Del McCoury has been playing bluegrass music since before most of us were alive. The 77-year-old guitarist got his start with Bill Monroe over fifty years ago, but age most definitely hasn’t stopped him. Aside from a regular touring schedule, it seems that McCoury is an active humanitarian in the Cumberland, MD area.
According to an article in the Cumberland Times-News, Del McCoury and his two sons, Robbie McCoury and Ronnie McCoury, have been volunteering at a “Blitz Build” in Cumberland, helping a family who recently lost their 10-year-old daughter to illness. The McCoury family was in town after performing at the Charm City Folk and Bluegrass Festival in Baltimore last weekend.
When interviewed by the local paper, Del McCoury kept things lighthearted and optimistic. “We came with no tools. I said, ‘How will we work with no tools?’” he quipped. “We are glad to do it.” Later, he commented, “I begged them for a hammer and they wouldn’t give me one… I’ve been using a screw gun. I guess they think that was safer.” The construction team doesn’t want McCoury to injure his hands, of course.
It’s truly heartwarming to see a man so venerated for playing music take the time out to do good for his community. Well done, Del.