Randy Scruggs, a Grammy-winning musician, songwriter, producer and the son of banjo innovator Earl Scruggs, died Tuesday after an illness. He was 64 years old.

So incredibly sad to hear of the death of my old friend Randy Scruggs. He was a brilliant musician and a sweet soul, and my first serious crush. My heart aches today.

— . (@rosannecash) April 18, 2018

Randy Scruggs began making music professionally when he was just 13, and worked with everyone from Waylon Jennings to Miranda Lambert.

More than 100 of his songs were recorded over the years. He also wrote several songs with Earl Thomas Conley, including the No. 1 singles “Don’t Make It Easy for Me” and “Angel in Disguise.”

 

Randy grew up surrounded by music and musicians. When he was a toddler, his father immortalized him with the banjo tune “Randy Lynn Rag.”

Randy had a few Grammy’s under his belt!  1990: Best Country Instrumental Performance, “Amazing Grace”  1999: Best Country Instrumental Performance, “A Soldier’s Joy” (with Vince Gill)  2001: Best Country Instrumental Performance, “Foggy Mountain Breakdown” (with Earl Scruggs, Randy Scruggs, Gary Scruggs, Glen Duncan, Vince Gill, Jerry Douglas, Marty Stuart, Albert Lee, Steve Martin, Leon Russell and Paul Shaffer)  2005: Best Country Instrumental Performance, “Earl’s Breakdown” (Nitty Gritty Dirt Band featuring Earl Scruggs, Randy Scruggs, Vassar Clements and Jerry Douglas)