BANJO PLAYERS WITH HONOURS

[TONY BRYAN]

I see that the comedian Frank Skinner was given an MBE in the New Year’s Honours List.  Well deserved, of course, but even more so because Frank is a five-string banjo player.   

Frank joins a very small pool of deserving banjo players that currently includes Sir Billy Connolly CBE.  

Are classic banjo players aware of other living players who have received honours?  It would be interesting to keep an up-to-date list.

Regards

Tony

[thereallyniceman]

Good thoughts Tony... there must be more banjoists out there who are recognised, or even noticed ;-)

Obviously humilty prevents me from bragging, but I was awared an honour for inventing the door knocker... I received the Nobel Prize.

Ta-Dah

[TONY BRYAN]

More in the quest to find decorated banjo players: I see that Lonnie Donegan - 'The King of Skiffle" - was awarded an MBE (Member of the Order of the British Empire) for his efforts.

Regards

Tony 

[Trapdoor2]

Wasn't there a Miles (somebody), MBE who wrote a pile of banjo tab books? I have a box full of it from David Wade.

[TONY BRYAN]

Wasn't that David Miles?  I think you're right.  I'll look into it and see if I can add him to the list.

Regards

Tony

[Jody Stecher]

Yup. David Miles MBE: 

https://reverb.com/item/32819715-magazine-b-m-g-banjo-mandolin-guit...

Not to be confused with American jazz trumpet man Miles Davis BBM ("banjos bother me")

[TONY BRYAN]

Thanks, Jody.  That seems to answer that question.  

We could - at a pinch - add George Formby OBE.  As an officer of the order he sits above mere members, but Billy Connolly CBE, a commander no less, is our top banjo player so far.  

Regards

Tony