The Fellowship of the Banjo by Jim Connor

“Jim Connor is the finest olde-tyme 5-string banjo player ever”… Earl Scruggs

“He’s a Knockout!” … Leonard Bernstein

“Sand Mountain Symphony … one of America’s Landmark Musical Compositions” The SUN, Flagstaff Arizona

Singer, Songwriter, Composer, Author

Instruments: Banjo, Guitar, Harmonica

Place of Birth: Gadsden, Alabama

Jim Connor is perhaps best known as a member of the New Kingston Trio and for penning the now-classic Gold Record Hit Song, “Grandma’s Feather Bed”, which was recorded by John Denver, etc.. and later by the Muppet’s Kermit the Frog! Connor was a recording artist for Capitol Records in the 1960s, known as “Richard and Jim”. Then, from 1968 to 1974, as a member of the New Kingston Trio, he lent his musical talents to such hit records as “Tom Dooley” and “Where Have All the Flowers Gone?”.

Connor’s work has also been recorded by such country luminaries as, Kingston Trio, Brenda Lee, and Three on a String. Connor performed with a diverse assortment of entertainers, including: John Denver, Dolly Parton, Linda Ronstadt, Barbara Streisand, Fanny Flagg, Judy Collins, Donald O’Connor, Red Buttons, Steve Martin and Phyllis Diller – just to name a few. But Connor hardly needs to rely on the talents of others: he has 3 Platinum records, and 8 Gold records to his credit.

Connor’s songs include “Sand Mountain Symphony”, an orchestrated suite which includes the banjo, yodeling, harmonica and vocal work. Another song, “Way Back Home” was introduced by the legendary Grandpa Jones on the “Hee Haw” television show. Connor also has a musical play to his credit entitled “Cornstalk Wine”.

In addition to hundreds of live club, festival and theatre appearances throughout the world (68 countries, 4 continents, 5 oceans, and airspaces in every latitude on earth), Connor has appeared on the Grand Ole Opry, Johnny Carson’s “Tonight Show”, “Hootenanny”, “The Jack Benny Show”, and “The Dave Garroway Show”.

Besides professional and hit compositions, Connor has done music charity work. Also known as John Denver’s Banjo Man, Connor wrote his book, “JD and Me” about his friendship with John Denver that spanned over 34 years (to be released in audio format).