Will Keys: 1923-2005

Event Details

Will Keys, a popular if not beloved old time banjo player from East Tennessee, passed away on November 4 after a battle with multiple illnesses, including a large and aggressive tumor in his brain.

Keys was known for his distinctive two finger style which has been described as “pre-bluegrass,” and tending to embrace the rhythmic pulses of old time music with a more melodic approach.

The funeral is scheduled for Sunday, November 6 and details are available on his web site.

About the Author

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John Lawless

John had served as primary author and editor for The Bluegrass Blog from its launch in 2004 until being folded into Bluegrass Today in September of 2011. He continues in that capacity here, managing a strong team of columnists and correspondents.

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