Bobby Hicks

Bobby Hicks (July 21, 1933 - August 16, 2024) is one of the most influential and respected fiddlers in bluegrass history, widely admired for his pure tone, flawless intonation, and deep commitment to traditional ensemble playing. A Kentucky native, Hicks came to prominence in the late 1950s as a member of Bill Monroe & His Blue Grass Boys, where his clean, uncluttered style helped define the modern bluegrass fiddle sound and set a high bar for musical discipline within the genre. (Wikipedia)

After his tenure with Monroe, Hicks became one of the most sought-after fiddlers in bluegrass. Beginning in the late 1990s, he joined Ricky Skaggs as a core member of Ricky Skaggs & Kentucky Thunder, contributing to multiple Grammy-winning recordings and serving as a steady musical anchor in one of the genre’s most celebrated modern bands. Known for his restraint, timing, and unwavering respect for the song, Bobby Hicks is often cited as the gold standard for traditional bluegrass fiddling—proof that clarity, feel, and taste endure long after trends fade. (IBMA)