Arthur Hatfield is pictured in his workshop in Rocky Hill, Ky. (Photo courtesy of Mark Brown, Folk & Traditional Arts Director with the Kentucky Arts Council)
By JAMES BROWN
Glasgow News 1
Arthur Hatfield is the 2025 winner of the Homer Ledford Award. The award is given to stringed instrument makers who are vital to Kentucky musical culture, according to a press release from the Kentucky Folklife Program.
Hatfield of the Rocky Hill community in western Barren County is known for crafting Hatfield Banjos. His shop where he makes his banjos was recently destroyed by a fire.
“Arthur Hatfield has been both a revered musician and a celebrated banjo innovator and maker for over 40 years. His instruments are cherished possessions of a wide range of renowned musicians who stand behind (literally) Arthur’s exceptional work” said Brent Björkman, Director of the Kentucky Folklife Program and Kentucky Museum at WKU. “The Kentucky Folklife Program is excited to award this year’s well-deserved honor of its Homer Ledford Award to such a Kentucky treasure.”
“Born and raised in Rocky Hill, Bluegrass was the music score of Hatfield’s life from a very early age, the press release states. “Playing in a plethora of bands at the beginning of his journey, Hatfield is well-versed in fiddle, mandolin, guitar, bass, and of course, the banjo. Later in life, Hatfield crafted a world in woodworking and cabinetry. However, creating banjos from the Rim to the Peghead has always been Hatfield’s true calling.”
“Unfortunately, on Friday, Jan. 10, the beloved Hatfield Banjos shop burned down,” the release states. “In order to assist Arthur in rebuilding his shop a GoFundMe donation page has been established.”
“The Homer Ledford Award has been given since 2007 to Kentucky luthiers who have demonstrated outstanding craftsmanship, a sense of mastery in making and setting up instruments for excellent tone and playability, and who have been recognized time and time again by the communities of musicians they serve,” the release states. “This award is given in honor and memory of master luthier, musician, and educator Homer Ledford. Known for his superb craftsmanship, impressive productivity, inspired innovations, generous spirit, and willingness to teach anyone interested in his art, Homer had a profound impact on musical communities throughout Kentucky and far beyond.”
The award will be presented by the Kentucky Folklife Program, alongside their longtime partner the Kentucky Arts Council, on Saturday, March 8, on the Market Stage at the 2025 Kentucky Crafted Market at the Kentucky Horse Park Alltech Arena in Lexington.
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