RENO, DON
(1927–1984)
RENO, DON (b. Donald Wesley R., Spartanburg, S.C., February 21, 1927–October 16, 1984) Reno, one of the first and greatest BLUEGRASS BANJO players, is best known for his recordings with guitarist Red Smiley and the Tennessee Cutups , made between the early 1950s and late 1960s. Originally playing with THE MORRIS BROTHERS , Reno was almost hired by BILL MONROE to take the banjo spot in his Blue Grass Boys band in 1943; unfortunately, he was drafted, and Earl Scruggs got the job. However, in…