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Charlie Tagawa | |
|---|---|
 Charlie Tagawa, music director of the Peninsula Banjo Band | |
| Background information | |
| Birth name | Zenzo Tagawa |
| Born | 27 October 1935 Tokyo, Japan |
| Died | 30 July 2017 (aged 81) |
| Genres | Dixieland, ragtime |
| Occupation | Musician |
| Instrument | Banjo |
| Years active | 1956–2017 |
| Website | www |
Charlie Tagawa (October 27, 1935 – July 30, 2017) was a Japanese-born American musical entertainer and banjoist. In a music career spanning seven decades, he was regarded as one of the best contemporary four-string banjo players.[1] He performed regularly across the U.S. and in Japan, where he was known professionally as "Japan's Harry Reser". A 2003 inductee into the National Four-String Banjo Hall of Fame,[2] Tagawa often performed as the headline act at banjo jazz festivals and shows. He was also the international goodwill ambassador for the Peninsula Banjo Band.
Tagawa was a protégé of Reser's, who advised and encouraged him in the development of his single-string technique. In honour of his mentor, he regularly played Reser's original compositions, including "The Cat and the Dog", "Cracker Jack", and "Lolly Pops".
- ^ Jordan, Robert (2012-09-25). "Bay Area banjo players saving the four-string tradition". Contra Costa Times. Archived from the original on 2014-03-06. Retrieved 17 April 2013.
- ^ "Hall of Fame Members - American Banjo Museum". Archived from the original on 2011-07-07. Retrieved 2010-08-08., Hall of Fame members list, retrieved August 8, 2010