Classic-Banjo
Elias Kaufman 1939-2025
I'm going to miss my friend Elias Kaufman. We used to have phone calls that would last past 2 in the morning. Not only was Eli a great man with a good sense of humor, he was the database of banjo history. A direct tie to the "classic banjo" era. He and Madeleine were the ABF for decades, and because of them a HUGE amount of banjo history and knowledge was preserved and passed on.
He was always generous with his vast knowledge of the banjo (and various other subjects).
And if that was not enough, there are untold numbers of people who have healthy teeth thanks to him. He taught dentists how to be dentists.
The American Banjo Fraternity Rallies will not be the same without him.
Shawn McSweeny
I first met Eli at the banjo collector's gathering in 2003. He and Madeleine approached me- the new-comer - and were very personable. With our mutual interests in 19th c. banjos and banjo history, he became a friend and mentor. Living not far from Buffalo, over the years I visited on a number of occasions. It was through Eli that I joined the ABF and attended Rallies for many years.
On banjo history, Eli was a font of knowledge - and could effortlessly drown you with his stream of anecdotes. He was always friendly and generous, had a great passion for the banjo and loved to share it.
Apr 9
Richard William Ineson
Sad news, I met Eli and Madeleine at the ABF get together in Gettysburg in1993, I was there with Paul Whyman to play some Cammeyer pieces which we had been playing at that time. We had a good time and Eli was always around chatting about banjo matters and generally making us welcome. Our friendship continued over the ensuing years with much correspondence and the eagerly awaited '5 Stringer'. He will be missed.
Apr 9
TONY BRYAN
That’s very sad news about Eli Kaufman. He was one of those people who could calmly encourage and inspire, no matter what aspect of the banjo you were interested in. As well as profiting from an exchange of correspondence, Cathie and I spent some fondly-remembered time with Eli and Madeleine when they last came to England (see picture), and we were ecouraging them to repeat the trip when they were thinking of one not so long ago. Again, very sad, and our hearts go out to Madeleine and the family – children and grandchildren – we are thinking of you all. Tony and Cathie
Apr 9