Albert Hash

Albert Lillard Hash (June 27, 1917 - January 28, 1983) was an American Old-time musician and fiddle maker from Rugby, Virginia. He was the founder of the Whitetop Mountain Band and created the old-time program at Mount Rogers School.

Early life and background Albert Hash was born on June 27, 1917 in Rugby, Virginia, to Abraham Hash and Della Long. He was also heavily inspired by traveling musicians like G. B. Grayson and Henry Whitter, frequently playing with Whitter after Grayson's death. As a teenager, Hash would walk four miles to attend Mount Rogers High School, which is the school where he would later found an old-time music program. Another defining characteristic of his work was unique inlays, which were frequently made from unconventional materials like different types of woods, pearl, pieces of combs, and even toothbrush handles.

Musical career and recordings Hash played his first show at 12 years old, learning tunes like "Nancy Blevins" from his musical mentors. Then at 17 years old, after the death of his idol G. B. Grayson, he was recruited by Henry Whitter. Whitter chose Hash because of his ability to imitate Grayson's unique playing style. Hash went on to collaborate with other groups like the Virginia Carolina Boys with Wayne and Max Henderson. He also recorded old-time standards like "Hangman's Reel", setting a new standard for how the song was played. His most iconic group was the Whitetop Mountain Band. Its earliest iteration was the "Whitetop Mountain Boys." This group was formed in the 1940s and consisted of Albert Hash and Frank, Henry, and Dent Blevins. However, the more recognizable lineup formed in the 1970s and consisted of Albert Hash, Flurry Dowe, Tom and Becky Barr, his brother-in-law Thornton Spencer, and Thornton's wife Emily Spencer. This group became a staple at the Carter Family Fold venue and toured throughout the United States playing at colleges, competitions, and large events. Hash had a multitude of major performances including the 1982 World's Fair in Knoxville, the Smithsonian Institution, and the Grayson Highlands State Park.

Community impact and education Hash was well-known in his community as a gentle and shy man who was a talented woodworker and fiddle player. He was also known for being generous with his knowledge, being willing to share his skills with anyone. Hash began multiple teaching initiatives later in life. He, his daughter Audrey, and musicians Thornton and Emily Spencer began volunteering at local fire departments. It was here that they offered free old-time music lessons to the community in order to preserve and encourage participation in traditional Appalachian culture. Hash also helped establish an old-time music program at Mt. Rogers Combined School which his daughter continued after his passing in 1983. The program was later taken on by Emily Spencer. The Mt. Rogers School program evolved to become a daily class which gained national attention and was nominated for a Grammy award. This student band was renamed the "Albert Hash Memorial String Band" after his passing.

Legacy and honors

In 1983, following his passing, the Virginia General Assembly held a moment of silence that lasted multiple minutes to honor his life. The assembly passed House Resolution 18, presenting his widow, Ethel, with a framed copy of the resolution that recognized him as a strong symbol of the best of Appalachian culture. In Hash's honor, an entire festival was established in 2007 called the Albert Hash Memorial Festival. This festival is annual and has the primary purpose of celebrating Hash's life and his impact on the old-time community. This festival has become a massive hub for Blue Ridge instrument makers, with many of them traveling to display their instruments.