Roni Stoneman, The First Lady of the Banjo, Dies at 85

Veronica Loretta “Roni” Stoneman, a prominent bluegrass banjo player and comedian has died. She was best known for her role in Hee Haw but she also belonged to a famous family as the youngest daughter of Ernest V. “Pop” Stoneman, patriarch of the Stoneman Family.

Pop was one of the first-ever country musicians to make a living recording country music. He was known for his hit song, 1924’s “The Sinking of the Titanic” as it became the first ever million-selling country music record. He lost everything during the Great Depression but resumed his career in the 1950s, starting a family band with his wife Hattie and their children. Roni joined the family band, playing the banjo in 1957.