Walter Forbes Jr.

After many decades of enjoying Walter's Ballads and Bluegrass album I still consider it one of my favorites. Walter's playing was so tasteful and accomplished! I have been an old-time banjo player for years and years, and I credit Walter with having lit the fire that keeps me playing. I wish I had had a chance to meet him.

I grew up listening to his record Folk Song Festival with my Dad. He told everyone he could about this amazing folk singer with one of the best voices he had heard. As an adult, I tracked down the Ballads and Bluegrass record for him. While on the search, I found someone who knew Mr. Forbes and put me in touch. Much to my delight, he sent me his newest album. My Dad asked if I would share him email, which I did. My Dad talked for years about emailing with him. They were about the same age and...

Dear Forbes Family, When I was 12 (many decades ago now), my dad bought me Walter's Ballads & Bluegrass album. I loved the album & sang the songs through the years. Though I knew the songs, I lost track of the album & just now went to search on youtube. That's when I learned of his passing & extraordinary talents. Please accept my sincere condolences. He was an amazing man. Gail Clenman, Toronto, Canada

Walter meant a lot to me, an erstwhile picker, and one of my bucket-list memories is having sat in a session playing with him, you knew he was 'in the thread' of string music, and I realized it as we were playing. Extremely talented and loved by all, a wonderful family indeed. He lived life to fullest, it is hard to imagine him being separated from his music.

I heard his "Ballads and Bluegrass" album back in 1962, when I was 13, and loved it. My favorite cut was "Take This Hammer" -- fantastic guitar work! Then, I lost track of it, and didn't hear it again until a couple of years ago, when I found it on You Tube (by then I was 69). Joy! Been listening to it ever since, and reliving my youth! My only regret now is that I never got the chance to tell Walter personally how much his music inspired me as a fellow musician. However, if he's where I hope...

I never met Walter, but he had a major impact on my life. I was about 14 years old when his Ballads and Bluegrass LP came out. I listened to that record so many times it almost wore out. In the intervening years I learned to play old-time banjo, and I now own and play guitars, mandolins, and banjos. This life-changing interest all started with Walter Forbes. After many years I found an address for Walter and wrote him to express my thanks; he was kind enough to write back and send me a CD of...

He was a one-of-a-kind gentleman through and through. Love to you all in this difficult time. xoxoxoxoxo Happy and Joe

Wow