MAPHIS, JOE
(1921–1986)
MAPHIS, JOE (b. Otis Wilson M., Suffolk, Va., May 12, 1921–June 27, 1986) A multiple instrumentalist most famous for his lightning-fast GUITAR picking, Maphis revolutionized country and pop guitar music through his creative acoustic and electric picking. Raised in Cumberland, Maryland, Joe began performing with his father in the family band, The Rail-splitters , in 1932. Not content simply to play chord accompaniments to the band's up-tempo readings of traditional square-dance tunes, Maphis…