Interview with Jimmy Cox, October 11, 2007

Interview Summary

Jimmy Cox talks about his childhood near Williamsburg, Kentucky and taking music lessons from a church deacon. He talks about his mother and father and his 11 siblings. He talks about some of his early musical influences. Cox talks about joining the Air Force and working on jet engines. He talks about the band he formed during his military service, Charlie And Jimmy The Blue Mountain Boys. Cox discusses the growth of the popularity of bluegrass in Maine and some of his contributions, including teaching lessons, starting the Pine Tree State Bluegrass Music Association, leading jam sessions, and playing at some of the first bluegrass festivals in Maine.

Cox talks about how he began customizing and building his own banjos. He talks about building his first banjo and the materials he used. He talks about how he has grown into a full manufacturing operation, making almost all of the components of the banjos himself. He talks about building an electric banjo. Cox displays a custom-made banjo he created featuring Confederate images. He talks about the process of designing and creating it. Cox displays another custom banjo line he created for Raymond Fairchild. He talks about the differences between this banjo and the one he created for Ralph Stanley.

Cox's grandson Adam Cox demonstrates his process of making a banjo. He talks about how he started working in the shop as a child. Jimmy Cox gives a tour of his storeroom and the materials they use to manufacture their instruments. He talks about the mistake the resulted in the Kentucky Redneck-5.

Interview Keyword

Williamsburg (Ky.) Musical ability in children. Music--Instruction and study. United States Air Force (USAF) Manufacturing Banjos Banjo players Building banjos Charlie Gillam (Artist) Workshops Charlie And Jimmy The Blue Mountain Boys (Artist) Maine James Adam Cox

Interview LC Subject

Bluegrass musicians Musical performance Musicians Music--Performance. Musical instrument makers. Musical instruments. Childhood Banjo music (Bluegrass) Banjoists Family-owned business enterprises. Families Bluegrass music Careers

Interview Rights

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Interview Usage

Interviews may only be reproduced with permission from Louie B. Nunn Center for Oral History, University of Kentucky Libraries.