By Bob Gibson
Charlottesville political blogger
Robert Saunier “R.S.“ Hornsby’s death near Crozet was a true loss.
Follow one of the links to a great R.S. Hornsby and Bruce Hornsby tribute to the Dead’s Garcia at William and Mary Hall.
Thanks to Bringier McConnell for the following news piece:
http://www.wydaily.com/read_article.php?article=1677
R.S. Hornsby
R.S. Hornsby Killed in Car Accident
WYDaily Staff
Posted: Today
Musician R.S. Hornsby was killed Thursday in a single-car accident not far from his Charlottesville home. He was the son of Bobby and Ann Hornsby.
The 28-year-old guitarist was alone in the car when it crashed into a tree around 11:30 p.m. Police said he had been wearing a seatbelt but was killed on impact.
Hornsby, who would’ve turned 29 Jan. 24, frequently joined his uncle Bruce during performances. A December 2005 performance at William and Mary Hall, with Bruce on piano and vocals and R.S. on guitar, produced a plaintive, soaring version of the Grateful Dead’s “Standing on the Moon.“ Bruce Hornsby called the song a tribute to a “fallen friend,“ the Dead’s Jerry Garcia, who had died 10 years earlier.
The Hornsby family paid tribute to R.S. on his website, saying they believed “that now is a time not to gratify the theft of death but to celebrate the joy of life. All of you who loved R.S. Hornsby are encouraged to share love, hope, joy and music with each other far and wide.“
On his website, Bruce Hornsby left this message: “R.S. was such a great person, so bright and funny, and a beautiful, soulful musician who moved so many. It’s a huge, deep loss for our family.“
Funeral arrangements have not yet been finalized.
Charitable donations in memory of R.S. Hornsby may be made to the Boston Red Sox’s Jimmy Fund or to Episcopal High School.
