Joined:
March 2005
Posts: 5567
Location: Blue Ridge Mountains | Since today is May 20, it has reminded me of May 21, 2006 and a friend that I lost on that day.
I had recorded my 1993 Album "Cast Your Net" (which I recorded in late 1991 - spring 1992) while based out of Daniels (Beckley) WV. Lead Guitar was played by Dan Bailey who now plays with the Taylor Made Band out of Nashville; Banjo by George Ward of Beckley, WV using a 1924 Gibson Flathead original 5 string banjo; and Bass was played by my best friend Charlie Lilly who moved to Nashville in 1992 and played bass for Joe Diffie for 11 years. On May 21, 2006 around 3am in the morning, Charlie was tragically killed along with the entire Billy Walker Band in a traffic accident in Alabama while returning from a gig on the Gulf coast.
Charlie was one of the finest fellows I have ever known. His father, Everett, is one of the legendary Lilly Brothers of Bluegrass fame. All of his brothers together with Charlie and his dad formed the nationally known "Everett Lilly and the Clear Creek Crossing Band" in the 80's. I used to ride on the bus with them to many gigs and as soon as the bus would stop, Charlie would get off and say "OK, let's play Golf"! He was a brother, a friend, and a musical compatriot who always had a smile on his face and a joke to bring a smile and a laugh. He and I traded and sold a lot of musical equipment and I introduced him to the world of Ovation guitars. He was a great entertainer and a wonderful father and husband. I miss him but I am so blessed to have the memories of many great gigs and our times together.
Reading Moody's post about Jeff Hall made me think: we are truly blessed by the friends we have and the miles we travel: we should never take that for granted.
Here is a website for info:
Charlie’s Page
Thanks and RIP Charlie |
Remembering Charlie Lilly 3 years on
