Pushkin

Hey y'all, today we're featuring a conversation with the world's pre-eminent banjo player,

Bela Flack.

Over the course of his four decade career, Bela's won numerous Grammys in a variety of

surprising genres, including jazz, Latin, pop, and classical.

Next last year, his latest release, My Bluegrass Heart, scored the Grammy for Best Bluegrass

album.

In addition to Bela's innovative style and expert technique, he is also an advocate

for keeping the banjo's rich historical tradition alive.

In 2008, Bela made a pilgrimage to Africa to trace the origins of the banjo in the brilliant

documentary, Throw Down Your Heart.

On today's episode, Bruce Hellum talks to Bela about growing up in New York City,

where he first fell in love with the banjo while watching of all things the Beverly Hill

Billies.

Bela also talks about how jazz giants like Chick-Carrie and Charlie Parker influenced

his highly technical style.

And Bela explains why he believes the banjo is far superior to the guitar.

This is Broken Record, liner notes for the digital age, I'm Justin Richmond.

Here's Bruce Hellum with Bela Flack.

You've won 15 Grammys.

Something like that.

There's a lot of Grammys.

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