Bearded banjo player cropped 6x7

Comment by Dan Gibson on December 17, 2010 at 11:51am

My Dad took this photo in the early 1950s somewhere in the mountains of North Carolina.  I don't remember exactly where we were, but the man said his name was Jesse Coy.  Does anyone recognize him?

Comment by Ian Bell on December 18, 2010 at 8:39am

Don't know anything about Jesse,but I love the picture.  The ribbons are very cool. I knew an old fiddler in northern Manitoba who used to spend a lot of time with Native and Metis players. He always had ribbons hanging off the scroll of his fiddle. Thanks for sharing that.

Comment by Sylvia on December 19, 2010 at 2:21am

I loved the ribbons too, but did wonder however why a man had them on his banjo.... I guess if Native and Metis players decorated their banjos and fiddles with ribbons they must have some extra significance other than mere  decoration....? it would be interesting to know.

Comment by Bart McNeil on January 9, 2011 at 7:30pm

Very interesting photo!!

 

I have seen ribbons of several colors on mandolins... Group photos if I recall... I am wondering if, since there were so many mandolin, and banjo orchestras in the early 20th C., most  sponsered by Gibson to promote their instruments, these ribbons were awards or honors of some sort to give to players for their accomplishments or longevity in the orchestra. If I recall they were wider and more primary colors than those on this banjo.  But maybe they simply carry on that tradition but as pure decoration... They were too common to be just an isolated individual fancying up his instrument.

I am reminded of county and state fairs where colored ribbons ae still awarded and I am guessing that this photo  May carry on that tradition though as decoration.

 

Nice strap,,, looks like mine.

Comment by Strumelia on October 3, 2012 at 11:52am

One sees colored ribbons tied to tambourines in various parts of the world.  A banjo is just a big tambourine.   ;D   Gypsies, Mummers and Morris dancers use/used colored ribbons too, correct?  I don't think these banjo ribbons were awards, just decoration.

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