| I had followed Bruce's career for sixteen years before I first saw R.S.Hornsby join the band onstage. Unmistakably a Hornsby on sight, but to hear him play you were left in no doubt. A world-renowned band, with decades of experience behind each member, changed that night with the addition of a prodigious talent of 20 years old. R.S. immediately brought his own sound and added greatly to songs far older than he was, from the Dead catalog to Bruce's established range. Spoken of as the "next generation of Deadhead" by those who followed the Dead everywhere, R.S. brought a significant presence with his playing and his character. I'd frequently hear (and always ask), "Is R.S. playing tonight?" |
Behind the stage, R.S. was an affable and gracious young man, whose humility belied his gifts. There always seemed to be as big a commotion around him as his uncle, yet he would always seek you out with a warm greeting, a good-natured rib and a huge grin. He was as much a part of the fun offstage as on it - and he was hugely influential in both domains. Encouraged by R.S.'s family, we will continue to share that music freely. R.S. had a talent that demanded attention, and I hope that this site has served to share that gift with you. We can all play a part in spreading the word - spin some of those MP3 files you just downloaded onto a CD, as a gift for a friend who has never heard them. Post them online anywhere appropriate. Or, e-mail a sample to a friend. And if you do choose to share the wealth, please be sure to credit the young man who you've enjoyed listening to on this website, and for the last nine years or more. |
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R.S. left a real and tangible gift with us all, and as long as the music goes around... so does he. Below are twenty selected MP3s from archives of R.S.'s performances with the Noisemakers, in chronological order. I make no apologies for including two versions of White-Wheeled Limousine, which became a new song entirely when R.S. got his hands on it! Halcyon Days, Love Me Still and Standing on the Moon are solely R.S. and his uncle Bruce. Right-click on each of the song titles to download .
These photos were donated by our friends Carey Wilhelm and Ron Dressel. The first five are Carey's; the rest Ron's. Click on each photo below to enlarge. 
An interview with Bruce Hornsby on January 23 appears in the Charlottesville Daily Progress. Lastly, if any of you would like to make a charitable donation in memory of R.S., please consider the Boston Red Sox' Jimmy Fund or Episcopal High School. Thank you.
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Photo courtesy: Ron Dressel 