Early Career
Born in Reading, Massachusetts, Peabody taught himself to play the violin, mandolin, guitar and banjo while very young. In March of 1916 at age 14 he enlisted in the U.S. Navy by lying about his age. Peabody served in World War I on an S-14 submarine and it was during this period he received the nicknames "Happiness Boy" (for his ebullient personality, especially when performing) and "Little Eddie" (a comic reference to his tall stature).
After Peabody's 1921 discharge from the Navy, he began a long career in show business, beginning with Vaudeville. His successful recordings for the Columbia Company made him a household name. Peabody's energetic playing style, which included fast triplets, glissandos, and cross-picking that simulated the sound of two banjoists playing together, prompted a 1920s reviewer to nickname him "King Of The Banjo"—a sobriquet Peabody retained the rest of his life.
Then in the 1930's Peabody promoted the plectrum banjo by visiting many of England's BMG (Banjo, Mandolin and Guitar) clubs which were popular in the years prior to World War II.
When the U.S. entered WW II, Peabody returned to the Navy as a morale officer with the rank of Lt. Commander. He performed in shows for servicemen and directed the music and band departments of the Great Lakes Training Station near Chicago, Illinois.
After the war Peabody attempted to restart his concert career. By then, most Vaudeville halls had closed and musical tastes had changed. In 1948, the Art Mooney Orchestra resurrected the 1920s standard I'm Looking Over a Four Leaf Clover and created interest in both nostalgic music and the banjo. Capitalizing on this trend, Peabody recorded several albums for Dot Records and performed at the supper clubs which were popular at the time. His subsequent TV appearances made him a household name once again. He went on to produce records, appear in movies, and inspire generations of banjoists who continue to emulate his spirited style.
Read more about this topic: Eddie Peabody
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