www.RSHornsby.com

R. S. Hornsby passed away January 15, 2009.

R. S. Hornsby was a beloved soul, inquisitive spirit, a respected and jubilant musician, and a man of excellent humor and kind heart who will be missed by the many who knew and loved him.

R. S. Hornsby's last recording was a memorable solo in "Continents Drift" for the 2009 album by Bruce Hornsby and the Noisemakers, Levitate. Bruce says: "I love the fact that this beautiful, long solo that R. S. played can serve as his last testament. He was a beautiful player; he really had the gift. He played with a lot of soul, a lot of feeling."

The 24th of January is R.S.'s birthday. Let that always be a day to celebrate life, especially as we move forward into 2012.

Remember sweet and glorious music, long and hearty laughter, and the joy of friendship and love.

On Thursday, January 15, 2009, R. S. Hornsby did not survive a single-car accident near his home west of Charlottesville, Virginia. The 28-year-old guitarist was alone in the car when it crashed into a tree around 11:30 p.m. along a country road at the foot of Buck Mountain on one of the coldest nights of the year. Police said he had been wearing a seatbelt and his airbag deployed, but to no avail.

Bruce Hornsby, R. S.'s uncle, told reporters: "R. S. was such a great person, so bright and funny, and a beautiful, soulful musician who moved so many. It's a huge, deep loss for our family."

R. S. attended the University of Vermont in Burlington, and after graduation he returned to Virginia. He was a strong presence in the diverse Charlottesville music scene, where he played with numerous bands whose styles ranged from bluegrass to jazz to rock.

An accomplished guitarist from an early age, R. S. first joined Bruce Hornsby onstage at the Telluride Bluegrass Festival in the summer of 2000. He continued to perform with his uncle, both live and in the recording studio. He can be heard on the albums Halcyon Days, Intersections, Bride of the Noisemakers, and is a featured soloist on Levitate, the 2009 album by Bruce Hornsby and the Noisemakers.

If I should ever leave you whom I love
To go along the Silent Way, grieve not,
Nor speak of me with tears, but laugh and talk
Of me as if I were beside you there.
(I'd come - I'd come, could I but find a way!
But would not tears and grief be barriers?)
And when you hear a song or see a bird I loved,
please do not let the thought of me
Be sad . . .
For I am loving you just as
I always have . . .
You were so good to me!
There are so many things I wanted still
To do - so many things to say to you . . .
Remember that I did not fear . . . It was
Just leaving you that was so hard to face . . .
We cannot see Beyond . . .
But this I know:
I loved you so -
'twas heaven here with you!