Clements, Vassar

Clements, Vassar,

1928–2005, American virtuoso fiddle player, b. Kinards, S.C. Self-taught, he played with Bill MonroeMonroe, Bill
(William Smith Monroe), 1911–96, country singer, musician, and songwriter, often called the "father of bluegrass," b. Rosine, Ky. A mandolin and guitar player, Monroe founded the Blue Grass Boys in 1938, and the group began playing country and western music
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's Blue Grass Boys from 1949 to 1956. Though his roots were in country and western musiccountry and western music,
American popular music form originating in the Southeast (country music) and the Southwest and West (western music). The two regional styles coalesced in the 1920s when recorded material became available in rural areas, and they were further
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 and he began his career playing bluegrass, Clements was accomplished in many genres, including jazz, pop, rock, and swing. Known for his innovative style and technical prowess, he played or recorded with such diverse performers as the Nitty Gritty Dirt Band, Paul McCartney, Linda Ronstadt, Bonnie Raitt, Jerry Garcia, Earl Scruggs, John Hartford, and Dave Holland. Clements, who made more than 25 solo albums, also played the viola, cello, bass, mandolin, guitar, and banjo.