Lester Flatt facts for kids
Quick facts for kids
Lester Flatt
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Publicity Photo of Lester Flatt
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| Background information | |
| Birth name | Lester Raymond Flatt |
| Born | June 19, 1914 Overton County, Tennessee, U.S. |
| Died | May 11, 1979 (aged 64) Nashville, Tennessee, U.S. |
| Genres | Bluegrass, country |
| Occupation(s) | Musician, songwriter |
| Instruments | Guitar, vocals, mandolin |
| Years active | 1940–1979 |
| Associated acts | Flatt and Scruggs, Bill Monroe, Earl Scruggs, Nashville Grass |
Lester Raymond Flatt (born June 19, 1914 – died May 11, 1979) was an American musician. He was famous for playing bluegrass guitar and mandolin. He is best known for working with banjo player Earl Scruggs. Together, they formed the famous duo called Flatt and Scruggs.
Lester Flatt's music career lasted for many years. He became well-known in the 1940s as part of Bill Monroe's band. He also made music on his own and with others besides Scruggs. Many people first heard his music when he sang "The Ballad of Jed Clampett". This song was the theme for a popular TV show called The Beverly Hillbillies in the early 1960s.
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Lester Flatt's Early Life and Music Journey
Lester Flatt was born in Duncan's Chapel, Overton County, Tennessee, United States. His parents were Nannie Mae Haney and Isaac Columbus Flatt. In 1943, he played the mandolin and sang in a band. This band was called The Kentucky Pardners. It belonged to Charlie Monroe, who was Bill Monroe's older brother.
Lester became well-known in 1945. He joined Bill Monroe's band, the Blue Grass Boys. He played the guitar in a special way. He used his thumb and index finger. This style was partly learned from Charlie Monroe and Clyde Moody.
Forming Flatt and Scruggs
In 1948, Lester Flatt started a new band. He teamed up with Earl Scruggs. Earl was also a former member of Bill Monroe's band. For the next 20 years, their band was called Flatt and Scruggs and the Foggy Mountain Boys. They became one of the most successful bluegrass bands ever.
In 1969, Flatt and Scruggs decided to go their separate ways. Lester then formed a new group. He called it the Nashville Grass. Many of the musicians from the Foggy Mountain Boys joined him. He continued to record and perform with the Nashville Grass. He played with them until he passed away in 1979.
Lester Flatt's Musical Style
Lester Flatt played a very important role in these bands. He was the rhythm guitarist and lead singer. His steady guitar playing helped define the sound of traditional bluegrass music. His rich lead voice is easy to recognize in many bluegrass songs. He also wrote many songs himself.
Lester Flatt's Legacy and Honors
Lester Flatt passed away from heart failure in Nashville, Tennessee. He was 64 years old.
After his death, he received many honors. In 1985, he was added to the Country Music Hall of Fame. Earl Scruggs was also inducted at the same time. In 1991, Lester Flatt was also one of the first people added to the International Bluegrass Music Hall of Honor.
Lester's hometown of Sparta, Tennessee, held a bluegrass festival in his honor for many years. Today, "Lester Flatt Memorial Bluegrass Day" is still part of the annual Liberty Square Celebration in Sparta. In 2003, CMT ranked Flatt and Scruggs as No. 24 on their list of the "40 Greatest Men of Country Music."
Images for kids
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Lester Flatt memorial in Sparta, Tennessee
See also
In Spanish: Lester Flatt para niños
