Roni Stoneman, renowned banjo player and beloved member of the “Hee Haw” television cast, passed away on February 22, 2024, aged 85.
Stoneman, born in 1938 to parents Ernest V. “Pop” and Hattie Stoneman, was the second last-born among her father’s 23 children. Her upbringing was deeply rooted in her family’s strong musical heritage, leading to her becoming a proficient banjo player in the Stoneman family band—an early trailblazer in the country music scene.
Veronica Loretta Stoneman and her sister Donna, a skilled mandolin player, continued to perform together, upholding the Stoneman Family band’s legacy. With the passing of Roni, Donna is the last surviving member of the original group.
In addition to her musical talent, Stoneman was widely recognized for her humorous characterizations on “Hee Haw.” Notably, she played Ida Lee Nagger, a character that 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, dubbing her the “First Lady of the Banjo.” He recognized her pivotal role in the development of country music as a mainstay of the Stoneman family, a prominent fixture in the Washington, D.C., music scene.
On “Hee Haw,” Stoneman entertained audiences for 18 years with her dual skills as a banjo player and a humorous, gap-toothed country character, thereby earning a special place in viewers’ hearts. Her unique blend of talent and humor significantly contributed to the show’s success.
Stoneman’s career in music and television spanned several decades, during which she faced and overcame personal challenges, including arthritis. In her later years, she adapted her technique to continue playing the banjo. In 2007, she published an autobiography detailing her journey from a poverty-stricken childhood through struggles with abusive relationships to her achievements on stage and television.
At the time of her death, Stoneman was living in Nashville, Tennessee. Her pioneering role as a female banjo player and her contributions to country music render her legacy unassailable. Her role in bringing country music to the mainstream through “Hee Haw” has had a lasting effect on fans and fellow musicians.
In 2021, the International Bluegrass Music Hall of Fame inducted Stoneman, along with her family, in recognition of their significant contributions to the genre and its history.
As the music community and fans reflect on Stoneman’s legacy, she will be remembered for her talent, humor, strength, and resilience, as well as for paving the way for women in country music.
