Fred Starner & Barbara Starner were original members of the crew of the Clearwater with Pete Seeger and his wife and many jolly others. Because of these people and their efforts, the Clearwater sails today, leave the music in a better place.

Fred was Banjo Fred among the hobos, a member in good or dubious standing, he played for them.

He just finished a self-produced documentary about Hobos and their life of ways.

Fred mentored me and knew what I was trying to do with the innovations I was trying to present. He stayed with us in Phoenix for several years attending a local folk festival, having house concerts, playing in the local Chinese restaurant and astounding people who never heard a banjo before. Fearless.

He had his Doctorate in Economics, and was a fine songwriter, I have many of his self-produced albums.

Also amongst the folk singers he was known for being way out ahead, recording fresh sounding live performances with sneaky commercial grade little Sony disc recorders, when everyone else was recording with tapes. He bought and used things that were not available to the general public, usually by knowing what he was talking about. He knew his specs.

The closest he would let me get to his banjo was offering him 4 Vega ball end j-hooks, he put them on. I always helped him fix his 5th string capo when he came to town. Very independent, he was.

He also played the best damn 12-string in drop D.

I play longneck and a 12-string now, this ain't no party, this ain't no disco, this ain't no foolin' around.....



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"Banjo Fred Starner Has Caught The Westbound"
(10/27/2009)

On Sunday 10/25/2009, after several months of illness Banjo Fred boarded the Westbound for that last ride. I don't have any particulars but if anything comes in I'll post it right away. Fred was a great entertainer and a good friend that I, and the Hobo Community will miss very much.
Anyone wanting to send cards and condolances can mail them to;

Barbara Starner
8577 Limerick Ave
Winnetka, Ca. 91306

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http://www.worldpath.net/~minstrel/Fred.jpg





http://www.helixbanjos.com
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Posted - 10/29/2009 :  15:19:55    

R.I.P Mr Starner

Poverty Ridge Bluegrass

Edited by - Oalbrets on 10/29/2009 15:20:31

Posted - 10/30/2009 :  08:28:41      

Fred Starner was not only a great musician but also a great human being. I had the pleasure to work with him one time and he left a lifelong impression on me. I will pray for his family.

Mike

To peace, happiness, banjos that stay in tune and people likewise

Posted - 11/01/2009 :  15:56:58        

Thank you, he just joined the hangout last year..

http://www.helixbanjos.com
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Edited by - Helix on 11/02/2009 03:08:46

Posted - 11/02/2009 :  04:44:12            

I had never heard of him until he joined the HO. I loved his tune "Northern California". No fancy licks...just good stuff.

Cheers,
John Coleman
Scarborough, Maine

Posted - 11/03/2009 :  19:14:35        

Down at Gila Bend at New Years, the trains traditionally stop. They all camp out there and hang railroad lanterns in the trees. When the train goes by slow, they have a 35mm film of a moving train that they project onto a moving train. Fred was always way out there, I'm going to look for him.

http://www.helixbanjos.com
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Posted - 11/15/2009 :  19:12:21      

I was so sorry to hear this news. Fred was a really wonderful guy and a great musician. I met him 10 years or so ago here in Wisconsin. I too had been on the Clearwater (as bosun in '92-'93) so we had that connection. He had some really wonderful memories of that time and he later sent me copies of of writings he had done about that first crew. R.I.P. Fred.