American Banjo Finds Home in Oklahoma City Museum

By Gan Matthews, NEWS 9

OKLAHOMA CITY -- America is the home of the banjo, and now Oklahoma City will be home to the American Banjo Museum.

Twenty-seven banjos played outside for the formal opening of the museum in Bricktown. Of the more than 300 banjos on display inside, some were made abroad, but the banjo remains uniquely American.

"The banjo is an All-American musical instrument. It is the one and only musical instrument that came from this country," said Jeff Canine with the American Banjo Museum.

The banjo's history in America began with African slaves, who invented the instrument. Later, in the twentieth century, the banjo moved into the worlds of Dixieland, jazz, and bluegrass music.

In the motion picture "Bonnie and Clyde," the bluegrass banjo soundtrack made Earl Scruggs a household name. At 85-years-old, Earl Scruggs is still picking. He came from Nashville for the museum's opening.

"I'm very proud of it. I think they have a nice setup, plenty of space for the instruments. I'm proud of it," said Scruggs.

John McEuen, a founding member of the Nitty Gritty Dirt Band, was on hand to greet Earl Scruggs. McCuen took the banjo into pop music, and he wasn't alone.

"The Rolling Stones used a banjo. The Hollies on 'Stop, Stop,' ‘Sweet City Woman. There's been all kinds of banjos throughout the years fitting into records," said John McEuen.

The banjo may have started in America, but it's attracting new players from other countries, including Germany.

"It becomes more and more popular because this is our celebration outside. This is what we want to do outside, to bring the banjo in the world, even in Germany," said Berndt Raulf with the Munich Banjo Club.

The American Banjo Museum shares the history of the instrument through the collection of more than 300 banjos. The museum cost $5 million to build.