TUSCUMBIA-Gadsden Native Jim Connor, former member of the New Kingston Trio, and the man Earl Scruggs called, “the finest old-tyme 5-string banjo player ever,” will appear at the Alabama Music Hall of Fame Tuesday, April 28 at 7p.m. for a benefit performance aiding the museum.
Connor is perhaps best known for penning the now-classic gold record, “Grandma’s Feather Bed”, which was recorded by John Denver, and later by The Muppets’ Kermit the Frog.
He was a recording artist for Capitol Records in the 1960’s, known as “Richard and Jim,” 
and then, from 1968 to 1974, as a member of the New Kingston Trio.
Connor has performed with a diverse assortment of entertainers, including: John Denver, Dolly Parton, Linda Ronstadt, Barbra Streisand, Fanny Flagg, Judy Collins, Donald O’Connor, Red Buttons, Steve Martin, and Phyllis Diller – just to name a few. But Connor hardly needs to rely on the talents of others: he has 3 platinum records and 8 gold records to his credit.
In addition to hundreds of live club, festival and theater appearances throughout the world (68 countries, 4 continents, 5 oceans, and airspaces in every latitude on earth), Connor has appeared on the Grand Ole Opry, Johnny Carson’s “Tonight Show”, “Hootenanny”, “The Jack Benny Show”, and “The Dave Garroway Show”.
Also known as John Denver’s Banjo Man, Connor wrote his book, “JD and Me” about his friendship with Denver that spanned over 34 years, of which an audio version is planned to released.
Tickets are $15, and include a tour of the museum. Limited space. Call or visit Alabama Music Hall of Fame for tickets. 256-381-4417. Cash Bar available.
