Gary Waldrep: Sand Mountain's Music Man

Gary Waldrep is best known for his skill as a banjo player, performing and preserving the traditions of bluegrass and old-time music. He has also worked as a teaching artist for several decades and has received multiple grants through the Alabama State Council on the Arts’ Folk Arts Apprenticeship program.  

Special thanks to Anne Kimzey, folklorist and literary arts program manager at the Alabama State Council on the Arts, who interviewed Mr. Waldrep for this episode. Music provided courtesy of Gary Waldrep. 

Arts Fell on Alabama airs weekly on Troy Public Radio. © 2026 Alabama State Council on the Art.