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  LEON CHILTON

KEVIN'S DAD
 
 
 

Kevin pictured with legendary Butch Robins (banjo player for Bill Monroe in the early 80's)
 

 
 
 

  
 

KEVIN CHILTON
BANJO & VOCALS

 

 

 

 

 

 

Born May 21, 1965, in the great state of Kentucky, Kevin found out as early as 3 years old -- upon hearing Bill Monroe sing -- that music was to be a big part of his life.

Bluegrass music was the centerpiece of entertainment in Kevin's house during his early years and helped shape his love for the high lonesome sound. His greatest influence during that time was his Dad, Leon Chilton, who played banjo with some of greats of the 50's and 60's.

Kevin started learning to play the banjo when he was 14 years-old and quickly progressed. A year later, he was entering banjo contests and trying to make a name for himself. Kevin was, for a brief period, part of the back-up band to the legendary dobro master, Josh Graves, who played for the Flatt and Scruggs group. Kevin also picked around with other legends of Bluegrass Music, such as Keith Whitley, Don Reno and Rickey Skaggs. He even got to play Bill Monroe's mandolin. With over 23 years of playing banjo under his belt, he still finds it as exciting now as it was back then

 

Kevin with the King Of Bluegrass Jimmy Martin

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

  

Early in November 2003, we at First Quality Music had the pleasure of working with Kevin Chilton, the outstanding banjo player with the STRINGTOWN Bluegrass band. Kevin played every banjo in the store and ultimately selected one of the fantastic new Sullivan banjos. The figured Mahogany Bardstown model.... Says Kevin, " This is the sound I have been looking for all my life". Eric and Kevin set the banjo up to Kevin's liking and before you know it we had a concert going.  Kevin's choice was: Sullivan Mahogany Bardstown flathead, Gloss finish, Nickel hardware, Snuffy Smith Bridge,First Quality frosted head.  All Sullivan banjos have as standard equipment a rock maple wood rim, sturdy one piece flange, Cox tapered wall resonator, Prucha metal parts and the unique Sullivan custom flathead tonering specially created for the professional or near professional picker. Each neck is hand shaped by a dedicated craftsman using master templates for precision fit and feel. The Pre-war style nitro lacquer finish process is used to bring out the beauty of the wood and enhance the smoothness and playability of the neck. Each instrument is carefully hand fitted at assembly, checked for playability and inspected for perfection. At this time they are serial numbered, hand signed and put in a premium five-ply hardshell case.

 

Kevin knew a good thing when he got his hands on his new banjo and I am sure you would feel the same way. We are happy to have Kevin playing a Sullivan banjo.
Your friends,
The Sullivan's, and the whole First Quality crew