Wednesday afternoon I took Thomas, my 13 yr. old grandson to his first guitar lesson. The fellow giving the lessons is Elson Smith, a former rep for the Gibson Guitar Company. He also has a lot of other accomplishments to his credit. He has pictures of himself with Bill Monroe and others hanging on his walls. He toured from 1957-1963 with the Dick Clark Caravan, later to become know as the American Bandstand. He has the BMI Citation of Achievement Award for writing the song 'Sheriff of Boone County', recorded by Kenny Price for RCA records.

Thomas was a bit hesitant at first, it seemed, but warmed right up to Elson after the introductions. The two sat and made music together the first lesson!! Elson had Thomas play some simple chords and he accompanied him with the melody. They sounded good together!! Thomas is all excited about the next leaason and his mother says he practices every chance he gets. Maybe he can teach Grandpaw something!!!?