DAVID AKEMAN (“STRINGBEAN”)
- Native of Annville, Kentucky.
- The first banjo player in Bill Monroe’s Blue Grass Boys (1942-1945). Played “clawhammer” style.
- Was replaced in Bill Monroe’s band by Earl Scruggs.
- Nickname: “Stringbean” (or “The Kentucky Wonder”).
- From 1945 until his death in 1973, was one of the most popular comedy performers on the Grand Ole Opry.
- His costume–a long striped shirt, with his pants down around his knees and a funny little hat that he would flip just before striking his banjo.
- He became a regular on the original “Hee Haw” television show.
- Died Saturday night, November 10, 1973, after a Grand Ole Opry performance. Was gunned down in his front yard by robbers who were there when he returned home.