We have just learned of the passing of one of Australia’s bluegrass pioneers Chris Duffy who died yesterday after a battle with cancer.
Chris, died peacefully at 6:45pm last night at the Caritas Christi hospice in Melbourne. Chris was surrounded by his close friends and family.
Chris Duffy was an exceptional man – an extraordinary musician, a man with wide interests and a deep well of knowledge, a gourmet and fine cook, a lover of the quirky and the fine. We will miss him very much but we know he’s up there somewhere having a jam with Doc and Earle. Be at peace, Chris, you were a great friend and a witty, idiosyncratic and very fine musician – Peggy Daroesman Carer.
We hope to compile a webpage tribute to Chris over the coming days. Please send your thoughts and memories of Chris via the contact form below.
Details for Chris’s funeral and cremation:
It will start at 11.15 sharp on Saturday 28 July, at the Wilson Chapel at Springvale Botanical Crematorium. Street address is 600 Princes Highway, Springvale, Vic 3171. The cemetery map is here and the Wilson Chapel is at J15-K15, lower left hand side of map.
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Sad news indeed for all bluegrass musicians’ and fans at the passing of Chris.
More than just a pioneer of Australian Bluegrass, Chris was a most creative and competent musician.
I consider myself most fortunate, and will always treasure the memories of having worked with him many times over the years.
Along with his humour and expertise on banjo, guitar and mandolin he was an inspiration to all those who played with him and listened to his music.
He was also greatly respected by many great american bluegrass musicians.
Chris will be sadly missed by us all.
“There’s a better home awaiting in the sky, Lord in the sky”
R.I.P
Trev Warner
I agree totally with Laurie’s sentiments, Chris was an inspiration to many banjo pickers including me back in the late 70’s and early 80’s. He used to take time from his busy schedule and give me the occassional lesson when he and John Kane would visit WA and I loved the sound Chris got from his faithful Stelling.
I also had the pleasure of organising part of Chris and Dan Crary’s visit to WA and I recall Chris telling me he was going to be Australia’s first bluegrass millionaire – I don’t know if he ever got there (I think he got close) but he was certainly an entrepreneur.
Another bluegrass legend lost. RIP
I’m so sorry to hear of Chris’s illness and passing. It was always a pleasure to see and hear him perform. I’m sure plenty of banjo players and other bluegrass musicians were influenced as I was by his playing in the late 70’s and 80’s. Many of us will have fond memories of Chris and John Kane as they toured the country with their bluegrass act … they were professional, entertaining and delightful. Chris was a good organizer, skilful, witty and humorous and it was a pleasure to be in his company. I learnt a lot from his banjo playing and his attitude to the music. He will be missed.