12 Year Old Presley Barker Wins Wayne Henderson Guitar Competition

[psychojohn]

In a field of 20 players, three of which already have won National Championships in other organizations, 12 year old Presley Barker walked away with the title and prize of a Wayne Henderson guitar out of Brazilian rosewood and Appalachain red spruce. IMO the right person won. He played 3tunes clean to my ear and was the smoothest in his transitions and runs of the group. He also defined "Pickin and grinning". Search his name and you'll find any number of his videos playing blue grass classics.

An awesome future awaits this fine young man. Even though he already owns one Henderson, he couldn't have been more excited or honored to win another in this fashion. On stage he characterized it as an "honor of a lifetime" and I'll tell you that new Henderson sounded excellent (better than his other) when he played it.

https://www.facebook.com/groups/5740...target&fref=nf

John

[Goat Mick]

That's awesome!!! I think at 12 years old I was still eating dirt...

[Athens]

As they say... "DANG!!!"

https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=kiuylrc6cVI

[fazool]

Originally Posted by Mick's Goat Whiskey Picks

That's awesome!!! I think at 12 years old I was still eating dirt...

I'm still eatin' dirt

[Goat Mick]

Originally Posted by fazool

I'm still eatin' dirt

BAHAHAHAHAHAHAHAHA

[llew]

He's an amazing young talent. very cool that he won...and a Henderson guitar is quite a prize!

[psychojohn]

Am having trouble (my own fault I am sure) posting video and even short cuts to a video of him playing. Other's on this thread have been more successful. For those intimidated by his playing, you should also know he's only been playing for about 5 years. For those inspired by his playing, know his primary instructor is Steven Lewis, a multi-time championship picker in his own right. He's also been supported by Alan Shad and Wayne Henderson as well, neither of them slouches in the championship picking department. It would appear having a good teacher helps but is not the entire answer. I also spoke with Presley after he won and asked about his practice routine; two hours a night before bed time (that's after school, chores, dinner, and homework). Wayne says he (Presley) is a quick study, but even for someone considered a prodigy, he still puts in hours of practice each week, in addition to lessons and regular gigs. I was honored to purchase his CD ("Just ten") in which he shares his shredding with the three gentlemen noted above. For someone like myself (relatively new to Blue Grass) this album was an excellent introduction to the music (the classic tunes) and Presley's playing makes it more enjoyable/accessible than I imagined. here are some links with the second one being featured on his album as an added track.

Enjoy !

https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=bVvyYnAtmGY

https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=Ueit7shd-_Y

John

[Zissou Intern]

I am off show them these videos, because I have decided that both my boys, ages 14 and 16, are a huge disappointment to me.

[psychojohn]

Originally Posted by Zissou Intern

I am off show them these videos, because I have decided that both my boys, ages 14 and 16, are a huge disappointment to me.

know you are just joking. I have a 19 yo daughter and couldn't be prouder of her even if she can't play the guitar. Presley is a fine Christian-raised young man with a bright future and hormones awaiting to kick in. Spoke with is mom at the after party and she is understandably proud. I congratulated her on raising such a great son (beside excellence in guitar, he is one of the nicest and most personable people you'll ever meet) and she thanked me but also reminded me he is a work in progress. Although he has prodigy-like guitar skills, his work and practice ethic not only serve as an examples to our children, but to us all aspiring for excellence in what ever we do !


John

[redir]

Wow that kid's great! Thanks for sharing.

[Toby Walker]

Thanks for sharing that. It's always nice to see traditional music being carried on by the younger generations, and that kid sure is doing it justice!!

[jaymarsch]

Thanks for posting. Really nice that a fine guitar can find its way into the hands of such a dedicated player.

Best,
Jayne

[PorkPieGuy]

...............................

[Goat Mick]

He has a good enough work ethic to impress Wayne Henderson, that's saying something. One cool thing about the Bluegrass world is that they embrace these prodigy kids and show them how to respect themselves and others. Trey Hensley was another one of these kids that came up and set the world on fire through the Bluegrass ranks (although Presley may be even better than Trey if that's possible). Trey is also a great guy with a strong work ethic, strong dedication to family and a burning desire to keep traditional music alive. We've got a young fiddler around here named Carson Peters that is rising through that world pretty quickly too. While I'm not in the Bluegrass circuit, I do get to watch the way they encourage and develop the young players and it's impressive.

[Skarsaune]

Originally Posted by Mick's Goat Whiskey Picks

Trey Hensley was another one of these kids that came up and set the world on fire through the Bluegrass ranks...

Trey and Rob Ickes played a set at the festival as well, and he flat out burned up his guitar. I'm not all about the pyrotechnics, but holy smokes he can pick.

Only saw the finals of the competition, and Presley was the most impressive to me.

Darn wizards, the both of them.