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Jubilee Banjo Band Inducted into Hall of Fame
On May 23, 2002, the Jubilee Banjo Band of Houston was inducted into the National Four-String Banjo Hall of Fame. The Jubilee Banjo Band was recognized for its “Promotion of the Banjo”. All other inductees into the Hall of Fame have been individual performers. The Jubilee Banjo Band is the only band to be so honored.

The Jubilee Banjo Band began in 1983 when Houston, Texas banjo player, Buddy Griffin, advertised to teach a beginner’s class in banjo at First Baptist Church. About 15 people showed up and began learning the fundamentals of America’s only native instrument – the four-string tenor banjo. Buddy’s vision was to put together a band – a show band capable of putting on an entertaining variety show on a big stage – all built around the banjo.

In the beginning, the early players performed for anyone who would listen – and that was usually a small number! Other instruments were added to enhance the sound – piano, drums, guitar, bass, accordion, etc. As the band gained confidence, learned more music, perfected arrangements, and added variety skits, songs, etc., the audiences grew.
In 1987, the band took a big leap of faith and rented the (then) recently renovated 1894 Grand Opera House in Galveston for a show built around a Vaudeville theme. After all, The Grand had hosted live vaudevillians during the early 1900’s, so where better to take a
group that could play the jazz and ragtime music that was popular at the time? Playing at
The Grand exposed the band to a much larger audience. The band returned the following year – and every year since. The 2005 shows in June will mark the 18th consecutive year
the band has performed at The Grand.

There are now 25 band members – all volunteers. Adding The All Stars, dancers, vocalists, special guests, etc, this year’s stage show has about 70 members in the troupe. It’s this kind of exposure to large audiences that led the Directors to honor both The Jubilee Banjo Band and Buddy Griffin with an induction into the Hall of Fame.

Buddy Griffin’s vision has come to reality. His teaching, coaching, and pushing took a group of individual performers and created a one-of-a-kind band built around the banjo.

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For more information about the All Stars Youth Band: Click Here

For additional information call the Jubilee Banjo Band:
Jerry Ivie, President, at 281-847-9550, or
Barry Zubke, Vice President, at 281-320-1975.