Roni Stoneman Passes

[Dave Diehl]

“For Roni Stoneman, known as ‘The First Lady of the Banjo,’ country music was a birthright and her life’s work. The second youngest of twenty-three children born to Hattie and Ernest ‘Pop’ Stoneman, Roni was an integral part of a bedrock country music family, who were longtime fixtures in the country music scene of Washington, DC. For eighteen years on ‘Hee Haw,’ she stole scenes as both a skillful banjo player and as a comical, gap-toothed country character. She was a great talent and a strong woman.”

—Kyle Young, CEO
Country Music Hall of Fame and Museum

[Dave Diehl]

I traveled with Roni for a couple years playing steel and recorded a CD with her. I could not have found a better boss. Plus the stories she told me about Buddy Emmons, Bobbe Seymour, and others were priceless.

[Jerry Van Hoose]

I too, played steel with Roni. If I remember correctly, they were package shows that included Grandpa Jones, George McCormick and Kenny Price, mid 70’s.
My thoughts and prayers are with Roni’s family.

[Larry Dering]

Rip Roni. What a wonderful talented lady with a great career. My sympathy and prayers for her family and friends.

[Wayne Franco]

I remember watching her on tv when I was just a kid. Those kind of memories never go away. She was really great to watch. My sincere condolences to all the Stoneman family.

[David Ball]

I played a job in Chattanooga years back with the Stoneman Family and Curly Fox (Roni wasn't with them on that gig), and they were about as wonderful as people could be. Great musicians and still very humble and real. It was a great gig for me. Hate that I didn't meet Roni though.

Dave

[Doug Jones]

I was in the Nashville Palace one night 25 years ago. Roni came up and asked me to dance. How could I say no! While on the floor she told me I reminded her of an ex-husband and wondered when I would resume paying alimony. We had a blast; what a character, and of course, a great entertainer and banjoist.