One of the foremost banjo-makers in the U.S. is the recipient of a prestigious award bestowed by the Kentucky Folklife Program based at WKU.
Arthur Hatfield, of Barren County, has been selected to receive the Homer Ledford Award, which “celebrates the legacy and creative industry of traditional stringed instrument makers who are vital to Kentucky musical culture, and who keep the music alive,” WKU said in announcing the award.
On January 13, K105 reported that Hatfield’s workshop burned to the ground in the Rocky Hill area of Barren County. Hatfield was unhurt.
“Arthur Hatfield has been both a revered musician and a celebrated banjo innovator and maker for over 40 years. His instruments are cherished possessions of a wide range of renowned musicians who stand behind (literally) Arthur’s exceptional work” said Brent Björkman, Director of the Kentucky Folklife Program and Kentucky Museum at WKU. “The Kentucky Folklife Program is excited to award this year’s well-deserved honor of its Homer Ledford Award to such a Kentucky treasure.”
Since 2007, the KFP’s Homer Ledford Award has been given to Kentucky luthiers (craftsman who make and repair stringed instruments) who have demonstrated outstanding craftsmanship, a sense of mastery in making and setting up instruments for excellent tone and playability, and who have been recognized time and time again by the communities of musicians they serve.
The Homer Ledford Award will be presented by the Kentucky Folklife Program, alongside their longtime partner the Kentucky Arts Council on Saturday, March 8, on the Market Stage at the 2025 Kentucky Crafted Market at the Kentucky Horse Park Alltech Arena in Lexington.
About the Kentucky Folklife Program
(Photo: Arthur Hatfield in his workshop in rural Barren Co., courtesy of Mark Brown, Folk & Traditional Arts Director with the Kentucky Arts Council)
By Ken Howlett, News Director
Contact Ken at ken@k105.com
