It would have been easy—and warranted—to build a simple tribute to Scruggs and the groundbreaking, three-finger style he originated for the banjo, but the center reaches beyond its namesake.
State-of-the-art exhibits celebrate bluegrass itself. Clear-fronted banjos demonstrate different styles in the instrument's construction. An interactive tabletop called “Common Threads” allows as many sixteen users to throw a “pickin’ party” by playing virtual banjos, mandolins, and guitars. And local history rounds things out, providing a uniquely Appalachian context for bluegrass.
[caption id="attachment_9094" align="alignright" width="214"] The Center is housed in a renovated courthouse.[/caption]
“Earl and his family approved things every step of the way,” said Emily Epley, executive director of the $6.2 million center. While The Earl Scruggs Center reaches beyond one man, it also provides real insights into the innovations he made in the music industry. “We have some great footage of him going back to his home place and showing where he had his aha moment.”
That "aha moment" turned music on its head. By showing the musical complexity that was possible on a banjo, Scruggs elevated the instrument from a silly prop in mistral shows to a centerpiece instrument that wasn't bound by style. We expect to hear the banjo in bluegrass, country, and folk tunes today, but that didn't happen overnight. Scruggs crossed lines throughout his career, playing with everyone from Joan Baez to Elton John.
That sweeping reach and Scrugg's legacy are being celebrated today. Outside The Center's home—a restored 1907 county courthouse—fans can join a street festival complete with a petting zoo; old-fashioned games; and, of course, music. Inside, they get a first glimpse of the center all day long, and tonight, an all-star line up, including Vince Gill, Travis Tritt, and Sam Bush, will share memories of Earl through stories and song.
While most of us can't make it to Shelby, North Carolina for the opening, we can share our own memories here. Have a favorite Earl Scruggs song? Ever see him perform? Please post a comment and tell us about your connections with this remarkable musician.
* Thanks to The New York Times for providing content for this post.