Clifford Glenn

Clifford Glenn was born on December 29, 1935, in the Sugar Grove community of Watauga County where he has lived all of his life. He is a fourth-generation instrument builder who specializes in mountain banjos and dulcimers that are characteristic of the region. For many years, Clifford built dulcimers and banjos with Leonard Glenn, his father.

Leonard Glenn, a North Carolina Folk Heritage Award winner, began building traditional fretless mountain banjos as a young man. His banjos were made almost entirely of wood--maple, walnut, and cherry mainly--and featured a small head of animal hide. Leonard’s father also made banjos an undoubtedly influenced his son in this direction. However, Leonard's instrument-making skills were largely self-taught.

Leonard and Clifford began building dulcimers in the 1950s, when the instrument's popularity was boosted by post-war folk music and craft revivals. Their dulcimer pattern came from Leonard’s grandfather, Eli Presnell, who acquired the pattern from a Kentuckian who passed through in the mid-1800s. This was one of the first dulcimers known in the area. Eli made a dulcimer for his son, Ninevah, which was later copied by Leonard Glenn's father.

Clifford Glenn is also an expert player of the instruments he makes. He plays a unique up-picking banjo style using his pinky finger, and Maybelle, his wife, accompanies him on dulcimer. For years, Clifford and Maybelle, and Leonard and his wife Clara, taught and entertained a steady stream of musicians and school children, who came looking for a taste of the old-time mountain culture. They were unfailingly generous with their time and as friendly as could be.

Over the years, Clifford has also made a few mandolins and a guitar, but he has focused on banjos and dulcimers. Today, he doesn’t build many instruments, but his banjos and dulcimers are still played throughout the region. The banjo and dulcimer on display were acquired from Watauga and Wilkes Country musicians.

For information on how to get in touch with Clifford, please contact Watauga County Arts Council Folklorist, Mark Freed.