Who's Who In Knickerbocker Village History: Tom Paley

David's son and Maggie's brother

Tom Paley (born 19th March 1928) is an American banjo-player.
Tom Paley was born and raised in New York City, where he first fell in love with old-time music. He began playing guitar and 5-string banjo and quickly excelled at both instruments. He briefly performed in a duo with the great folk musician Woody Guthrie. Later, he helped form The New Lost City Ramblers, with Mike Seeger and John Cohen. This group inspired a greater mainstream interest in traditional old-time music, without altering the tradition of it. John Cohen once remarked that the Ramblers considered their live concerts primarily as opportunities to share great old songs they had discovered with their fellow folk performers. Paley's hot finger-picking guitar leads were amazing; the best example is probably his legendary arrangement of "Railroad Blues." Other important Paley performances with the NLCR include "Sales Tax on the Women," "Baltimore Fire," and many more.
After the breakup of the original band, he formed the OLD RELIABLE STRING BAND (w/ Roy Berkeley and Artie Rose.) The NLCR continued on with Tracy Swartz replacing Paley. Tom moved to Sweden, where he lived for three years, from 1963 until 1965, before moving to England, where he has resided ever since. He continues to tour in America and various parts of Europe. He performs solo and with other musicians. Tom recorded a well-respected album with James Reams and Bill Christophersen -- called The Mysterious Redbirds, 1992-1998 -- which was recorded during three of his trips back to the United States.
While in England, he worked with Joe Locker and other fiddlers as the NEW DEAL STRING BAND. The NDSB was put on hiatus in the late 70's, but has been revived in recent years with Tom's son, Ben, as the main fiddler. In 1975, Tom took up the fiddle, as well, and the NDSB continues with two fiddlers. He has become quite proficient on the instrument, and has even been awarded the Swedish Zorn-medal for his Swedish fiddle playing.
Tom recorded a well-respected album with James Reams and Bill Christophersen -- called The Mysterious Redbirds, 1992-1998 -- which was recorded during three of his trips back to the United States.
Tom was made President of the UK society FOAOTMAD (Friends of American Old-Time Music and Dance) at its formation in 1993, and often performs at its annual festival.