David "Stringbean" Akeman, born on this day in 1915 in Annville, Kentucky. | Dust-to-Digital

June 17, 1915 David "Stringbean" Akeman is born in Annville, Kentucky. As a banjo player, he joined Bill Monroe's Blue Grass Boys. But he is better known as a comedian, noted for a striped shirt and pants that seem belted at his thighs. Stringbean's banjo style was rooted in old-time clawhammer technique. He used a drop-thumb style, striking the strings with his thumb and picking up with his index and middle fingers. He joined the Grand Ole Opry in the 1940s, remaining a member until he was murd