Rusty Pendleton – Banjo – The Shingle Shakers
Rusty is Steve Pendleton's dad and has been playing with the Shingle Shakers since 1993. This photo was taken at the Lighthouse Landing Marina in Grand Rivers, Kentucky in October 2004.
I could have never imagined the life of music that I’ve experienced, especially my times with the Reunion Jazz Band and the public exposure I have received with the group.
At age five, my brother brought a guitar home for me to play. By the time I was six I could sing and chord and I began performing at parties, gatherings and school programs. When I was nine, the same brother bought me a mandolin from Sears for $3.76. I played for a time at the Roadhouse, a popular place outside of Jefferson City, MO, where I received an offer to play regularly.
After World War II a friend introduced me to the four-string banjo and influenced me to take it up. I have bought only one banjo in my life. The rest, and there are several, were given to me. The biggest gift I received in my life was in 1995, when a widowed family friend brought me her husband’s prized instrument: A 1931 Bacon & Day Silver Bell Sultana, a near-the-top-of-the-line banjo in its day.
In the 80’s my wife, Dot, and I began performing (she with lead vocals) in metro St. Louis with the five-member Merry Music Makers. We booked more than 100 gigs. Dot and I sang in our church choir from 1947 until the late 90’s. We also enjoyed singing in several community productions through the years.
I joined the St. Louis Banjo Club in 1998, where I had the good fortune to play with the Dixie Banjos, including John Becker, Dave Whisler and Tom Wexler. Gigs, both private and civic, included opening for Stan Kahn, long-time St. Louis organist, at the Lincoln Theater in Belleville, IL.
The RJB, who were still known as the Shingle Shakers, invited me to sit in years ago. Since that time, I have enjoyed playing music with all the guys who are long-time friends of my son, Steve. Highlights to me were two appearances at Fair St. Louis over July Fourth and multiple gigs at Kentucky Lake in Grand Rivers. My heartfelt thanks go to everyone in the band for allowing me to share in the fun.