George is inducted into American Banjo Museum
Although some of his films were released in
the USA, George never performed on
American soil.
Legend has it that he turned down an
invitation to play Carnegie Hall, and it was
probably his 'Lancashireness' that led him to
believe he wouldn't be popular in the States.
All the more testament to his enduring appeal therefore, that George was
honoured by the American Banjo Museum on September 9th when they inducted
him into their Hall of Fame at an award ceremony in Downtown Oklahoma City.
George was given the honour for his historic importance in popularising the
ukulele-banjo, and in a packed function room at the top of a 50-storey skyscraper
with views that would put Blackpool Tower to shame, a mini video documentary
presented George's life to the assembled banjo players and enthusiasts who had
come from all corners of the US.
The video, which had been compiled with assistance
from Peter Pollard and Lewis Clifton, was heartily
applauded by all present and then Andy Eastwood,
who had been flown over from Britain especially for
the event, took to the stage and performed Leaning
On A Lamp-Post, complete with the usual blistering
uke solo, backed by Florida pianist Randy Morris.
The audience, many of whom were aware of Formby
but had not had the pleasure of seeing his style
performed live before, were enraptured, and applause
engulfed the room before the song was even over.
The icing on the cake was when George's niece Gina
Hequembourg (Ella Formby's daughter) made a
touching speech on behalf of the Formby family and
accepted a magnificent bronze award in the shape of a banjoist.
The following day the celebrations continued at the Hudiburg- Chevrolet Theater
in Midwest City, where a concert was held featuring various popular performers
from the banjo world, and Andy Eastwood had the honour of closing the show with
a 25 minute banjo- uke set.
Our heartfelt thanks go to Johnny Baier and all his team at the superb American
Banjo Museum for honouring our George and helping keep his memory alive
across the Pond