Posted by Graylen Cook on February 10, 19102 at 17:31:08:
In Reply to: When you first heard Earl's banjo posted by butch on February 08, 19102 at 23:52:44:
This is a rather long, but good story, I think.
I think I saw Earl on the old Arthur Smith show from Charlotte first, but the time I remember best was on the Flatt & Scruggs TV Show one Saturday afternoon. I was about 6 or 7 at the time. My stepfather had the show on. I was watching, too. It was an exceptional show with many great songs starting with Foggy Mtn Breakdown, and when they started on "Reuben" to end the show my stepfather jumped up for joy, saying "Hot Damn! Look at them boys go!" Wild Bill was, and is very unemotional.
It was at that point that I realized how music can exert such power over people. That same afternoon I realized that I wanted to play banjo and dobro. I think "Reuben" is the song that made me want to play two instruments.
In my opinion "Reuben' is the best banjo song that has ever been. I play it today on banjo, mostly, but will play it on dobro from time to time.
Thanks Earl for many great songs, and some great inspiration. It meant the world to me when you autographed my banjo last year. You're the greatest! See you at Merlefest. :)