G. B. Grayson

G.B. Grayson
Birth nameGilliam Banmon Grayson
BornNovember 11, 1887
Ashe County, North Carolina, United States
OriginJohnson County, Tennessee, United States
DiedAugust 16, 1930(1930-08-16) (aged 42)
near Damascus, Virginia, United States
GenresOld-time
Instrument(s)Fiddle, vocals
Years active1927–1930
LabelsGennett, Victor

Gilliam Banmon Grayson (November 11, 1887 – August 16, 1930) was an American old-time fiddle player and singer. Mostly blind from infancy, Grayson is chiefly remembered for a series of sides recorded with guitarist Henry Whitter between 1927 and 1930 that would later influence numerous country, bluegrass, and rock musicians. Grayson wrote much of his own material, but was also instrumental in adapting several traditional Appalachian ballads to fiddle and guitar formats. His music has been recorded or performed by musicians such as Bob Dylan, Doc Watson, Mick Jagger, the Kingston Trio, and dozens of bluegrass artists, including the Stanley Brothers and Mac Wiseman.[1]

  1. ^ Barry McCloud (ed.), Definitive Country: The Ultimate Encyclopedia of Country Music and its Performers (New York: Berkley Publishing Group, 1995), pp. 340-341.