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Earl Scruggs

Earl Eugene Scruggs was born January 6, 1924 in Flint Hill, North Carolina, in the Piedmont section of the state—an area known for its strongholds of banjo enthusiasm. He began playing the banjo at the age of four using a two-finger style picking. At the age of ten, he developed a style utilizing three fingers that was to become known world-wide Scruggs style—now known as one of the defining characteristics of bluegrass. He joined Bill Monroe's Blue Grass Boys in late 1945 and his syncopated, three-finger picking style quickly became a sensation. In 1948, he left Monroe's band and formed Flatt and Scruggs with guitarist Lester Flatt, who had also just left the Blue Grass Boys.

Watch Past Performances

Video 3/21/06: Earl Scruggs with Family and Friends
This performance is not available for viewing.

Four-time Grammy®-winning banjo player Earl Scruggs performs with his “Family and Friends” band in a lively evening of bluegrass to kick off the Kennedy Center’s Country: A Celebration of America’s Music.

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