Roni Stoneman, an acclaimed banjo artist and memorable face from the TV show “Hee Haw,” passed away on February 22, 2024, aged 85.
Born Veronica Loretta Stoneman in 1938 to parents Ernest V. “Pop” and Hattie Stoneman, Roni was the next-to-youngest among her father’s 23 offspring. She was raised in an environment rich in musical heritage, honing her banjo skills as part of the Stoneman family band, a trailblazer in the country music scene.
In the tradition of the Stoneman Family band, Roni and her sister Donna, a proficient mandolin player, continued to perform together. With Roni’s demise, Donna remains the last surviving member of the original lineup.
Along with her musical talent, Stoneman gained recognition for her comic work on “Hee Haw,” particularly her performance as Ida Lee Nagger, a character featured in the Buck Owens and Buddy Allan song “Pfft You Were Gone!”
Kyle Young, CEO of the Country Music Hall of Fame and Museum, acknowledged Stoneman’s significant contributions to country music, referring to her as the “First Lady of the Banjo.” He praised her enduring influence on the country music scene, especially her role as a central figure in a foundational country music family that was a mainstay of the Washington, D.C. music community.
For 18 years on “Hee Haw,” Stoneman delighted viewers with her dual abilities as a banjo artist and a comic character, earning her a special place in the audience’s hearts. Her combination of skill and wit significantly contributed to the show’s popularity.
Over the decades, Stoneman’s career in music and television saw her overcome personal obstacles, including arthritis. In her later years, she adjusted her playing style to keep performing on the banjo. In 2007, she published an autobiography detailing her journey from poverty-stricken beginnings, through abusive relationships, to her eventual success in the performing arts.
At the time of her death, Stoneman was residing in Nashville, Tennessee.
In 2021, the Stoneman family, including Roni, was inducted into the International Bluegrass Music Hall of Fame, a deserved recognition of their extensive contribution to the genre.
As fans and the music community reflect on her legacy, Roni Stoneman will be remembered not only for her musical prowess and humor but also for her fortitude, resilience, and her role in paving the way for women in country music.
