Roni Stoneman, the famed banjo player and cherished star of the television show “Hee Haw,” died on February 22, 2024, at the age of 85.
Born in 1938 to Ernest V. “Pop” and Hattie Stoneman, Stoneman was the second youngest of her father’s 23 children. She grew up immersed in the rich musical traditions of her family, becoming an accomplished banjo player in the Stoneman family band, one of the pioneering groups in country music.
Stoneman and her sister Donna, a talented mandolin player, continued to perform together, carrying on the legacy of the Stoneman Family band. With Roni’s passing, Donna now stands as the last surviving member of the original group.
Beyond her instrumental prowess, Stoneman was also celebrated for her comedic roles on “Hee Haw,” particularly her portrayal of Ida Lee Nagger, a character known for appearing in the Buck Owens and Buddy Allan song “Pfft You Were Gone!”
Kyle Young, CEO of the Country Music Hall of Fame and Museum, praised Stoneman for her contributions to country music, describing her as the “First Lady of the Banjo.” He highlighted her life’s work in country music, emphasizing her role as a cornerstone of a bedrock country music family that was a longtime fixture in the Washington, D.C., music scene.
For 18 years on “Hee Haw,” Stoneman entertained audiences with her dual talents as a banjo player and a comical, gap-toothed country character, becoming a beloved figure in the process. Her skill and humor left an indelible mark on the show, making her a key figure in its success.
Roni Stoneman’s journey in music and television spanned decades, during which she overcame personal challenges, including arthritis, which she managed in her later years by adapting her technique to continue playing the banjo. She published an autobiography in 2007, sharing her story of resilience and determination, from her impoverished childhood through her struggles with abusive relationships to her triumphs on the stage and screen.
Stoneman resided in Nashville, Tennessee, at the time of her passing. Her legacy as a trailblazer in country music and a pioneering female banjo player remains unassailable. Her contributions to the genre and her role in popularizing country music through “Hee Haw” have left an enduring impact on fans and fellow musicians alike.
In 2021, Stoneman was inducted into the International Bluegrass Music Hall of Fame alongside her family, a fitting tribute to her contributions to the genre and her family’s significant role in its history.
As the music community and her fans reflect on her legacy, Roni Stoneman will be remembered not just for her talent and humor but also for her strength, resilience, and the path she paved for women in country music
