Sonny Smith has held his own in the Banjo world. Born in Winchester, Tennessee and growing up in Indiana, Sonny began playing the banjo at the young age of seven. At age ten, Sonny entered his first banjo contest, the Portland, Indiana Tri-State Gas Engine Show. After this first taste of the stage, he knew this is where he wanted to be. From that point on he was addicted to banjo contests, Sonny continued to enter several banjo contests throughout his years growing up. After high school, Sonny skipped the college route and continued to grow as a banjo player in the great state of Texas. There he first entered the National Banjo Competition in 1992, coming home with third place and again in 1997, coming home with second. Finally in 1998, Sonny came out on top and went home with the 1998 National Banjo Champion title. Sonny Smith and Washburn Guitars have collaborated to create his signature banjo the B160. His model has been given a wider fretboard to accommodate bigger fingers, the 5th string nut had been moved between the 5th and 6th fret for improved tone, sustain and intonation. Currently, Sonny is spending his stage time in the foothills of the Smoky Mountains at Dolly Parton’s Dollywood. You can catch Sonny playing his B160 in the Smoky Mountain String Band, during regular Dollywood operating season hours.