Béla Fleck

Grammy-winning banjo master Béla Fleck is considered one of the most innovative pickers in the world and has done much to demonstrate the versatility of his instrument, which he uses to play everything from traditional bluegrass to progressive jazz. Something of a child prodigy, he began his solo career in 1979, and in 1981 joined up with the New Grass Revival for a short period. His greatest success came when he formed the Flecktones, with whom he was finally able to fully realize his vision of a bluegrass-jazz fusion. Since then, Fleck has dipped into some very eclectic musical waters -- including everything from classical to world music -- and expanded the musical possibilities of his instrument every step of the way.