Andy Boarman, Date of Birth, Place of Birth, Date of Death

Andy Boarman

American musician

Date of Birth: 11-Oct-1911

Place of Birth: Falling Waters, West Virginia, United States

Date of Death: 26-Aug-1999

Profession: musician, banjoist

Zodiac Sign: Libra

Andrew Forrest Boarman (October 11, 1911 – August 26, 1999) was an American bluegrass and folk musician.
He was also well known as a banjo designer, luthier and repairman.
From 1962 to 1974, Boarman's Hedgesville barber shop, out of which he ran a music store and instrument workshop, was a popular hangout for musicians from throughout the Southeastern United States.
He subsequently became a full-time musician in the mid-1970s, releasing his first album in 1978, and was a popular performer at state fairs and music festivals across West Virginia.Boarman was praised for his "old-time" banjo performances, particularly for his "unusual and intricate finger-style" banjo playing, as well as being one the oldest living pioneers of the autoharp.
He frequently declined invitations from a number of musical groups to join them on national tours, preferring to remain in his native state.
Consequently, Boarman remained unknown as a performer outside of West Virginia.
Nevertheless, Boarman eventually gained national recognition being profiled by numerous publications including, most notably, Banjo Newsletter, Goldenseal, and Grit.
Bluegrass Unlimited called Boarman "the guru of the 5-string banjo".
He was also the subject of the 1987 documentary film Catching Up With Yesterday.
In 1991, Boarman received the Vandalia Award for his "lifetime contribution to West Virginia and its traditional culture."