Though it doesn’t get much appreciation in contemporary music, the banjo is an instrument with a long American history.
Just as blues music goes way back, the banjo carries roots all the way from Africa.
Eventually, a new and adapted version got made and used in country and folk music around the country, which gradually left its influence on all kinds of modern genres. Even if it’s not played as much anymore, it still has a distinctive sound and remains a challenge to learn.
And if you don’t believe it, just consider this awesome video.
The clip we’re talking about was posted in March 2012.
It was uploaded by an account called Sleepy Man, otherwise known as the name of a small American bluegrass band.
The full name of the group is Sleepy Man Banjo Boys, and it consists of Jonny Mizzone, Robby Mizzone and Tommy Mizzone, all of whom are brothers! In the video, Johnny and Tommy sit together in a bedroom playing their respective instruments.
But the internet wasn’t ready for the performance that followed!
Right away, it’s clear that the brothers are practicing “Dueling Banjos,” a famous composition by Eric Weissberg.
From the very first notes and the recognizable initial riff, it’s clear what song is being played. Things start out slow, with Jonny plucking out a few careful notes and his brother echoing him a bit faster.
On the second major riff, they switch into a part from the Star Spangled Banner before dropping back into the main song. Before long, Tommy is strumming his guitar faster and faster and it seems like Jonny is struggling a little to keep up.
A moment later, the melody breaks loose—and it’s clear the beginning was all just an act!
Even though it seemed like the older brother might be a better player, Jonny clearly gives him a run for his money when the song gets started!
Right as it picks up, both brothers are absolutely shredding on their instruments as they play two entwined melodies.
But as it turns out, the surprises don’t stop there—the camera pans over to show that Robbie is there in the background playing the fiddle as well! Needless to say, Robbie’s fiddle skills are just as fluent and skillful as the other two, and the music they make together is incredible.
The three of them race together to the end of the song, pausing only for a moment before jumping back in.
Although there are plenty of bluegrass bands out there, few of them are this young and this talented!
When it’s finally over, Jonny hits the final few iconic licks on the banjo—still at lightning speed—and all three of the brothers finish together. Since the clip was loaded online, it’s been viewed nearly nine million times… and it’s clearly for a good reason!
Although bluegrass and banjo music aren’t as popular as they once were, the way these three play together shows just how awesome this music can be!
For anyone who liked the clip, there’s more where that came from!
Anyone who loves banjo, bluegrass or these three brothers should check out the rest of their YouTube channel for more impressive performances. Because they’re still so young, there’s no telling where their musical talent is going to take them!
Congratulations to these three on their perfect rendition of “Dueling Banjos”! Be sure to check out the full clip below:
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