Jim Mills
December 18, 1966 – May 3, 2024
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As reported by Jim Lawless in Bluegrass Today, Jim Mills, a celebrated banjo picker and renowned vintage banjo collector, passed away from a heart attack at his residence in Durham, NC on May 3. He was 57.
Born into a legacy of banjo players, Mills’ destiny was sealed upon hearing the original recording of “Foggy Mountain Breakdown” as a child, sparking a lifelong passion for the instrument. Over a career spanning roughly three decades, he left an indelible mark with a banjo style inspired by legends like Earl Scruggs and J.D. Crowe.
While his musical journey is often associated with his 14-year tenure in Ricky Skaggs & Kentucky Thunder and his five years with Doyle Lawson & Quicksilver, his roots trace back to groups like Summer Wages and the Bass Mountain Boys. His formidable banjo prowess graced numerous albums, including nine with Skaggs, four with Lawson, and three acclaimed solo projects – Bound To Ride (1998), My Dixie Home (2002), and Hide Head Blues (2005).
Beyond Mills’ own releases, his expertise led to collaborations with icons like Dolly Parton and Dan Tyminski. He was an integral part of projects like Parton’s The Grass Is Blue and Little Sparrow, along with Tyminski’s Carry Me Across The Mountain.
A fixture at the International Bluegrass Music Association Awards, Mills’ banjo prowess earned him the Banjo Player of the Year accolade multiple times between 1999 and 2006.
In 2009, Jim authored a meticulously-researched book, Gibson Mastertone: Flathead 5-String Banjos of the 1930s and 1940s, documenting the rich history of Gibson banjos.
Transitioning from the spotlight in 2010, Mills focused on his passion for vintage Gibson banjos, cultivating a successful business centered on buying and selling these cherished instruments.
Jim Mills will be remembered not only for his remarkable musical contributions but also for his unwavering dedication to preserving and celebrating the heritage of bluegrass and vintage instruments. He leaves behind a legacy cherished by musicians and enthusiasts alike.
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