J.D. had several Grammy's and was undoubtedly the finest 5 string banjo player of the last 20 years.

We started out at the same time, and for years, played one mile apart at Holiday Inn North and Holiday Inn West.

We even taught at Carl's Music Center. I did several album covers for him and for the last few years, we had breakfast and lunch together once a month.

Thing is, J.D. was unabashedly, a traditionalist, and made no excuses for what he played and how he played it.


At the same time, he appreciated jazz changes and knew as much....maybe more about chord inversions than I did.

We met in 1970.

At times like this, I look at some of the petty little disagreements people get involved in and just shake my head. We were as different as can be and close as brothers at the same time.


Check J.D. out on line. You'll be impressed by his credentials

If you knew him, you'd be more impressed by the man.


Farewell, old friend.


Russ

Sorry about that, Russ; you didn't say much, but all the words are right ones.