Who Played Duelling Banjos in Deliverance?

Discover the artists behind the iconic 'Duelling Banjos' featured in Deliverance, played by Eric Weissberg and Steve Mandell.

125 views

Duelling Banjos is an iconic instrumental played by Eric Weissberg and Steve Mandell. It gained immense popularity from its feature in the 1972 film 'Deliverance'. The performance entails a musical 'duel' between a guitar and a banjo, showcasing intricate fingerpicking and fast-paced strumming that captivates listeners.

FAQs & Answers

  1. What is the origin of Duelling Banjos? Duelling Banjos was popularized by the 1972 film 'Deliverance', but the song itself was originally composed by American musician Arthur Smith in the 1950s.
  2. Who are the musicians behind Duelling Banjos? The version of Duelling Banjos that became famous was performed by Eric Weissberg and Steve Mandell.
  3. What instruments are featured in Duelling Banjos? The piece showcases a 'duel' between a banjo and a guitar, highlighting their melodic interplay.
  4. Why is Duelling Banjos considered iconic? Duelling Banjos is considered iconic due to its unique interplay, complex fingerpicking style, and its prominent role in the popular movie 'Deliverance', which introduced the song to a wider audience.