Will Keys, a popular if not beloved old time banjo player from East Tennessee, passed away on November 4 after a battle with multiple illnesses, including a large and aggressive tumor in his brain.

Keys was known for his distinctive two finger style which has been described as “pre-bluegrass,” and tending to embrace the rhythmic pulses of old time music with a more melodic approach.

The funeral is scheduled for Sunday, November 6 and details are available on his web site.