On February 26, 2014, Rex Locklar of the Henderson Community died.

Locklar was known far and wide as the Father of Bluegrass.

But Rex referred to him as simply, “Ol’ Rex.”

It seemed that the high, lonesome sound of bluegrass would no longer be played in rural Pike County.

So, what was thought to be the last pickin’ at Henderson was held on April 12, 2014. But, the curtain was not pulled.

No, said Locklar’s brother, Wiley Locklar, of Troy.

“Rex had many friends and they weren’t going to let bluegrass die on the grounds of the old Henderson Schoolhouse.”

“But bluegrass is deeply rooted in Henderson and several of Rex’s close friends pulled together to make sure that bluegrass would continue to played at Henderson.

This weekend, Friday through Sunday, bluegrass can be heard through Henderson and beyond.

Already campers were coming in on Wednesday, which, Locklar said, is an indication that this year’s Henderson Bluegrass Festival will be a big one and everyone is invited.

The festival will officially open on Friday and close on Sunday. As Ol’ Rex always said, no admission is charged. “You can’t put a price on Bluegrass. “