The studio version of “She’s No Angel” is a testament to this camaraderie, featuring Lewandowski on vocals, Del McCoury on guitar and vocals, Ronnie McCoury on mandolin, Bobby Osborne Jr. on bass, Wynn Osborne on banjo, and Aynsley Porchak on fiddle. It’s a beautiful example of how shared grief and a love for music can transcend personal sorrow and create something truly meaningful.
The Tracklist: A Journey Through Bluegrass Heart and Soul
Keep On Keepin’ On promises a diverse and moving listening experience, weaving together Osborne’s final recordings with new collaborations that honor his spirit. The full tracklist is a treasure trove for bluegrass fans:
- “Keep On Keepin’ On” – Bobby Osborne & C.J. Lewandowski (feat. Sam Bush)
- “Lonesome Feeling” – C.J. Lewandowski & Vince Gill (feat. A.J. Lee and The Rocky Top X-Press)
- “Where The Soul Never Dies” – Bobby Osborne & C.J. Lewandowski
- “Rosie Bokay” – C.J. Lewandowski & Paul Brewster (feat. Wyatt Ellis and John Meador)
- “Sweetheart You Done Me Wrong” – Bobby Osborne & C.J. Lewandowski (feat. Molly Tuttle and The Osborne Boys)
- “She’s No Angel” – C.J. Lewandowski & Del McCoury (feat. Ronnie McCoury)
- “Don’t Know Why” – Bobby Osborne & C.J. Lewandowski (feat. Wyatt Ellis)
- “Fern Branch” – C.J. Lewandowski & Wyatt Ellis (feat. Del McCoury and Ronnie McCoury)
- “Cora Is Gone” – Bobby Osborne & C.J. Lewandowski (feat. Rob McCoury and Billy Strings)
- “Blue Heartache” – C.J. Lewandowski & Jaelee Roberts (feat. The Po’ Ramblin’ Boys)
- “Rank Stranger” – Bobby Osborne & C.J. Lewandowski (feat. Wyatt Ellis)
- “Rocky Top” – Bobby Osborne & C.J. Lewandowski (feat. Wyatt Ellis and The Osborne Boys)
- “Too Old to Die Young” – Bobby Osborne & C.J. Lewandowski
Each track on Keep On Keepin’ On serves as a loving nod to Bobby Osborne, a man whose musical journey spanned nearly eight decades and left an indelible mark on the landscape of American roots music. For C.J. Lewandowski, this album is more than just a completion of a project; it’s a deeply personal act of remembrance, a way to honor a mentor, and a powerful testament to the healing power of music. It’s a must-listen for anyone who appreciates the rich tapestry of bluegrass and the enduring power of a legend.