Hello, Dale--

You're right on track; I conducted what turned to be Lester's last interview, just a week or two before he died. It was for a public television documentary, and he praised Earl's banjo virtuosity, he dodged all questions about any friendship between them.

By the way-- I would add David Akeman (String Bean) to your list. He was a fine showman and a fine musician, and he got me interested in the old traditional "clawhammer" and "drop thumb" style of pickin.'

Bill