Music has become a passion in Ross McQueen’s life over the years.

  What he enjoys just as much, however, is when he can instill that same passion in another person.

  “If somebody’s interested in music, I’m always willing to help them,” he said.

  McQueen, 75, of Locust Grove was recently inducted into the Atlanta Country Music Hall of Fame. Upon his induction, he also received an Education Award from the group.

  McQueen was born in Richmond County during World War II, and has lived in Henry County for more than 50 years. Whereas many successful musicians have played an instrument or two all their lives, his affinity for music didn’t begin until well into adulthood.

  “I didn’t start when I was young like most people,” said McQueen. “I was grown and I was working. I always had to try harder than everybody else. I was probably 30 years old before I even bought a guitar.”

  Since that time, McQueen has become a prolific musician, and has performed on stage for more than 40 years, specializing in bluegrass and country music. In 1978, McQueen became the dobro player with Wildwood Grass. Over the years, he also played bass with the Will Boyd Band, keyboard with the City Lights Band, guitar with the Ralph Combs Show and Country Confusion, as well as the banjo with the Morris Brothers.

  McQueen, who is retired from ABF Truck Lines, is currently a bass player with Flint River, and a guitarist with River’s Edge. He also plays lead guitar for the Locust Grove Methodist Church Praise Band.

  When asked why he continues to love playing music, McQueen said it helps him to remain as active as possible.

  “When you’re 75, you might not have a whole lot of time left,” said McQueen. “You don’t want to waste it watching TV. Get out and do something.”

  He has also helped numerous people to learn how to play music over the years, often sharing his “Big Note” music book with beginners. McQueen began by teaching bluegrass to his daughter, Mary Ann Moss, when she was a teenager. Moss is now an accomplished mandolin and banjo musician, performing with the Appalachian Travelers.

  In the 1980s, McQueen taught his wife of 37 years, Carol, to play bass guitar, which eventually resulted in a family band with his father-in-law, mandolin player Ralph Combs.

  During the 1990s, McQueen helped a group of young men to learn how to play instruments including drums, electric guitar, and bass guitar. Some of those young men went on to play in other bands — one of them graduating with a classical guitar degree.

  “Since I started in music so late, I realized that some kids are not born into a family that plays music,” he said. “It’s something that you can’t really learn without having somebody to show you.”

  McQueen now teaches a class on Wednesdays to a group of men at the Locust Grove Senior Center.

  “They can’t play at home – their wives would run them off,” he said. “Besides that, playing music is like riding a horse. You can’t do it by yourself. It’s a social thing. Those old guys get together and they’re able to play some songs. It’s better than being at home. Besides, girls love guitar pickers – even the old ones.”

  Today, McQueen looks back fondly on the impact that playing music has had on his life, and that of others he has encountered along the way.   “It just looked like a fun thing to do, to me,” he said. “All these years later, it’s still fun.”