Dock Boggs

The Profile

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.