My Generation

If you read the title of today’s piece and immediately thought of a classic rock song by The Who, then you’re probably part of my generation. Over the course of my sixty plus years I have had the good fortune to listen to some great music from many genres, including...

My Grandfather’s Fiddle

Tucked away in a closet for decades, wrapped up in old newspapers is a very special package. The fragile contents had seen many years of use but then eventually became a decorative item hanging on a wall for over three quarters of a century. This was my Grandfather’s...

My Grandmother’s Banjolin

For years, I remembered that my grandmother played banjo; my grandfather played fiddle. I was lucky to have been brought up in a musical family—large family gatherings were often accompanied by banjo, fiddle, harmonica, guitar, piano, accordion, jugs, and spoons. We...

My Hooked Story (from 2009)

I was about 8 years (1973) when I first heard this heartfelt music. I would go to my grandfather’s house on some Sunday mornings. He was a preacher and an exceptionally great man. He would play the old time bluegrass gospel on his turntable as I sat on his lap...