More than 100 of his songs have been recorded by major acts, from Martina McBride to bluegrass band the Seldom Scene.
When he was 9 years old, he appeared with his father and Lester Flatt on the duo's TV show.
As a rock duo, he and brother Gary recorded two albums for Vanguard Records, then formed the progressive country-rock band the Earl Scruggs Revue, led by their father.