It was my understanding that Tony's voice loss was due to larygeal cancer caused by cigarette smoking.A real shame, I also felt his voice was similar to Lightfoot's.The "Cold on the Shoulder" CD is a great example of his singing talents.

Bonnie, you might want to check your dates again. The first David Grisman Quintet album with Darol Anger,Tony Rice,David Grisman Bill Amatneek and Todd Phillips, came out in 1977.

Tony Rice was scheduled to play with Bela Fleck in the The Blugrass Sessions at Srawberry Music Festival last year, but the week before the festival he fell and broke his wrist.

Sure puts the damper on flatpickin'.

rr