Playing Since: 1976
Experience Level: Expert/Professional
Randy Escobedo has made 8 recent additions to Banjo Hangout
Interests:
[Teaching] [Jamming] [Socializing] [Helping]
My Instruments:
Gibson and Recording King.
Favorite Bands/Musicians:
I have many favorite bands and musicians. The biggest influence for me was Earl Scruggs.
Classified Rating: (+9)
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Profile Info:
Visible to: Public
Created 12/12/2005
Last Visit 1/30/2023
I have always liked the banjo and come from a musical family. As a young boy growing up my father had a weekly program on a "Country and Western" radio station. That's what they called the music back then. He had it for 23 years. I grew up with the sounds of country, bluegrass, rock "n" roll, Tex-Mex and many other styles of music at home. Then radio stations would play both country and bluegrass. My father was an accomplished Tex-Mex accordion player and we had some great times playing. I also played for over 30 years with the finest old time fiddle player in the state. He played for 92 years starting at the age of 7. His playing was so fantastic.
The banjo picking of Earl Scruggs always caught my ear and Earl inspired me to play. I remember how exciting it was to see him on television, hear him on radio and watch him in concert. I got my first banjo and Earl's instruction book for my birthday in 1976. I taught myself to play from his book and recordings. It was The Earl Scruggs Revue that set me picking. They made a big impression on me and I learned so much from Earl. His many styles of music through the years and it continues with me. He was my friend and mentor of the banjo. It was always so exciting to sit and pick with him. I have been in some fine bands. Always enjoyed picking with Bill Monroe. Have done radio, television, appeared at the Renfro Valley Barn Dance, Texas Troubador Theatre, The Surf Ballroom and other festivals around the country. I competed eight times and won the Iowa state banjo championship those eight years. I am a part of the Recording King Artist family. They craft some very fine instruments.
January 11, 2014 was the grand opening ceremony for The Earl Scruggs Center in Shelby, NC. This was a wonderful weekend remembering Earl. I was very honored to take part in the opening ceremony. It's amazing how one man and his banjo changed the course of world music.
September 17, 2022 was a very special day. I was part of the Inaugural Induction for the Cleveland County Music Hall of Fame in Shelby, NC. They honored several people that night including Don Gibson and Earl Scruggs. I was asked by the Scruggs family to play some of Earl's banjo tunes for his part of the induction. It was a packed house and was held at the Don Gibson Theater. It certainly was a night to remember. Amazing that two of country music's greatest entertainers and music legends are both from Shelby County.
