Lester Flatt
b. 28 June 1914, Overton County, Tennessee, USA. Versed in the old-time country music style prevalent in his rural environment, Flatt began playing guitar during the '30s. At the end of the decade he abandoned his job in a textile mill to pursue a career as a professional musician. Having made his debut on station WDBJ, Flatt became a popular entertainer throughout the south and by 1944 was a feature of the GRAND OLE OPRY. He then joined Bill Monroe's Bluegrass Boys where he later met banjoist Earl Scruggs. The two musicians left Monroe in 1948 and, as Flatt And Scruggs, redefined the modern bluegrass sound. For over 20 years the duo led various versions of their group, the Foggy Mountain Boys, which remained at the heart of America's traditional music circuit. They parted company in 1969 following which Flatt created another group, the Nashville Grass. He continued to tour and record, but his once-prolific work-rate lessened considerably following open-heart surgery in 1975.