Another death in the bluegrass community

ROBBINS — Bluegrass bass player Jimmy Kennedy from Robbins passed away on Feb. 4 from a rare type of lung cancer. The 65-year-old owned and operated the 705 Music House for several years. 

Located on NC Highway 705 southeast of Seagrove, the music hall was a gathering place for music lovers and a live music venue for bluegrass and classic country musicians, both local and professional. 

Regular attendees prepared home-cooked foods and enjoyed covered dish meals before bands would take to the stage. There was space for dancing and seating for listeners. Kennedy’s establishment served his community well.

The bassist often jammed and fellowshipped with his musical friends on Tuesday nights at Maness’ Pottery & Music Barn in Carthage, until his illness prevented him from attending.

“I’ve known Jimmy Kennedy 35 or 40 years,” shared Clyde Maness, proprietor of the Music Barn. “He’s one of the finest men I ever met. I’m going to miss him. He was the bass player with my house band.”

IIIrd Tyme Out fiddler Nathan Aldridge said, “I always saw him at Clyde’s on Tuesdays. He was a good guy.”
Big T Lassiter agreed. “Jimmy and his wife (Pam) both were just some wonderful down-to-earth people. He was another person like (the late) Shorty Byrd and Ronnie Kidd that always had a smile. 

“Jimmy and I were both big men. We always reminisced about our ailments and bass playing. He has been missed at Clyde’s for a while.”

Racy Maness of Asheboro played briefly with Kennedy in the bluegrass band Deep River. “He was a humble man and loved traditional bluegrass,” he recalled.

A family memorial graveside service will be held at a later date at the Kennedy Family Cemetery. Condolences may be offered online at www.joycebradychapel.com.

Donations in memory of Jimmy Kennedy and to help with funeral expenses may be sent to his wife, Pam Kennedy, 255 Hussey Road, Robbins, NC 27325.