Sarah Wood O' Donnell

Biography

Identified as a Banjo Master by the Kentucky Historical Society, at the “Made To Be Played” concert, Thomas D. Clark Center for Kentucky History, August 14, 2009, Sarah Wood O’Donnell has performed traditional music on notable stages regionally and internationally. She has recorded as a solo artist, as part of a duo, and with old time and bluegrass bands. Her original compositions have been recorded. And, she has performed extensively on radio and television.

While giving a concert honoring noted Old-Time Mountain Bluegrass artist, Ralph Stanley, he remarked that her banjo playing and singing, “put me in a mind of my mother’s playing and singing.” This is high praise, considering the fact that she (his mother) is the one who taught Ralph Stanley and patterned his sound! Personal interactions with artists such as Dr. Stanley and Carla Gover lend Mrs. O’Donnell invaluable perspective when teaching about Traditional Music.

Her personal friendships and professional relationships with current traditional artists give her unique and invaluable perspective when teaching about Traditional Music.