I-69 Heritage Corridor - Delaware County
Eli Jackson playing banjo he made
 
  Eli Jackson playing one of his banjos built from a Cadillac hubcap
-- Photo by Lynn Hadley
Listen to Eli
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Eli Jackson --
Canjo instrument maker


Eli is a proficient, self-taught instrument builder, woodcarver, square dance caller, as well as a bluegrass and old-time musician, who has a story behind nearly every instrument he builds. His stories give each instrument a unique context and show that Eli highly values the sharing of memories. When he talks to young people, he tells them, "You don't need a lot of things to entertain yourself."

When Eli performs and shares skills with groups, older people bring him memories while younger people bring him new ideas.