A biography of a folklorist? Wayne Howard is not exactly the kind of person who usually is the subject of a biography, but for some that will make this book all the more appealing. A native of Western Kentucky, Howard plays the banjo, engages in banjo repair and restoration and is also a scholar and promoter of the folklore of old-time mountain music. The Hammons family of West Virginia is well-known as a quintessential treasure trove of traditional mountain music, and Wayne Howard gained their confidence and may easily be viewed as the most knowledgeable about their repertoire. The author of this biography is Lewis M. Stern, a claw hammer banjo player who has written for many banjo publications. He lives in Reston,Virginia.
Jefferson, North Carolina: McFarland, 2021. 183 pages with an Index, Bibliography, Chapter Notes, and photos. Trade paperback.