1986

RUSSELL FLUHARTY

Russell Fluharty, "The Dulcimer Man," was born in rural Marion County north of Mannington in 1906. Adept at playing several instruments including the mountain dulcimer, Russell became a champion of the hammered dulcimer and is often given credit for popularizing this ancient and beautiful instrument in West Virginia. Russell was a tireless supporter of local history and folk culture, and he promoted-and performed- traditional music at every opportunity. Russell Fluharty passed away in 1989. Photograph by Michael Keller.