Author Archives: Bud Bennett

Banjo Masters Interview Series

Posted on July 13, 2016 by Bud Bennett

For the past two years, our Archives department has been conducting interviews of master banjo players and builders.  As of now we have published interviews of Butch Robins, Sammy Shelor, Jens Kruger, and Tom Nechville.  This is a fascinating and … Continue reading →

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New Interview- Tom Nechville- Banjo Building’s Mad Scientist

Posted on July 6, 2016 by Bud Bennett

  Tom Nechville- Banjo Building’s Mad Scientist https://vimeo.com/173492693 A few years ago when I came up with the idea to interview various banjo masters, I intended to focus on both players and builders that I felt were innovative, influential, and … Continue reading →

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A.J. Gaither- Home Made Musician

Posted on April 27, 2016 by Bud Bennett

A.J. Gaither is not technically an Appalachian, he lives in Arkansas actually.  He does though, live by the Appalachian belief in using what you have, repurposing things to make up for what you don’t have and making the best of your … Continue reading →

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Highlights of the McConnell Library Appalachian Music Collection- Bill Keith

Posted on November 20, 2015 by Bud Bennett

(photo copyright Fred Robbins, used by permission) William Bradford Keith (12/20/1939-10/23/2015) joined Bill Monroe’s Blue Grass Boys in 1963. Bill Monroe called him Brad Keith because he didn’t want another person named Bill in the band. What he did want … Continue reading →

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Highlights of the McConnell Library Appalachian Music Collection- Alison Brown

Posted on November 5, 2015 by Bud Bennett

Today I am highlighting a very non-traditional selection. The music today is mostly jazz with enough Celtic thrown in and a nod to Doc Watson so I feel it appropriate enough- besides, I love jazz music played on a banjo … Continue reading →

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Highlights of the McConnell Library Appalachian Music Collection- Conversations With North American Banjo Builders

Posted on October 20, 2015 by Bud Bennett

This month’s highlight selection is very different from all of the others. This week I am featuring volume 1 of a 9 DVD series in three parts. This series is composed of interviews of banjo builders. AND HISTORIANS!! (I have … Continue reading →

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Jens Kruger Interview

Posted on May 26, 2015 by Bud Bennett

(Photograph ©John Hildreth 2014 and used with permission.) I can remember the first time I ever heard The Kruger Brothers’ music.  I had heard the name Kruger Brothers and was aware that Jens was an amazing player but that was as … Continue reading →

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Fred Robbins- Preserving Bluegrass History

Posted on March 26, 2015 by Bud Bennett

Musicians play music. Once a note is played it can not be reclaimed.  If a listener or would-be listener misses that note, too bad.  Nothing to be done about it. Photographers take pictures and make films.  When a photograph is … Continue reading →

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Sammy Shelor Talks about Life, Music, and Banjos.

Posted on March 12, 2015 by Bud Bennett

On my frequent trips to Meadows of Dan a few years ago, I would often see Sammy Shelor around.  It is a very small town after all, and Sammy and his family have lived there for a very long time. … Continue reading →

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Butch Robins Presents-Blue Grass Music, its Origin and Development as a Unique and Creative Art Form.

Posted on January 22, 2015 by Bud Bennett

Butch Robins presents- Blue Grass Music, its Origin and Development as a Unique and Creative Art Form. In this 5 part video series, Butch Robins explains the fascinating history of Blue Grass music. He uses both recorded and live music … Continue reading →

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