The legendary Earl Scruggs was born on this day in 1924. Even people who don’t listen to bluegrass music have probably heard him. Have you ever heard the theme song to the Beverly Hillbillies? If so, you’ve heard him.
He was a master banjo player. He is responsible for what is referred to as the “Scruggs style” of playing. His three-finger style of playing was radically different from the traditional way the five-string banjo had previously been played. according to wiki this new style of playing became popular and elevated the banjo from its previous role as a background rhythm instrument to featured solo status. He popularized the instrument across several genres of music.
He started playing in Bill Monroe’s Bluegrass Boys. Bill had a heck of a touring schedule and Earl needed to slow down. He retired from the group. Lester Flatt also resigned from the group and teamed up with Scruggs.
They recorded Foggy Mountain Breakdown in December 1949 and released in March 1950. Thanks to the movie Bonnie and Clyde, it became a hit again in 1967. It also received two Grammy Awards.
Various Ramblings of a Nostalgic Italian 
never thought about it but the ‘Beverly Hillbiillies’ theme is some fine banjo playing!
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wow, I never knew this!
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Earl Scruggs sounds great – and, man, he played that banjo at breakneck speed!
While I can confirm I watched the movie “Bonnie and Clyde” at least once, this dates back more than 40 years. As such, I’m afraid I didn’t recall “Foggy Mountain Breakdown.”
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