John Few

With this month’s issue, we bring back our Picker of the Month article. I’m trying to revive this particular section after a long quietus. It’s a good way to get to know our fellow members, along with being a good way of keeping up with our historical archives. In looking back through my files, I somehow noticed I omitted one very familiar member who’s been an integral part of the Plectral Society for quite some time. Upon the departure of many of the original founders, he stepped into the leadership role to revive the Plectral Society to it’s present state. Under his leadership we owe many of the priviledges we have today as a Plectral Society member. This month we pay tribute to Mr. John Few - our Picker of the Month:

When and how did you first become interested in oldtime music? I became interested in this music in my pre-teen years when musicians would gather at my grand-parents home when they were having fish fries, bar-b-ques and other cook outs.

How long have you been playing oldtime music? 15 years. My wife Patsy gave me an acoustic guitar for Christmas 1998.

What are your musical influences? I like most kinds of music as long as it has good lyrics and relates to the triumphs and trials of life.

Does anyone in your family play music? I have several members of my family that play and sing mostly gospel music.

What kinds of times and places have you played music in your life? Jr. High School band, High School band, Beatles era dance band performing at venues in Memphis, Bluegrass / Bluegrass Gospel bands in the West TN area, church gospel music group.

What else do you do besides play music? Manage a Bluegrass music show in Jackson, Provide sound re-inforcement at music festivals and shows, fishing, spending time with my wife and family.

What makes this kind of music "good" to you? This form of music identifies with my heritage.

Why did you choose to play this kind of music? Most of the people that play this music are good genuine down to earth people.