Sparkman, Steve

STEVE SPARKMAN

  • From Harlan, Kentucky.
  • Has the distinction of being only the second banjo player to perform as a member of the Clinch Mountain Boys (Ralph Stanley being the first.)
  • 1994, at the age of 22, he filled in for Ralph Stanley when Ralph broke his hip and was unable to hold the banjo on stage. When Ralph’s hip healed, he decided to keep Steve as a member of the band. Steve does most of the banjo playing now.
  • 2010, left the Clinch Mountain Boys to become a police officer with the Versailles (KY) police department. He was replaced by left-handed banjo player Jarrod Church.
  • 2013, appeared on Don Rigsby’s “The Doctor is In” album, a tribute to Dr. Ralph Stanley.