Mr. Kenneth Ingram's Obituary
Kenneth Dale Ingram, age 67, passed away on Sunday, July 26, 2020 in Nashville. Kenny was born in Nashville on August 19, 1952 to John Wesley Ingram and Hallie Jean (Fisher) Ingram.
The legendary Kenny Ingram was the master of hard driving, straight out front, in your face, traditional bluegrass banjo picking. He was a gifted man on the five string who redefined "taste, timing and tone".
Kenny's interest in the banjo began by watching Flatt & Scruggs TV shows. His parents purchased his very first banjo in 1964. So, at the age of 12, Kenny set out to learn to pick. He taught himself to play by ear, watching those TV shows and listening to records over again.
By July of 1971, Kenny landed his first professional job playing with James Monroe and the Midnight Ramblers. Ten months later, in May of 1972, he became a Sunny Mountain Boy upon joining the King of Bluegrass, Jimmy Martin.
In October of 1973, Kenny joined Lester Flatt and the Nashville Grass. Kenny brilliantly filled those big shoes left behind by Earl Scruggs. Lester's band went on to play the Martha White Show which broadcast weekdays on WSM radio. Kenny's success earned him world acclaim.
Some years later in June of 1978, Kenny became a Sunny Mountain Boy for the second time when he re-joined Jimmy Martin. He remained with Jimmy until 1980.
In 1981, Kenny went to work for an old band mate of his from his days with Lester Flatt, Curley Seckler. He remained with Curley until 1986.
The self-proclaimed "hibernation" years of 1986 to 2001, Kenny came off the road and headed home to spend time with his wife, Kaye and their three children.
He continued repeatedly turning down job offers until late 2001. When Kenny returned to the road joining Rhonda Vincent where he remained until December of 2008.
In February of 2008, Kenny was named "Banjo Player of the Year" by SPBGMA.
In January of 2009 Kenny became a member of the Larry Stephenson Band. Once again Kenny is picking his banjo and singing those tight harmonies that are so reminiscent of his days with Lester Flatt. Kenny left the band in 2018.
Besides being a world class picker, Kenny Ingram was one of the nicest and certainly one the humblest of men on the planet. Being the quiet man that he was, he would never be one to talk up his own professional success. Keeping that lesson that there is "no 'I' in band" to heart.
He is preceded in death by his father, John Wesley Ingram.
Kenny is survived by his wife, Patricia Kaye (Bowman) Ingram; his mother, Hallie Jean (Fisher) Ingram; son and daughter-in-law, Mike and Dana Ingram; daughters, Mary Margaret Hoyos, and Laurie Kinnie; brother and sister-in-law, Randy and Sharon Ingram; grandchildren, Kane Ingram, Taylor Esselman, Jacob Johnson, Jameslynn Jones; niece and her husband, Rachael and Bob Knoph; brother-in-law and sister-in-law, Stevie and Brenda Capps. He is also survived by a host of relatives and friends.
A celebration of life service will be held on Friday, July 31, 2020 at 10:30 am at the First Apostolic Church (265 Broadmoor Drive – Nashville, TN 37207). Visitation will be held on Thursday, July 30 from 4-8 pm at the church with an additional visitation held on Friday, July 31 from 9 am until the time of the service. Interment will follow in the Historic Spring Hill Cemetery.
Spring Hill Funeral Home & Cemetery, 5110 Gallatin Road, Nashville, TN 37216 has been entrusted with the final care of Mr. Ingram. www.springhillfh.com
What’s your fondest memory of Kenneth?
What’s a lesson you learned from Kenneth?
Share a story where Kenneth's kindness touched your heart.
Describe a day with Kenneth you’ll never forget.
How did Kenneth make you smile?
