Jim Mills Banjo Death : James Jim Mills Obituary - Durham Bluegrass Banjo Player Has Passed Away

Renowned banjo player James Mills, popularly known as Jim Mills, has passed away at the age of 57. He died on Sunday, May 5th, 2024. Mills was a legendary figure in the bluegrass community, leaving behind a profound legacy in the world of music.

Mills was widely recognized for his exceptional talent as a banjo player. He served as the banjo player for Ricky Skaggs and Kentucky Thunder for an impressive 14 years, leaving the band in the summer of 2010 to pursue his passion for rare pre-war banjos.

Before joining Skaggs, Mills spent five years performing with Doyle Lawson & Quicksilver in the 1980s, showcasing his remarkable skill and versatility on stage. Throughout his career, Mills released three solo albums and contributed to numerous others, leaving an indelible mark on the bluegrass genre.

His extraordinary talent was not only acknowledged by fans but also by the industry, as he won the International Bluegrass Music Association (IBMA) banjo player of the year award an astounding six times, in 1999, 2000, 2001, 2003, 2005, and 2006. This record-breaking achievement solidified his place as one of the greatest banjo players of his generation. Additionally, Mills clinched the IBMA Instrumental Album of the Year for his acclaimed album "Bound to Ride."

Mills' love for pre-war Gibson Mastertone banjos was well-known among enthusiasts. He owned several iconic instruments, including the famous "Mack Crow" banjo, which was the only factory-produced gold-plated RB-75 that Gibson ever made, named after its original owner. Another notable piece in his collection was the RB-4 previously owned by the late Snuffy Jenkins. Such instruments were not just possessions for Mills but treasures that fueled his passion and inspired his music.

In recognition of his influence, Huber Banjos produced a Jim Mills signature model based on the iconic Mack Crow banjo, paying homage to his legacy. Moreover, Mills shared his expertise and knowledge with the world through his 2009 book, "Gibson Mastertones: Flathead 5-String Banjos of the 1930s and 1940s," providing invaluable insights into the history and craftsmanship of these cherished instruments.

In addition to his numerous accolades in the bluegrass realm, Mills was also a recipient of six Grammy Awards, further solidifying his status as a titan in the music industry.