George Washington Gregory

George Washington Gregory (February 15, 1867 – May 2, 1902 A composer, he arranged classical music for the 5-string banjo. For about two years he was part of the Gregory Trio, consisting of himself, W. B. Farmer and Charles Van Baar. Gregory arranged European classical music for the banjo, which he and his trio would play. His choice of music made him part of the same musical movement as Alfred A. Farland, William A. Huntley, and S. S. Stewart, men “elevating” the banjo by appearing with the banjo in formal dress and playing music suitable for the parlor. The European classical works that Gregory arranged for the banjo include Wagner’s Grand March from Tannhauser, Listz’s Rhapsodie Hongroise No. 2, Moszkowski’s Boleros and Spanish Dances. He began a performing career about 1891, performing alongside top performers of his day. His performing career may have been cut short by an injury to his hand in mid-1893. His father died in 1886, and in the mid-1880s) George went to Grafton, New Mexico to work on a cattle ranch and remained there for seven years. About 1891 he returned to the East Coast. The appearance marked the beginning of his appearance in the journal, in which Stewart talke