BANJO PAGE
Steve is well known for his banjo playing. He has used it in his stand-up comedy act, and even in his movies. One of the sweetest things in A Simple Twist of Fate was his sitting in the window seat and playing to ease his pain.
He has played Auld Lang Syne in his guest appearance on The Martin Short Show and in the BBC documentary Steve Martin - Seriously Funny. He's very good, even now when he claims not to practice. He has done a solo in Foggy Mountain Breakdown that will appear in Earl Scruggs' upcoming CD Earl Scruggs and Friends.
There are a number of sites online that have information related to Steve's banjo playing. For example, Doug Rowell has a page which shows pictures and tells the story of an amazing banjo he custom-made for Steve. People who have played with Steve also tell their stories. But some things are not readily available on the net. The article "Banjo," which appeared in the Summer 1999 issue of The Oxford American, can't be found online. Neither can certain pictures. So below are some links to things available elsewhere or exclusively here. As I find things, I'll add them. This is a work in progress.
BANJO by Steve Martin The article appeared in the Summer, 1999 Oxford American magazine.
ROWELL BANJO A high school friend, Doug Rowell, made a special hand-carved banjo for Steve.
JAMMING WITH STEVE Bill Fisher got to play banjo with Steve in his home during location filming for Novocaine. This is his account.
ON LOCATION Bill Fisher's story along with his personal photos of Steve and himself with the banjos. This is the only place you will find these, since they are shown here exclusively with Bill's permission.
Last updated 14 July 2001