Country Musician Buck Trent Cause of Death: 'Hee-Haw' Banjo Icon Dead at 85

Country musician Buck Trent has reportedly died at the age of 85 due to natural causes last Monday in Branson, Missouri.

Trent, born Charles Wilburn "Buck" Trent, rose to prominence after joining the "Bill Carlisle Show" and performing at one of the most popular stages in country music, the Grand Ole Opry.

He was also known for his work at "Hee Haw," a variety show, which spanned years, 1874 to 1982.

But above all his work, he is best known for two things: inventing the electric banjo and playing for Dolly Parton's "Jolene" and "I Will Always Love You."

Country Music Stars Mourn Buck Trent

Several country music stars offered their condolences, paid tribute, and mourned the loss in their community, including Trent's co-star, Janie Fricke, from "Hee Haw."

"I have special memories working with Buck Trent, and enjoyed watching his talent of entertaining - I'm so thankful for my time at Hee Haw," she said.

"When I heard the news this morning, it hit hard," said Moe Bandy about Trent's passing.

"I was just talking about him at the Grand Ole Opry the other night and was looking forward to our next visit. I never dreamed it wouldn't happen. Tell your friends you love them, because you never know when they will be gone. He was a great man and I am praying for his family."

Davi Frizzell recalled the first time he met the musician: "I first got to meet Buck with my brother Lefty at one of The Porter Wagoner TV shows.

"Later in my career I worked with Buck on a lot of shows including Hee Haw (with Frizzell & West) and was proud to be on one of his last albums. I have never been around anyone who would make you feel so good just by being around him. Oh Yeah!"

Buck Trent's Music

Throughout his long career as a country musician, Trent released several projects including "The Sound of Bluegrass Banjo" in 1962, "The Sound of Five String Banjo" in the same year, "Gimme Five" in 1966, "Sounds of Now and Beyond" in 1972, "Oh Yeah! Banjos, Boisterous Ballads, And Buck" in 1977, and his most recent release "Spartanburg Blues" in 2018.

Since then, though, Trent has kept much to himself and did not release any more new materials; still, his fellow country musicians mourn his loss and remember him for his dedication and passion for his beloved instrument, the banjo.

Tags

Death, Dolly Parton