Conversations with Nicole: April 26, 2022, Todd "Banjoman" Taylor

You are going to LOVE hearing Todd "Banjoman" Taylor's story!  Todd is known as the father of "New Grass" with fans around the world!  But before I tell you more about Todd's success, I first need to tell you that Todd and I were classmates at Dorman High School in Spartanburg, South Carolina.  I remember Todd performing during our Farmer's Day Pep Rallies (if you're a graduate of Dorman you know about Farmer's Day) and other assemblies. It was quite the treat! But honestly, as a teenager, I didn't truly have an appreciation for Todd's incredible talent or have any clue as to Todd's increasing fame or the trailblazer musician he was becoming.  But 38 years after we graduated high school, I am honored and humbled to share Todd's story with you and to call him a friend. Todd's love for music and playing the banjo began when he was only six years old.   In his early years, he appeared at the Grand Ole Opry with music legends Roy Acuff and Bill Monroe, and in 2019 at The Opry with the legendary Oak Ridge Boys.  He has also been on TV shows like Regis and Kathy Lee, and the Jerry Lewis telethon..just to name a few.  His roots are in Bluegrass, but because of his love for Rock and Roll, Todd became the first artist in history to take the banjo to Rock and Roll with his rendition of the classic rock hit "Freebird."  In 2007, he became the first to set the Guinness World Record for Fastest Banjo by performing both parts of "Dueling Banjos" at 210 beats per minute.  In 2012, former South Carolina Governor Nikki Haley presented Todd with the Order of the Palmetto, the highest civilian honor in South Carolina, for his inspiring personal example and musical contribution to his state.  In 2018, the state started recognizing the second Tuesday in March as "SOUTH CAROLINA BANJO DAY" in honor of his musical contributions to South Carolina.  Todd also supports numerous charities but is a  huge advocate for the Muscular Dystrophy Association because of his diagnosis of a rare muscle disease in his twenties, which he's overcome.  Todd's story is one of courage, tremendous talent, determination, perseverance, love for music, faith, forgiveness, kindness, encouragement, and caring. I am thrilled he accepted my invitation to be my guest on 'Conversations with Nicole.'  Hold on for a fun, inspiring, and music-filled interview that will knock your socks off!! If you want to learn more about Todd just check out www.toddtaylorbanjoman.com and  www.southcarolinabanjoday.com.  #conversationswithnicole #casuallyspeaking #toddbanjomantaylor #banjo #music #trailblazer #bluegrass #rockandroll #freebird #guinessworldrecord #fastestbanjoplayer #dormanhighschool #grandoleopry #nashville #orderofthepalmetto #southcarolinanative #southcarolinastar #star #famous