BILL EMERSON (AND SWEET DIXIE)

• From Washington, D.C.
• He is considered of the most influential five-string banjo players in bluegrass music.
• 1955, first pro job: “Uncle Bob and the Blue Ridge Partners.”
• 1957, he was a founding member of The Country Gentlemen. He left after a few months and was replaced by Eddie Adcock. Returned to the Country Gentlemen 12 years later.
• 1958-1969, worked with the Stoneman Family, Red Allen, Jimmy Martin, and Cliff Waldron—in that order.
• 1966, he and Cliff Waldron recorded the first bluegrass version of the Mannfred Mann song “Fox on the Run.”
• 1969, returned to The Country Gentlemen.
• 1973, joined the Navy and played banjo with the U.S. Navy band Country Current (until 1992 when he retired.)
• 1988, worked with Pete Goble on several projects. Their song “Tennessee 1949” won the IBMA Song of the Year award.
• 1988, was inducted into the Virginia Country Music Hall of Fame.
• 1994, released a duet album with US Navy band member Wayne Taylor “Appaloosa” (Webco).
• 1996, released Banjo Man album (Webco/Pinecastle).
• 1998, recorded and performed with Mark Newton.
• 2007, came out of retirement to form his Sweet Dixie Band. Released Bill Emerson & The Sweet Dixie Band album (Rebel Records).
• 2010, released Southern album (Rural Rhythm).
• 2011, released solo project Eclipse (Rural Rhythm).
• 2012, released The Touch of Time album (Rural Rhythm).
• 2014, released Dancin’ Annie album (Rural Rhythm).
• 2016, received the IBMA’s Distinguished Achievement Award.
• 2019, formed a group with his son Billy called Emerson 414 (414 is the number on his long-time residence). They released a self-titled EP and were signed by 615 Hideaway Records for a forthcoming album.
• 2019, was inducted into the IBMA’s Bluegrass Music Hall of Fame.
• 2021, died at the age of 83.