join the mailing list! add | remove

Friday February 14th, 2003

Earl Scruggs honored with Hollywood Walk of Fame star

Legendary entertainer Earl Scruggs became the first banjo player to receive a star on the Hollywood Walk of Fame yesterday, Feb. 13.

With his innovative three-fingered "Scruggs-style" technique, he revolutionized banjo playing, bringing the instrument out of near obscurity and making it an integral part of American culture.

In the 1940s, Scruggs's banjo emerged as the signature sound of bluegrass music. He introduced that sound to mainstream audiences in the 1960s in the theme music for TV's "The Beverly Hillbillies" and the film Bonnie and Clyde.

In the 1970s, playing with his sons in the Earl Scruggs Revue, he further advanced the five-string banjo's repertoire by venturing into pop and rock music.

Gibson has recognized Scruggs' lifetime achievements with the creation of an ultra-fancy, limited edition banjo - The Earl.

 

Banjo legend Earl Scruggs, center, is presented his Walk of Fame Star by Hollywood
honorary mayor Johnny Grant, left. In the back from left are Donna Douglas and Max
Baer Jr. from the 'The Beverly Hillbillies,' Dwight Yoakam, Gibson Guitar Corp. chairman
Henry Juszkiewicz, and Kevin Nealon. At lower right is Leron Gubler, president of
the Hollywood Chamber of Commerce.

Photos: Austin Gorum, WireImage