The Archives
Deacon Dan Crary: A Man of His Own Cloth
Reprinted from Bluegrass Unlimited Magazine May 1974, Volume 8, Number 11 “Deacon Dan” Crary is perhaps theology’s best-known contemporary bluegrass musician. Other professions, of course, have their representatives in the Bluegrass Hall of Fame … John Starling operates for the medical doctors, and commercial artists can boast Mike Auldridge (both of the Seldom Scene). But…
Wilma Lee Cooper: America’s Most Authentic Mountain Singer
Reprinted from Bluegrass Unlimited Magazine February 1982, Volume 16, Number 8 For years the role of women in country music has been a topic of discussion by critics and historians of that field of popular entertainment. From one extreme come statements such as that of author Dorothy Horstman who has said that “Country music until…
The Seldom Scene as Heard
Reprinted from Bluegrass Unlimited Magazine June 1974, Volume 8, Number 12 The following conversation occurred after The Seldom Scene had finished their evening concert at the Red Fox restaurant in Bethesda, Maryland. It’s their story—it’s told the way they want to tell it in the hope that the reader may gain a valuable insight into…
Bill Emerson: Forging New Trails
Reprinted from Bluegrass Unlimited Magazine May 2008, Volume 42, Number 11 Bill Emerson is back. To the delight of his many fans and peers, he has recently returned to the bluegrass music scene and, this time around, playing in his own band—Bill Emerson & the Sweet Dixie Band. Debuting at the 2007 World Of Bluegrass…
Bill Emerson: Banjo Player Extraordinaire
Reprinted from Bluegrass Unlimited Magazine March 1992 Volume 26, Number 9 William Hundley Emerson, Jr.’s name has become synonomous with unparalleled achievement and professionalism within the world of bluegrass music. A banjo virtuoso, Bill Emerson’s artistry, ability and creativity have earned him respect from both the critics and public alike. Among his achievements, Emerson founded…
Bill Emerson
By Gary A. Henderson and Richard K. Spottswood Reprinted from Bluegrass Unlimited Magazine April 1968, Volume 2, Number 10 That Bill Emerson is currently just about the most skilled and respected banjo picker in the country will be disputed by few. Yet it will come as a surprise to many that his origins and background…