Happy Traum
b. 1939. Raised in the Bronx district of New York, Happy Traum became involved in folk music while studying at the High School Of Music And Art and took lessons from blues guitarist Brownie McGhee. He then formed a duo with younger brother Artie and together they performed extensively throughout the east coast circuit. The Traums later formed a rock group, Children Of Paradise, which also featured pianist Eric Kaz. Happy left the quintet in 1967 and moved to Woodstock, a renowned artistic enclave in upstate New York. In 1969 the brothers were reunited for their self-titled debut album, the first of several informal but enjoyable selections. Two years later Happy accompanied Bob Dylan on three songs specifically recorded for the artist's GREATEST HITS, VOLUME 2 selection. An accomplished musician on guitar and banjo, Happy Traum has written several instruction books and recorded tapes for a home music study course. He continues to pursue a sporadic solo career.