Tag Archives: banjo

Banjo Masters Oral History Project: Hank Smith

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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Geoff Stelling- Master Banjo Luthier

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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Banjo Masters Interview Series

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

  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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Butch Robins presents the history of Blue Grass Music- Preview

I have known Butch Robins for several years now and never tire of hearing him talk about music, life, or whatever he wants to talk about.  At times I would visit him and as soon as he got on a … Continue reading

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Highlights of the McConnell Library Appalachian Music Collection- Butch Robins Part 2

(Used with permission from Bud Bennett, photographer) I started the first part of the Butch Robins posting with a story about how and when I met Butch.  Since this is the second part of the posting I will now continue … Continue reading

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Highlights of McConnell Library’s Appalachian Music Collection- John Hartford

(Used with permission from C.L. Garvin, photographer.) When I was younger, I had a very good friend, Billy.  Billy was a lot older than me and he loved bluegrass music.  He would play and loan his bluegrass records to me, … Continue reading

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