Grayson Highlands - Day 6

Throughout the history of the Blue Ridge, one thing has remained a constant reminder of something born and bred Blue Ridge-Bluegrass music. A key stretch along the "Crooked Road" , Grayson County has played a major role in the development and popularity of Bluegrass. Most people immediately think of Tennessee and Kentucky for Bluegrass roots, and of course, Nashville's Ryman Auditorium and the Grand Ole Opry. But Bluegras goes back much further than Nashville. Bluegrass roots came from our ancestors' homelands; Scotland, Ireland, and Germand, in particular, and the music became a lasting trademark of their movement through Virgina heading forever west. Call it Bluegrass, OldTime Music, or Country Music, and any local musician will tell you the difference. It all owes its development to folks along the Crooked Road. Day 6 took us to a place known to most devout musicians, and visited by a regular number of fans, admirers, and musicians. Rugby, VA, a spot on the Crooked Road, is also where Wayne Henderson lives and works. Or maybe I should say lives and plays. Who is Wayne Henderson? He is only the most famous of the local musicians and luthiers to play stringed instruments. Wayne is an annual repeat winner in the Galax Fiddlers Convention, but even more importantly, he is a world famous guitar maker. I am happy to say, I have now had the opportunity to meet Wayne, and watch him work in his most unique shop.
Like many along the Crooked Road, Wayne is a tribute to Bluegrass who has devoted his life to strengthening its roots. Care to learn more about Wayne? Read "Clapton's Guitar" . Interested in moving up his 10-year waiting list for a Henderson Guitar? Then enter the Wayne C. Henderson Music Festival and Guitar Competition.