Rick, I understand what you're saying. Except for the people who knew of Snuffy Jenkins and Don Reno, no one had heard that kind of banjo playing before. Don't forget that Reno had the job first but had to enter the service leaving the position open for Earl.

I really think Bill's band of 1945-47 was really a synergistic partnership. I think Bill knew that and that was why he was so upset when they parted ways. Still if you listen to the body of music they each produced, it seems clear that both Bill and Earl (and the others too) were really masters and innovaters. No one band would ever have been big enough to tolerate all that talent.

      - Mark