Notes On David "Stringbean" Akeman
By J.N.R Dutton
@jnrdutton (3452)
United States
July 30, 2019 10:36am CST
Earlier, I was watching a documentary about a banjo player/comedian/singer named David Akeman aka "Stringbean". He used to be a member of the Grand Ole Opry in Nashville, TN, USA. He was also was one of a whole slew of stars on a show called Hee Haw, a country comedy.
I actually got inspired to listen to some of Stringbean's music, he was quite a talent. Although Stringbean died tragically, murdered in 1973, long before YouTube was ever even dreamed up, you can actually find his music there.
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4 responses
@FourWalls (86713)
• United States
30 Jul 19
He was Bill Monroe’s first banjo player, too.
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@JohnRoberts (109841)
• Los Angeles, California
30 Jul 19
Wiki stated Stringbean's playing was too "primitive." I guess Flatt & Scruggs were a better fit for the Bluegrass Boys.
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@jnrdutton (3452)
• United States
30 Jul 19
One of the funniest things I heard about was Little Jimmy Dickens giving Stringbean a pair of his pants.
Given that Jimmy was pint sized, I'm sure Bean had a heck of a time putting those on, but they were evidently part of one of his costumes.
@jnrdutton (3452)
• United States
30 Jul 19
@JohnRoberts Eh, primitive? If they mean unpolished, that's one thing I like about Stringbean's playing.
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@JohnRoberts (109841)
• Los Angeles, California
30 Jul 19
I saw that documentary. Yes, You Tube is very good for things like that.
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@jnrdutton (3452)
• United States
30 Jul 19
I like country and blues mostly, though not exclusively.
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