‘Clawgrass’ pioneer Mark Johnson to join American Banjo Museum Hall of Fame

DUNNELLON, Fla. (WCJB) - ‘Clawgrass’ pioneer Mark Johnson, known for blending traditional clawhammer banjo with bluegrass picking techniques to create a new style of music, will be inducted into the American Banjo Museum Hall of Fame in October.

Johnson, who has played banjo for more than 50 years, said the honor came as a surprise.

“I’m in an absolute state of shock. I never saw it coming,” Johnson said. “I’m a guy that just seems to be in the right place at the right time.”

Johnson is credited with creating ‘Clawgrass,’ a hybrid approach that combines the rhythmic drive of clawhammer with elements of bluegrass-style picking.

The sound brought him national recognition and opportunities to perform with well-known musicians.

Johnson said music came naturally early in life. He lost sight in one eye after a tumor was removed when he was 3, and he said he never learned to read music.

Instead, Johnson said, he relied on instinct.

“When I was out there in the dark as a kid, just putting notes together, it was a tough childhood, real painful, and for some reason I was able to go ahead and put these notes together,” he said. “It seemed like I was kind of saying something musically that I couldn’t put into words.”

Over the years, Johnson’s career took him to stages across the country. He also performed with actor and banjo player Steve Martin, who sought Johnson out for lessons.

Johnson and Martin later appeared on ‘Late Show with David Letterman’ along with Johnson’s longtime friend and musical partner, Emory Lester.

Now retired from performing full time, Johnson said he spends much of his time teaching, focusing on helping students discover their own connection to the instrument.

“I love to teach. I don’t care if it’s a celebrity or a kid,” Johnson said. “When that lightbulb turns on and you see it in their eyes. I love it.”

In October, Johnson will be inducted into the museum’s Hall of Fame, joining the banjo players who inspired him.

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