Don Reno, born February 21, 1927, in Spartanburg, South Carolina, was an influential American bluegrass and country musician, known for his virtuosic banjo playing and his role as one of the founding fathers of bluegrass music. Reno's unique style combined traditional Appalachian folk with an innovative approach to the banjo, incorporating elements of blues, jazz, and swing. Throughout his career, he was celebrated for his lightning-fast picking technique and his ability to play in a variety of keys without using a capo, which distinguished him from many of his contemporaries.

Reno's journey in music began at the tender age of five, and by the time he was in his teens, he was performing with some of the leading country acts of the day. After serving in World War II, where he entertained troops with his music, Reno's career advanced notably when he formed a partnership with Red Smiley, creating the renowned bluegrass group Reno and Smiley. Together, they produced a multitude of recordings and became a staple act on radio and television in the 1950s and 60s. Albums like "30th Anniversary Album" and "The Don Reno Story" encapsulate the essence of his contributions to the bluegrass genre. After Smiley's retirement in 1964, Reno continued to perform and record, often with his sons, and experimented with various styles. He remained a vital and imaginative force in bluegrass until his death on October 16, 1984. Don Reno's legacy is memorably captured in the numerous collections of his work, such as "Reader's Digest Music: Dueling Banjos: Bluegrass Legends Don Reno & Bobby Thompson" and "Founding Father of the Bluegrass Banjo," which continue to inspire and influence banjo players and bluegrass musicians to this day.

Genres

Banjo

Bluegrass

Bluegrass Gospel

Instrumental Bluegrass

Related Artists

Earl Scruggs

The Osborne Brothers

Bill Monroe

Ricky Skaggs

Marty Stuart

The Stanley Brothers

J.D. Crowe & The New South

Red Smiley

The Reno Brothers

Lonesome River Band

Latest Release

Feudin' Again

Don Reno

Album - 12 Tracks - Released October 18, 2024