SELDOM SCENE's "Benny Boy, The Banjo Boy" - Ben Eldridge Tribute!

The Seldom Scene performed "Benny Boy, The Banjo Boy," a great song composed by Dudley Connell to wish Banjo player Ben Eldridge a happy retirement! This was the brilliant grand finale at the Tribute To Ben Eldridge concert, held at The Birchmere in Alexandria, Virginia on July 16, 2016. The band was comprised of Lou Reid, mandolin & vocals; Dudley Connell, guitar & vocals; Fred Travers, dobro & vocals; Ronnie Simpkins, double bass & vocals; Rickie Simpkins, fiddle, banjo & vocals; and guest of honour Ben Eldridge, the band's legendary banjo player! The concert also featured double bass player & vocalist Tom Gray, one of the Seldom Scene's original members; Ben's talented son Chris Eldridge, guitar & vocals; and John Starling, guitar & vocals. The audience at the sold-out concert was made up of highly enthusiastic and appreciative Seldom Scene fans, including professional musicians Valerie Smith, Joe Zauner, David Morris, and Tom Tree Reynolds, among others.
Lyrics:
"Benny Boy, the Banjo Boy"
His age, seventy-seven plus some days
Banjo, he no longer wants to play
Each night he goes out with his pals
To eat and drink and laugh out loud
(chorus)
He's laid his banjo down to rest
No more Lay Down Sally - Ben's the best
Everyone hold you glasses high
Wish Ben well, but not goodbye
His name they call him Benny Boy
Ben's banjo brought to bluegrass joy
But now it hangs upon the wall
While Ben watching TV down the hall
(chorus)
Forty five years is sure a long time to play
With shitty travel along the way
You gave a lot, you should be proud
Now turn that damn thing down
It's way too loud
(chorus)

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