Dock Boggs

American Appalachian banjo player and singer, born in Virginia in 1898. Recorded in the late 1920s and was rediscovered during the 1960s folk revival, recording for Smithsonian/Folkways.

Born 1898 in Virginia. Early commercial recordings in the late 1920s; rediscovered in 1963 through the folk revival (Pete/Mike Seeger) and recorded for Smithsonian/Folkways; recordings from the 1960s include Legendary Singer & Banjo Player (1963), Vol. 2 (1965) and Vol. 3 (1970). Died 1971.

The review presents Dock Boggs as a foundational Appalachian banjo player and singer, born in Virginia in 1898, whose career spans early commercial recordings in the late 1920s and a 1960s rediscovery. It highlights his raw, hoarse voice, original banjo technique, and recordings for Smithsonian/Folkways. Recommended for listeners of country, folk, blues and hillbilly.

For:Fans of old-time, Appalachian and country-blues; listeners interested in early American folk and banjo technique.