Allen Shelton, 1936-2009
Allen Shelton, 1969 (photo: Fred Robbins)Thanks to Richard F Thompson of the BBMA for forwarding the sad news of the death of Allen Shelton, one of the most influential and innovative among bluegrass banjo-players of the 1950s and 1960s.
Beginning full-time music at the age of 16 with Jim Eanes, Shelton became known for his big smile and his original approach: the 'bounce' in his playing, his choice of unusual material such as 'Lady of Spain', playing 'Home sweet home' in D using Scruggs tuners, devising a means of getting a 'pedal-steel' sound from the banjo, and the modulations in his own compositions. His 'Banjo bounce' can be heard on YouTube. In addition to the bow-tie arch-top RB-250 he used for most of his career, he played latterly a dobro-banjo with the band of Jim & Jesse McReynolds.
More details are on the original Bluegrass Blog.
posted by Richard Hawkins @ 9:20 pm
6 comments
6 Comments:
Goodness, at first when I saw images of Allen, I thought it was of my Grandfather, Paul Shelton. I wonder if they are related??
We have no idea at present, Mary, but this would be worth investigating. A postal address for Allen's son is given in the Bluegrass Blog feature cited above, if you or anyone else wishes to make inquiries.
BIB editor
Thankful to come across this even after so many years. Allen was my grandpa and I am still realizing the influence his music made in so many places. Thank you for the kind words! 😊
Hannah,
I'm delighted that this all-too-brief entry has your approval. It should have been amended in 2018 to include your grandfather's induction into the Bluegrass Music Hall of Fame (https://www.bluegrasshall.org/inductees/allen-shelton/). All good wishes,
Richard Hawkins, BIB editor
29 June 2022
That was a very special event! He left quite a legacy and it means a lot to me to see his work recognized.
I love bluegrass and I love Ireland! I wish I would’ve come across this blog before my recent trip there! Thank you for doing what you’re doing!
You're welcome!
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