It just hit me tonight that Earl passed away; it's kind of like suddenly realising that the moon flew off into space. It's a surreal feeling. Earl was the first musician that I recognised as a little kid; my dad would put on a Bluegrass record and I would dance like a little monkey. There has literally been no time or phase in my life, from birth to age 44, that Earl's banjo sounds haven't been heard at my house.
I'm actually pretty bummed tonight; his music and his excellent demeanor have inspired me all my days, and will continue to do so.