G. B. Grayson

U.K. Grayson ( born November 11, 1888 at Ashe County, North Carolina as Gilliam Banmon Grayson; † August 16, 1930 in Abingdon, Virginia) was an American Old-time musicians.

Life

Childhood and youth

U.K. Grayson went blind as a little child. Supposedly this is happening, as Grayson, then only six months old, light reflections of snow in the eyes came .. He learned to play fiddle and banjo and began to work as a musician because of his disability.

Career

Grayson came from then on Barn Dances and Fiddler's Conventions on to earn his money. In the 1920s he settled in Laurel Bloomery, Tennessee, on the border with Virginia, down. He played together with many talented musicians, as well as with Doc Walsh and Clarence Ashley. 1927 Grayson met the guitarist and singer Henry Whitter on a Fiddle Competition in Mountain City and became friends with him. Both musicians joined in the autumn of the same year the duo Grayson and Whitter together.

With Whitter Grayson took until 1930 to 40 pieces, most of them were old traditionals and are now considered classics of country music. One of her most famous songs was Tom Dooley, which is based on a true story. This title was Grayson particular concern, as it was Grayson's grandfather, Tom Dooley 1866 arrested.

Death

On August 16, 1930 Grayson visited his brother in Virginia. On the way back - Grayson was walking on the road - he was taken by his neighbors Bill Millhorn on his little truck. Since the vehicle was pre- occupied, Grayson found only on the loading space. As Millhorn around a curve bent, he collided with another truck and Grayson died instantly. He was 42 years old.