Dink Roberts
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Biography
James "Dink" Roberts, born on September 15, 1894, in Chatham County, North Carolina, was an American old-time banjo player. He learned his craft from local musicians, notably Mince Phillips, and became well-respected for his performances at dances and gatherings during his early years as a tenant farmer. Roberts' unique clawhammer picking style, characterized by its rhythmic complexity, set him apart from contemporaries.
Roberts' music was recorded in the 1970s by folklorists, including Cece Conway and Scott Odell, who documented his distinctive playing on the compilation album Black Banjo Songsters of North Carolina and Virginia. His notable song "Coo Coo" showcased his ability to construct melodies with unexpected tangents. Roberts made an appearance at the Winter Folk Festival in 1976 and was featured in the documentary film Dink: A Pre-Blues Musician. He passed away on August 30, 1989, at the age of 94.
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