This week in Kern County history.
Mary Osborne, born in July 17, 1921
Mary Osborne, born on July 17, 1921, was an American jazz guitarist known for her early start in music. Raised in a musically inclined family in North Dakota, she played various instruments before focusing on the guitar. Osborne’s talent led her to perform with jazz legends in 1940s New York, including Dizzy Gillespie and Thelonious Monk. In 1968, she relocated to Bakersfield, California, where she co-founded the Osborne Guitar Company with her husband. Teaching music and playing jazz locally, Osborne left a lasting impact on Bakersfield’s musical landscape. Her journey from a small radio program in North Dakota to a prominent figure in California’s jazz scene is a testament to her enduring influence. Osborne passed away in March 1992, leaving behind a legacy of musical innovation in Bakersfield.
