Just ran across this old post today while introducing my son Geoff to John McKinley. My father was Jim McLachlan who was a student go Dutch way back in the 20,s dad got his first plectrum banjo as a 12 year old in 1922, in Spokane. He was a master of it and played it with his partner Loui Smith as the duet called The silver Bell Boys. They opened for Bob Hope at the Orpheum theater in Spokane in the 1930's. Dad was the original banjo player at the Spokane Shakey's Pizza parlor, and on a few occasions played with the Spokane Symthany. Dad was a player, performer and not a teacher although he tried hard with me. Dad died in 1983 at the age of 72. He played every day of his life even though the quality wasn't as good due to a stroke.
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