Eric Weissberg facts for kids

Eric Weissberg (born August 16, 1939 – died March 22, 2020) was a talented American musician. He was a singer and could play many instruments, like the banjo, guitar, and mandolin. He is best known for his amazing banjo solo in the song "Dueling Banjos." This song was a big hit from the movie Deliverance (1972) and reached number 2 on the music charts in the U.S. and Canada in 1973.

For many years, Eric was a member of the folk group the Tarriers. After that, he became a "session musician." This means he played instruments for other famous singers and bands when they recorded their songs. He worked with many top folk, bluegrass, rock, and pop artists from the mid-1900s until he passed away.

Early Life and Musical Beginnings

Eric Weissberg was born in Brooklyn, New York City. His mother, Cecile, bought liquor for a living, and his father, Will, was a photographer for publicity. Eric went to The Little Red Schoolhouse in New York's Greenwich Village. He later graduated from The High School of Music & Art in New York City.

He continued his education at the University of Wisconsin–Madison and the Juilliard School of Music. From 1956 to 1958, Eric often played music with friends like Bob Yellin and John Herald in Washington Square Park. They would play folk songs on Sundays.

Eric joined an early version of a band called the Greenbriar Boys in 1958. However, he left before they recorded any music. He then joined The Tarriers, taking the place of Erik Darling. At that time, The Tarriers had a hit song called "Banana Boat Song."

Playing with The Tarriers

When Eric joined The Tarriers, he was hired to play the string-bass. But the group soon realized he could play many instruments. He became important for his skills on the banjo, fiddle, guitar, mandolin, and as a singer. He even performed with The Tarriers while he was still studying at Juilliard.

His first album with The Tarriers was Tell The World About This (1960). This album had a raw, energetic sound. It was different from the smoother music of groups like The Weavers or The Kingston Trio.

In 1964, Eric served for one year in the United States National Guard. After he returned, The Tarriers got back together. In 1965, the group went on a tour of Poland and Russia with singer Judy Collins. The Tarriers broke up not long after this tour. Judy Collins was very impressed with Eric's musical talent. She asked him to play on her albums, starting with Fifth Album (1965).

Becoming a Session Musician

Over time, people became less interested in acoustic folk groups. So, Eric Weissberg started a new career as a session musician. This meant he played instruments on recordings for many other artists. He played on albums by famous musicians like The Clancy Brothers, Doc Watson, Melanie, Billy Joel, Frankie Valli, Bob Dylan, Loudon Wainwright III, Talking Heads, Tom Paxton, Jim Croce, Art Garfunkel, and John Denver.

The Hit Song "Dueling Banjos"

Eric became very famous for playing the banjo solo in "Dueling Banjos." This song was used as the main theme in the movie Deliverance (1972). The song was later released as a single and became a huge hit. It was played on many different radio stations, including pop, rock, and country. "Dueling Banjos" reached number 2 on the music charts in both the U.S. and Canada.

The song also won a Grammy Award in 1974 for Best Country Instrumental Performance. This was a big achievement for Eric.

Eric Weissberg released an album called Dueling Banjos: From the Original Motion Picture Soundtrack 'Deliverance' (1973). This album also became very popular. Most of the songs on this album were actually from an earlier album Eric had recorded in 1963 called New Dimensions in Banjo and Bluegrass. For the new album, they removed two songs from the 1963 album and added "Dueling Banjos."

Later Career and Performances

Even after the success of "Dueling Banjos," Eric continued to play at folk festivals. He was almost as well known for his dobro guitar playing as he was for his bluegrass banjo playing. He also recorded music with jazz musicians like Herbie Mann and Bob James. In 1998, he joined many other folk musicians, including Richard Thompson, on Nanci Griffith's album, Other Voices Too.

Eric often toured and performed with singer Tom Paxton. They frequently played a version of "Dueling Banjos" during their shows, along with Tom Paxton's own songs.

On February 12, 2009, Eric performed at the Riverside Church in New York City. He played with an orchestra and chorus to celebrate President Abraham Lincoln's 200th birthday. Eric played a solo banjo part in a special musical piece called The Lonesome Train.

Eric Weissberg passed away on March 22, 2020, at the age of 80. He died from Alzheimer's disease at a nursing home in White Lake Township, Michigan, near Detroit.

Discography

Albums

Singles