CHARLES EDWARD "RUSTY" YORK

Charles Edward "Rusty" York, age 78, of Redington Shores, Florida, passed away Sunday, January 26, 2014.

Funeral services will be held Saturday, February 8, 2014, at 1:00 p.m. at Pine Knot Funeral Home. He will be laid to rest at the Angel Cemetery in Stearns, Kentucky. Visitation will begin at 11:00 a.m. on the day of the service.

Born in Harlan County, Kentucky, on May 24, 1935, he was the son of the late Charles and Sophia (Jones) York. He is also preceded in death by a brother, Andy and sister and Charlene York and a step-daughter Lisa Morgan. Surviving family include his wife Linda (Marcum) York of Redington Shores, whom he married on July 21, 1973, three sons Charlie York of Cincinnati, Ohio, step-son Jim Brockman of Cincinnati, and John York of Cincinnati, two daughters, Virginia Baird of Osgood, Indiana and Elizabeth Curnett of Cincinnati. He had seven grandchildren, six great grandchildren and one on the way.

Rusty was a musician and member of the Rockabilly Hall of Fame. In 1959 he recorded his most famous songs, "Sugaree" which took him to the Hollywood Bowl where he opened the first rock and Roll show for Dick Clark. Newspaper wrote: "This show was launched by Rusty York singing "Sugaree", and from then on the show was out in orbit."

In the 1960's he converted over to bluegrass and country music. He spent time on the road doing opening acts with Bobby Bare. He played for Jimmie Skinner and Hylo Brown. His bluegrass recording of "Dixie Strut" has been on many "Best of Bluegrass" compilation releases. His last performances were in England, Holland, Spain, Las Vegas and Green Bay, Wisconsin.

In 1961 he started his own recording studio in his garage. He retired from performing in the early 1970's to concentrate full time on The Recording Studio. Studio closed in 2008. For further information, please visit www.rockabillyhall.com/RustyYork .

Contributions to Suncoast Hospice, 5771 Roosevelt Boulevard, Clearwater, FL 33760.