Dwight Diller (1946-2023) was a clawhammer banjo player

 Dwight Diller (1946-2023) was a clawhammer banjo player, teacher, and historian from Pocahontas County, West Virginia. He was a leading figure in the preservation of the traditional Appalachian music of his home region.

Diller was born and raised in Pocahontas County. He grew up listening to the music of local musicians, including the Hammons family, who were known for their traditional clawhammer banjo playing and storytelling. Diller began playing the banjo himself at a young age, and he eventually became one of the most respected banjo players in the region.

Diller was also a passionate advocate for the preservation of Appalachian music. He taught banjo workshops and masterclasses all over the world, and he recorded several albums of traditional Appalachian music. He also wrote a book about the clawhammer banjo style, titled "Clawhammer Banjo: A Complete Method."

Diller was particularly interested in preserving the music of the Hammons family. He recorded several albums of Hammons tunes, and he wrote a book about the Hammons family's history and music, titled "The Hammons Family: A West Virginia Musical Dynasty."

Diller was a gifted musician and teacher, but he was also a skilled storyteller. He often told stories about the Hammons family and other traditional Appalachian musicians in his performances and workshops. Diller's stories brought the music to life and helped to connect listeners with the rich cultural heritage of the Appalachian region.

Diller was a beloved figure in the Pocahontas County community and in the Appalachian music world. He was known for his generosity of spirit, his dedication to his music, and his love of his home region.

Here is an image of Dwight Diller:

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Diller's legacy continues to live on in the many musicians and music lovers who were inspired by his work. He is remembered as a master musician, a passionate teacher, and a dedicated advocate for the preservation of Appalachian music.

 Diller's albums of Hammons tunes include:

• "Hammons Family Favorites" (1996)
• "Calloway" (2005)
• "The Hammons Family: A Legacy of Appalachian Music" (2010)
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