Bill Knopf
Bill Knopf is an American bluegrass banjoist and instructor based in Southern California. He became known in the 1970s for adapting the 5-string banjo to progressive styles including ragtime, early jazz, swing, and classical arrangements. He was the founder and leader of Hot Off the Press, recording Bill Knopf On Banjo With Hot Off The Press And Friends (1977). From 1979 to 1985, he toured extensively with bandleader Doc Severinsen. During the 1984 TV season, he was hired to perform on the soundtracks for The Dukes of Hazzard, which led to a five-year residency leading the Pinewood Pickers bluegrass band at Disneyland. He later formed Crossroads alongside longtime musical collaborators Howard and Carol Yearwood. As an educator, he published several books, including Bill Knopf's 5-String Melodic Bluegrass Banjo Method and specialized instructional volumes dedicated to the ragtime compositions of Scott Joplin.
In the newsletter
- No. 12 Summer 1997