Earl Scruggs – Eighty four and still pickin’

Earl Scruggs - The Master
Earl Scruggs – The Master

I recently had the opportunity to see Earl Scruggs perform – Wow, he can still play like his fingers are on fire.  Even at the age of eighty-four, he still picks with authority. The tasteful, articulate and of course, powerful style of Earl Scruggs has inspired more than a few pickers and this night was no exception.

The song selection was fantastic – from Lonesome Rueben to The Ballad of Jed Clampett, a lot of classic Bluegrass was enjoyed. Foggy Mountain Breakdown always gets me going and I wasn’t alone this evening – the audience ate it up too. FMB was written way back in 1949, and has been drawing new fans to Bluegrass and the banjo ever since.  Thank you Earl Scruggs.

Before I leave you, I have to mention Jerry Douglas -  Jerry and his band pushed the limits of Bluegrass, but at the same felt at home doing traditional tunes.  Not to take anything away from Jerry, but Earl`s dobro player, Jennifer Meredith, has a few moves that will make your head spin too. Hats off to Earl, Jerry and their great bands – keep it up, you are our inspiration.

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Comments

5 Responses to “Earl Scruggs – Eighty four and still pickin’”

  1. rjones46 on March 10th, 2009 8:31 am

    how do I access the archives?

  2. paul on August 27th, 2009 8:33 pm

    thank you for shareing your gift with us paul

  3. jim bundick on February 13th, 2010 8:13 am

    earl scruggs has been a big inspiration to me. god bless him, 84 and as always, just a real treat to hear him play.

  4. jim bundick on February 13th, 2010 8:26 am

    my bad, Mr. Earl had had a birthday jan 6th. 85 and still picking!!!, how wonderful!! happy belated birthday Mr. Scruggs!!!

  5. Banjo Deals on June 3rd, 2010 11:46 am

    Hooray for Earl! He’s like the Les Paul of the Banjo!

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