Author Archives: Bud Bennett

Blind Alfred Reed

Posted on February 2, 2026 by Bud Bennett

There was once a time when everything was cheap. But now prices almost puts a man to sleep. When we pay our grocery bill, We just feel like making our will. Tell me how can a poor man stand such … Continue reading →

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Appalachian Artists Oral History Project- Marshall Page

Posted on November 12, 2025 by Bud Bennett

The newest addition to our Appalachian Artists Oral History Project is Marshall Page. Marshall is a quiet and unassuming man who works here at Radford University, and I always enjoy talking to him- and I am always surprised at the … Continue reading →

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Banjo Masters Oral History Project: Hank Smith

Posted on December 4, 2019 by Bud Bennett

A few years ago just before the Carolina in the Fall festival (the third week in September), I stumbled upon some recordings by Hank Smith. I don’t remember how I found them, but I do remember sitting here listening to … Continue reading →

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Highlights of the McConnell Library Appalachian Music Collection- Bela Fleck & Abigail Washburn

Posted on September 17, 2018 by Bud Bennett

  http://   A few years ago, I was listening to an album I randomly picked out to play by a band called The Sparrow Quartet.  I knew it was a project that old-time banjoist, Abigail Washburn had put together, … Continue reading →

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Geoff Stelling- Master Banjo Luthier

Posted on May 30, 2017 by Bud Bennett

More and more, the word “luthier” seems to be one that people don’t know the meaning of.  Basically, a luthier is a person who makes musical instruments (and these days one might be hard pressed to name more than a few people … Continue reading →

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Rex McGee- Banjo Playing Enigma

Posted on December 1, 2016 by Bud Bennett

I first became aware of Rex McGee somewhere in the early 1990s at the first Merlefest that I ever attended.  At the time the festival was pretty small but it was packed to the gills with music and workshops.  These … Continue reading →

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Banjo Masters Interview Series- Previews

Posted on November 10, 2016 by Bud Bennett

There are a lot of things I like about our Banjo Masters interview series. One of the first things that come to mind about that is how I really enjoy picking who to interview.  My thought on that subject has always … Continue reading →

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Night Noises

Posted on September 7, 2016 by Bud Bennett

Last night after work I met my wife out in the country for dinner.  We met at our cabin in the mountains of Floyd County and ate at the picnic table outside since it was a cool evening.  As we sat there, … Continue reading →

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Banjo Construction Photos- Form vs. Function

Posted on August 18, 2016 by Bud Bennett

I like banjos. There….I said it.  I guarantee that is a true statement too.  I like to play them, I like to hear them, I like to learn about them and I just plain like to look at them sometimes. … Continue reading →

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John Bullard Interview

Posted on July 18, 2016 by Bud Bennett

For those who want to jump right to the interview-  Part 1…… Part 2 As a banjo player, I have always been attracted to music that is a little out of the mainstream.  For several years I played banjo in a … Continue reading →

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