Object Record
Images
Metadata
Catalog Number |
2025.013.003 |
Object Name |
Case, Musical Instrument |
Description |
This banjo case was once owned by Clarence Tom Ashley. His name, "Clarence Tom Ashley," can be found on engraved plates on the top and the side of the case. The case was acquired by Ashley for the purposes of protecting his banjo(s) while touring. The case is dark brown in color with a green interior. A banjo head and a purple, velvet cleaning/storage cloth were kept inside of the case and are considered part of the donation. This banjo case belonged to Clarence Tom Ashley (September 29, 1895 - June 2, 1967), a musician from Mountain City, Tennessee. Clarence began making music at medicine shows and local fiddler's conventions as early as 1911. He was active as both a solo recording artist and a member of various string bands in the early twentieth century, from the mid-1920s until approximately 1943. Ashley appeared in the 1928-1929 Johnson City Sessions with Byrd Moore and his Hot Shots. Following a serious hand injury, there was a gap of time in which Clarence stopped making music altogether. However, in the early 1960s, he was encouraged by friends and local musicians to try making music again. This banjo case is remembered by Clarence's grandson, Joe, to have likely been a gift from Clarence's long-time musical partner and collaborator Ralph Rinzler. Clarence would go on to become an important voice in the revival of regional folk music in the 1960s. Clarence is featured on important recordings from significant events during the American folk music revival, including shows at Carnegie Hall, the Newport Folk Festival, and the Chicago Folk Festival. This collection of artifacts (2025.013) was donated by Joe D. Ashley, Clarence Tom Ashley's grandson. |
Date |
c. 1960s |
Material |
leather, metal, velvet |