Died On This Date (November 21, 2009) Allen Shelton / Influential Banjo Picker
Allen Shelton
July 2, 1936 – November 21, 2009
Allen Shelton was a banjo virtuoso who came to prominence when he joined Jim & Jesse’s band in 1960. His outstanging finger play was particularly outstanding on such songs as “Bending the Strings,” which he wrote, and Jim & Jesse’s “Keep On The Sunny Side.” Shelton made his first solo album for respected roots label, Rounder Records, in 1976. His 2001 release, Shelton Special, also on Rounder is regarded as one of his best. Allen Shelton, 73, was suffering from leukemia when he passed away on November 21, 2009.