This remembrance of Arizona bluegrass musician and teacher Howard Anderson is a contribution from Jan Zale, retired recreation director, who has been involved in a wide variety of Arizona bluegrass activities. She has served for many years in bluegrass associations, hosted jams, written newsletters, and played significant roles in festival production. Jan currently plays bass and sings with Alpine Divide.
Howard Anderson, a man of many interests – engineer, veteran, husband, father, astrophotographer, musician, singer, teacher, bandmate, mentor, friend – died on March 30, 2026. He was 83 years of age.
Howard’s interest in music started while he was in the military, married to Susan, and stationed at the Pentagon (Top Secret Security Clearance). They attended a concert that featured bluegrass music and his love affair with the banjo started. He purchased his first one for $15. He was self-taught and practiced every night after work for a couple of hours and more on the weekends. He became an active participant in bluegrass jams in the Virginia area.
In the mid ’80s, now retired military, Howard’’ new career with Motorola brought he and Susan to Tempe, Arizona. They immediately joined the Arizona Bluegrass Association (ABA) as they wanted to do their part to support bluegrass in their new home state. Excited to get involved musically again, he found it challenging to break into the bluegrass scene here as many jams were “closed” or invitation only. Susan and Howard decided that they should open their home and start their own weekly jam, and the Anderson’s Wednesday night jam began. It was run with some strict jam etiquette but welcomed musicians of all skill levels. Everyone was encouraged to try a solo and step up into the circle. It ran for 35 years! In addition to the jam, Susan developed an extensive email list to inform people about bluegrass events throughout Arizona and the entire Southwest.
When asked what advice they would give to an up-and-coming bluegrass musician, they both agreed that keeping close to the “traditional” style is critical. Listen to the founders of bluegrass and don’t try to reinvent the wheel. And, even though you’re working for perfection, it’s important to learn how to disagree with others without being disagreeable. Howard had some additional words of wisdom to share with banjo pickers: “Play with people that are better than you if they will let you. You can learn a lot from them.” Many new banjo pickers try to play with a speed that they just can’t handle.
Howard’s advice, “If you are missing notes and sound sloppy … slow down! Speed will come automatically if you practice enough.” Which gets back to the adage—practice, practice, practice, and then practice some more. There’s just no substitute.
Side story: During those jams, a lady from Chandler came with her mandolin and a friendship was forged that lasted the rest of Howard’s life, literally until he took his last breath. That lady was Anni Beach. Jam Pak Blues ‘N’ Grass Neighborhood Band (Jam Pak, for short) started in 1994 after Anni Beach found Howard and Susan’s jam in Tempe, and became devoted to learning bluegrass. Jam Pak continued to grow and grow. Anni needed help and Howard quickly became involved as a volunteer instructor and mentor. That was in 1995. Through his many years of teaching banjo to the children, his students went on to become Arizona State Champions, award winners, and successful musicians, who are carrying on his legacy.
Not only was Howard an accomplished banjo player, but he was also known for his signature, high tenor harmony singing. This served him well, playing and singing in several bands over the years, including BluegrAZ Express, Shasta Daylight, and Cabin John. He even picked up the fiddle in his later years. After Susan died, the jam was discontinued and Howard turned more of his attention to supporting Jam Pak and his band Cabin John.
After his cancer diagnosis in 2022, Howard fought it with traditional medicine until the cure nearly killed him. He decided at that time to let nature take its course and he continued living his life as he had been – teacher, mentor, jam participant and leader, and friend. At the end of February, 2026, Howard decided to put his health into the hands of Hospice of the Valley. His dear friend Anni Beach had Howard come to the Beach House to be cared for. Howard lived his final days under her tender care, surrounded by those he instructed and mentored, listening to the joyful music of the Beach home, receiving phone calls and visitors.
The Jam Pak children, their parents, Anni, and Howard were able to enjoy the last few weeks together and share special life – and death – lessons.
Howard made his final transition on Monday, March 30, 2026. Although his spirit will live on in the music and lessons he instilled in others, we will still miss hearing his high tenor voice and banjo picking. Maybe, when it’s quiet, if we listen with an open heart, we’ll hear Howard’s high harmony along with the beautiful music of all our loved ones that are now part of the Angel Band.
Farewell Howard……
