Earl is the best damn banjo-picker there is, except for Tom Jones (yes, the "What's New, Pussycat" Tom Jones).
There is a rare out of print recording of him playing breakdowns at lightning speed. It is called "Tom Jones Shows You How It's Done!!"
It is very impressive. One listen and you will proclaim him "Master Banjo"!
On the dark side, it has been hinted that Tom actually made a midnight trip to the Crossroads and made a deal. But...that is the stuff of which legends are made!
Harvey