Bobby and Sonny Osborne first performed together as the Osborne Brothers in 1953. They became members of the Grand Ole Opry in 1964. In the late 1960s and early '70s they experimented with electrified instruments and pedal steel guitar, alienating some bluegrass fans but finding commercial success and winning the Country Music Association's Vocal Group of the Year award in 1971. In 1994 they were inducted into the International Bluegrass Music Association's Hall of Honor. Their best-known songs include "Ruby, Are You Mad?" and "Rocky Top", now an official state song of Tennessee.