About Me
Beginning in 1957, Bill Emerson established himself as a banjo virtuoso and history maker alike. A founding member of the famed bluegrass ensemble "The Country Gentlemen", billed as a featured artist while with "Jimmy Martin" during the very height of that bluegrass legend's career, the very man who introduced the now classic "Fox on the Run" to bluegrass, founder and shaper of "Country Current" the world renowned bluegrass ensemble of the United States Navy Band, to be sure; Bill Emerson has made an impact in the world of bluegrass and acoustic music. Called "a banjo legend" by the "Washington Post", twice awarded "Banjo player of the Year" by the Muleskinner News Bluegrass Magazine, credited with giving start to the careers of both dobro legends Mike Auldridge and Jerry Douglas, credited by Ricky Skaggs as being responsible for his post Ralph Stanley musical career, Bill Emerson was also inducted into the "Virginia Folk Music Association" Hall of Fame in 1984 and June 10th was proclaimed "Bill Emerson Day" by the governor.___________________________________________________
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In 2000 Bill was inducted into the SPBGMA Preservation Hall of Greats during ceremonies at the 26th Annual Bluegrass Music Awards Show in Nashville Tennessee. In 2006 he was inducted into The Washington Area Music Awards (Wammies) Hall of Fame.
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Here’s a sampling of the past two decades: along with songwriting master Pete Goble; Bill released two extremely well received hit albums as "Emerson & Goble" on "WEBCO Records of Virginia" in 1985 and 1988 compilation of these and was re-released on the CD format as WEBCO Classics Volume One in 1995. Along with guitar master Tony Rice, Bill has released two very highly acclaimed instrumental albums on "REBEL Records" in 1988 and 1991. Bill has also recorded extensively on projects with Tony Rice and the Rice brothers over the last few years as well as producing recordings for artists such as Larry Stephenson, Jimmy Gaudreau, and Bill's latest protégé, Wayne Taylor. Paying homage to Bill's tremendous banjo prowess, "Stelling Banjo Works, Ltd." issued a signature series of the "Bill Emerson Red Fox" model in 1990, as well as a "Bill Emerson" Line of banjo gear. In August 1992, "WEBCO Records of Virginia" released Bill Emerson's "Reunion" album. "Reunion" is a collection of new recordings featuring some of the legendary lead-singers and guitar players Bill has worked with over the years, including Jimmy Martin, Charlie Waller, Red Allen, and Tony Rice, among others. "Reunion" has garnered best album final nominee awards from both the "International Bluegrass Music Association" and the "National Association of Independent Record Distributors". At the 2007 IBMA annual awards show in Nashville Tennessee Bill received was awarded for his part in the recorded event of the year and instrumental album of the year.
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Bill’s latest project, which is his first as a band leader was released by Rebel Records on October 9 Th 2007. It is Bill Emerson and the Sweet Dixie Band which includes Wayne Taylor, Con Burch, Wayne Lanham, Teri Chism and features several all-star guests.
