In Memory

Alvin Breeden - Class Of 1961


Alvin Ellis Breeden, 70, of Earlysville, passed away on Tuesday, February 26, 2013, at the Martha Jefferson Hospital.

He was born on August 30, 1942, in Charlottesville, the son of the late Luther Breeden and Vernie Roach Breeden. He was also preceded in death by two brothers, Harold Breeden and Troy Breeden; one sister, Betty Shifflett; and one grandchild, Daniel Shifflett.

He is survived by two daughters, Sandra Faye "Sandy" Morris of Earlysville and Tammy Lynn Shifflett and husband, Thurman "TH", of Ruckersville; one brother, Amos Breeden and wife, Audrey, of Earlysville; three sisters, Mavis Collier of Stanardsville, Irene Roche and husband, Hollis, of Earlysville, and Pansy Terry and husband, Steve, of Nelson; three grandchildren, Tonya Sanders and husband, Ian, of Utah, Amy Shifflett of Ruckersville and Jesse Morris and wife, Lydia, of Earlysville; and three great-grandchildren, Isaiah Sanders, Elijah Sanders and Reagan Morris.

A funeral service will be held at 11 a.m. on Saturday, March 2, 2013, at Preddy Funeral Home Chapel in Madison conducted by Pastor Eddie Dean. The interment will follow at Pine Ridge Church Cemetery in Earlysville.

The family will receive friends from 4 until 8 p.m. on Friday, March 1, 2013, at the funeral Home.

At an early age, Alvin acquired a passion for bluegrass, which led to his mother teaching him the "claw hammer style" of banjo at the age of ten. By the time he was sixteen, he was playing professionally with Bob and Cindy Dean. It wasn't long before he had a band of his own, The Virginia Cutups, which played for thirty years. During his musical career he played with such well-known musicians as, Jim Orange, Ralph Stanley and Don Reno, and was invited to tour with Bill Monroe. Alvin, along with the great fiddler, Scottie Stoneman, were honored for their achievements by receiving more awards than anyone in Bluegrass at that time. Song writer, Paul Craft, wrote the song, "Fastest Grass Alive, in Alvin's honor, and it was recorded by The Osborne Brothers. Alvin was entered into the Piedmont Fiddlers Association Hall of Fame in 2001. Alvin inspired and mentored so many people throughout his many years in music. His fan base spanned the globe from as far away as Sweden, Japan and England. After fifty-two years of doing what he loved, the "rigors of the road" lead him into retirement.

Published in the Daily Progress from February 27 to February 28, 2013

 



 
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02/27/13 04:23 PM #1    

Charles "Connie" Crenshaw (1958)

Comments received from Sherman Shifflett - Class of 1960

I saw in the Daily Progress obituary where Alvin Breeden died.  He was 70.  I knew him and had classes with him.   We are the same age. He had his own bluegrass band (The Virginia Cutups), and I saw him at the Mineral Bluegrass Festival several years ago, but did not have the opportunity to talk to him.
 
When I hear Alvin and the Chipmunks I think of Alvin Breeden.  We were in class one day and Alvin had dozed off. The teacher (don't remember the class) said, "Alvin !";  he didn't wake up;  she said a little louder, "Alvin !!!",  still didn't wake up; finally, the teacher raised her voice and yelled, "AL-VIN !!!!!! ";  Alvin opened his eyes, raised his head and responded, "O-ooo - Kay !"
The entire class laughed.
 
Good guy.
 
Sherman Shifflett
AHS Class of 1960
 

03/01/13 09:44 AM #2    

Barbara Ann Pugh (Sipe) (1958)

Alvin and I were good friends in school.  We both loved Bluegrass music and entered talent contests together at AHS.

He was a unique banjo player.  He came to several of our family reunions and everyone really enjoyed his music..

I am still singing bluegrass and playing Alvin's cd's.   Alvin will be missed.

 

Robert Warren Sipe


09/27/13 07:48 PM #3    

Tammy Breeden (Shifflett) (1984)

I appreciate this website very much and how you put his full obituary in.  It means a lot to me to know that this man was so well thought of because he was my father.  I miss him very much.

 

Tammy Breeden Shifflett


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