Billy was a complicated and interesting person. His banjo style was unique and unusual. At a time when the banjo world was divided into the bluegrass, clawhammer and Seeger-fan factions, each convinced that their way was the best way, Billy combined elements of classical banjo with traditional folk styles to go his own way.
Billy put together an album called Banjos, Banjos and More Banjos, and was kind enough to include me, along with a young Eric Weissberg. Thanks to his kindness, i was able to record a long banjo piece, which Ken Goldstein, the producer had originally vetoed because he only wanted traditional tunes. Billy, in his typical way, told me to record it anyway, because Kenny
would end up liking it! This basically was the start of my banjo career, such as it is.
I've never forgotten his kindness, or the times listening to his music. The Art of the Five String Banjo, with Frank Hamilton on guitar, remains one of my favorite banjo albums. RIP, my friend.