Peace comes not from the absence of conflict but the ability to deal with it!
"The Fingerless Fiddler" TM
TO ORDER MUSIC NOW! Go to Buy FINGERLESS FIDDLER MUSIC at the bottom of this page for information about my new CD and the music I just had mastered on CD's. Pictures and songs are listed for each CD. Order information is listed at the bottom of the Buy FINGERLESS FIDDLER MUIC page. Send an E-Mail to dondrskll@aol.com to order Fingerless Fiddler Vol. One, Two or Three, Pickin' North of the Red River and or merchandise selections.
HOWDY!! Glad you took the time to stop in and visit with me. In Texas, we sit a spell and get to know one another. My name is Roy Thackerson and everyone calls me "The Fingerless Fiddler." Thanks for your interest in my website and music purchases! Hope you enjoyed your visit here and if you did please recommend my site to your family and friends. Roy Thackerson The Fingerless Fiddler
Roy performed at the Wilson County Fair in Lebanon, Tennessee in August 2008 along with special friend Melvin Sloan who hosted the entertainment for the fair. Video clips can be seen by googling Roy Thackerson.
Roy played as part of the special entertainment during the 2006 Fan Fest, presented by IBMA (International Bluegrass Music Association), in Nashville, Tennessee during the Grand Master Fiddler Championship event.
ROY WAS FEATURED IN THE TEXAS HIGHWAYS MAGAZINE JANUARY 2004 ISSUE. GO TO: www.texashighways.com AND SEARCH IN THE ARCHIVES FOR ROY THACKERSON TO READ THE ARTICLE.
All the members of my family played a musical instrument. Naturally, I also wanted to play an instrument. With a God-Given talent, I have done just that. I began my musical career at the age of 5 and learned how to play the guitar. I did not start playing the fiddle until I was 30 years old. It took years of hard work and determination to accomplish my goal. I would like to thank my family and friends for their love and support for without you it would not have been possible.
At the age of 6, I lost the sight in my left eye and fingers on my left hand to a dynamite cap explosion. As a result of these childhood injuries, I am unable to hold and chord any stringed instrument in the usual fashion.
With the help from family and friends, Roy devised a contraption he calls his "GUT STRAP." He wears the gut strap similiar to a belt. Instead of holding up his pants, the gut strap holds up the fiddle! Using a belt, Roy fastens the 'Gut Strap' around his waist. The cushioned arm holds the fiddle in place as he plays/frets over the top. A large rubber band is fastened over the scroll of the fiddle to keep it from 'floating' when pressure is applied as he frets the fiddle. A very unique device for a very unique fiddler!
My youngest brother, Bert Wayne Thackerson, was my best friend. I taught him the basics of playing but he had the natural talent. Bert accompanied me during most of his life. We played numerous fiddle contest throughout the United States and had the distinguished honor of playing together on The Grand Old Opry from 1979 until 1991 as Roy Acuff's special guest. We also played in Weiser, Idaho at the National Fiddler's Contest in 1974 and 1975 and on the television show "That's Incredible" in 1983. Bert passed from this world in 1997 and he will truly be missed by those who knew and loved him.
Photo above was "Back in my Younger Years" when I finally learned how to play the fiddle. This photo was featured on the Fingerless Fiddler Vol. 1 record. I later recorded Fingerless Fiddler Volume 2 and 3, all on the Ovella Record Label.
Recent (colored) Photos by Cotton's Studio in Cisco, Texas. "The Fingerless Fiddler" Photo (Hand) is a Trademark used exclusively by Roy Thackerson on June 29, 1999.
