Appalachian
Grass
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Vernon McIntyre
Vernon McIntyre's professional career began in 1960 at age 15 playing banjo for Earl Taylor and the Stoney Mountain Boys. Over the years, Vernon has been an active performer and recording artist. He was a founding member of the Bluegrass Pardners of Wheeling Jamboree fame. His banjo work with the Easterners was outstanding. He has played with the greats of bluegrass such as Jimmy Martin, Earl Taylor, Jim McCall, Scott Stoneman, James Monroe, and Walter Hensley. |
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Vernon learned to
play banjo on the job. His
dad, stage name Boatwhistle, was a bluegrass bassist and comedian with
Earl Taylor and the Stoney Mountain Boys.
Walt Hensley, the banjo player, gave his two-week notice and
thereby gave Vernon his chance to join the Stoney Mountain Boys. The band was playing
at the Kenmill, a nightclub owned by Stu Salmons in Walnut Hills.
At 15 Vernon wasn‘t even of legal age to be in a club,
let alone be on stage in one. Vernon was terrified his first night with
the band. He didn’t know
any of the material, but had to play from 9 till 2 anyway.
It must have been a long night. Earl Taylor, the leader of the band, told him he had 3 weeks to learn the songs and prove he could fill the position. Vernon buckled down and really began studying the banjo. He played at the Kenmill 5 hours a night 6 nights a week, often went over to Kentucky to an all night club and played until dawn, then went home and practiced while lying in bed until sleep overtook him. Next day, practice started all over again, playing Flatt & Scruggs records at half speed and trying to figure out, “How did Earl do that?” |
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