Clifton Hicks

Clifton Hicks is a banjo player, archaeologist, and Iraq War veteran known for his work in traditional folk music. He was raised in Florida, Georgia and South Carolina before settling in Tennessee. His musical performances and teaching often emphasize the early American origins of the banjo. Clifton is an accomplished folk artist and luthier, having built dozens of banjos based on historical examples. All of his builds are handmade, using only locally sourced hardwood, bone, and other materials. In 2002 at the age of seventeen he enlisted in U.S. Army, serving as a tank driver and machine gunner in Iraq during 2003 and 2004. Hicks began his professional archaeology career in 2010, and in 2013 graduated from Appalachian State University with a BS in anthropology. Since graduating he has worked extensively as both field and laboratory technician for organizations such as Jamaica National Heritage Trust, U.S. Forest Service, U.S. National Park Service, and Western Carolina University.