Wade Mainer, a Pioneer of Bluegrass Banjo, Dies at 104

Wade Mainer (April 21, 1907 – September 12, 2011) was an American singer and banjoist. With his band, the Sons of the Mountaineers, he is credited with bridging the gap between old-time mountain music and Bluegrass and is sometimes called the “Grandfather of Bluegrass.” In addition, he innovated a two-finger banjo fingerpicking style, which was a precursor to modern three-finger bluegrass styles.

Mainer has been credited with bridging the gap between old-time mountain music and Bluegrass and musicians such as Bill Monroe, Ralph Stanley and Doc Watson have all cited Mainer as a source of influence. He has also been called the “Grandfather of Bluegrass.

Awards and honours
In 1987, president Ronald Reagan bestowed upon him a National Heritage Fellowship for his contributions to American music.[2] In 1996 he received the Michigan Heritage Award and the Michigan Country Music Association and Services’ Lifetime Achievement Award. In 1998 both he and his wife were inducted into the Michigan Country Music Hall of Fame, while Mainer received North Carolina’s Surry Arts Council Lifetime Achievement.

Wade Mainer caouse of death
Mainer died of congestive heart failure on September 12, 2011.
Wade Mainer was 104 years old at the time of his death

David Holt: Julia and Wade Mainer songs & banjo tricks

David Holt: Julia and Wade Mainer songs & banjo tricks

Wade Mainer – Worried Man Blues

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