Pickin’ New Life Page One

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

Robert Medley

Staff Writer for the Oklahoman

Ruthi Hedge has overcome her fear of banjo picking.

 

The Oregon Native, now living in El Reno, has tuned up her own country music career, a bit later in life than most rising stars. 

             It took her more than three decades to trust the instrument that brings foot-tapping to those in her audiences.

             She’s shaped her act “Ruthi and her Banjo” with the help of her drag-racing husband, Frank Hedge, a southern California native.  The couple have become a favorite at a barbeque restaurant in Bethany and an American Legion Post in El Reno.

             In the Western outfit, boots and cowboy hat over her short blonde hair, the banjo slinging gal no longer fears the instrument’s five strings.

             As a 16-year old growing up in Klamath Falls, Ore., she first played the piano and sang.  Her father, the late Robert Edward Schmoe, introduced his children to old country music and bluegrass.  When her father asked what instrument the wanted, she told him, “I love the banjo, and I really want to play the banjo.

             Soon he gave her a Kent Banjo.

             Her first set of banjo lessons ended after her teacher was killed on a U.S. Army mission to Panama about 1975, she said.