Wade Mainer (1907 - 2011)

Appalshop mourns the loss of bluegrass pioneer Wade Mainer, who passed away on September 12, 2011 at the age of 104. In 1989 Wade appeared with his wife Julia at Appalshop's Seedtime on the Cumberland festival. To commemorate his life and music, the Appalshop Archive presents select performance and interview clips that were taped during Wade and Julia's 1989 visit to Whitesburg, Kentucky.
A native of North Carolina, Wade Mainer altered the course of modern bluegrass music when, in the 1930's, he introduced a distinctive two-finger banjo picking style that contrasted with the traditional downward-moving clawhammer stroke. This change in playing style brought the banjo to the forefront of the mountain music band, where it had traditionally been a background rhythm instrument. It also gave a modern flavor to traditional tunes. Mainer is credited with laying the foundation for modern bluegrass, influencing legends such as Bill Monroe, Ralph Stanley and Doc Watson. In his later years, Mainer was a recipient of the National Endowment for the Arts' distinguished National Heritage Fellowship Award, which recognizes mastery in folk and traditional arts.

[@jackcrane7853]

The greatest American musician who ever lived

[@Steve-cs8nd]

Get the book “Wade Mainer the first hundred years” it’s a wonderful read.
He was huge and a major NC bluegrass banjo contributor and influence in between the frailers and the Snuffy Jenkins/ Scruggs style that was a logical extension and development. After Wade it was obvious they had to pick with three finger style and Snuffy Kicked it off. Snuffy Frailed played two finger like Wade then stuck in the third finger like shakin marbles in a cigar box lol.

[@tomdadomdomdom]

Wade Mainer was a national treasure and I'm thankful we still have recordings and videos to remember him by.

[@glencoe6305]

What a American Legacy, of 104 years. Thanks for the music Wade ! My condolences to Mrs.Julia Mainer aka Hillbilly Lilly. I bet you're still entertaining,only in Heaven,now.

[@MrOldtimey]

I sure loved that fella. I miss him.

[@Dcvillnz]

I’m so happy to find this - the Lord never forgot . 😇
Go sit down

[@SpaceHarpoon]

Wade Mainer was something else. I first discovered him after hearing his amazing rendition of "Reuben's Train" (or "Old Ruben" or whichever name he decided to use)

[@nasty5oh]

Great post. Wade will be missed .

[@235buz]

Wade and Julia lived a few miles down the road from me. One of my favorites they did was "I just got to Heaven and I Can't Set Down".

[@petermateer]

This is 'cool' music for me. Real nice.

[@Outdoorsman-cx7fu]

They should play bluegrass!