Homespun Instructors / David Holt

David Holt

Four-time Grammy Award winner David Holt is a musician, storyteller, historian, and radio and television host. For more than 30 years, he has collected and performed the songs and stories of the Blue Ridge Mountains. He learned this treasure trove of music directly from musical greats including Roy Acuff, Grandpa Jones, Tommy Jarrell, Etta Baker and Doc Watson, with whom he toured for 14 years.

David has won many of the major contests, and is a three time winner of the Frets Magazine readers poll for "the best old-time banjoist."

In addition to making numerous critically acclaimed recordings, Holt has hosted popular television programs, including the Nashville Network’s Fire on the Mountain and American Music Shop, and was featured in the film O Brother, Where Art Thou? He is host of the PBS seriesFolkways, Great Scenic Railway Journeys, and Public Radio’s Riverwalk Jazz. David maintains a busy concert schedule.

Clawhammer Banjo - DVD 1

David Holt

Repertoire & Technique

David Holt has long been considered one of the finest players and teachers of old-time clawhammer banjo. He learned his craft directly from some of the original masters who lived and played near his home town in the mountains of western North Carolina -- Byard Ray, Fred Cockerham, Kyle Creed, Tommy Jarrell and other legendary players. The combination of David's ... Read More