David Schnaufer

(1952–2006) dulcimer virtuoso and first professor of dulcimer; credited with restoring popularity of the instrument in contemporary music[17]

What is David Schnaufer known for?

David Schnaufer, born in Hearne, Texas, was an accomplished musician who made significant contributions to folk music. As an alumni from Hearne High School, he went on to play a pivotal role in restoring the popularity of the Appalachian dulcimer, establishing himself as one of the country's premier dulcimer players.

His journey in music led him to Nashville, Tennessee in the 1980s. Later, in 1995, he accepted a position at Vanderbilt University's Blair School of Music, where he taught dulcimer as an associate adjunct professor.

David lent his dulcimer skills to recordings with notable artists like The Judds, Emmylou Harris, Johnny Cash, and Chet Atkins. He caught Mark O'Connor's attention, who sought him out after hearing his instrumental version of the Joni Mitchell song "Both Sides Now". This collaboration led to his feature on O'Connor's 1988 album Elysian Forest.

David released several solo albums such as Dulcimer Player Deluxe (SFL, 1989), Dulcimer sessions (SFL, 1992), Tennessee music box (Rivertime Records, 1996), Delcimore (The Orchard, 2000), and Uncle Dulcimer (Delcimore Recordings, 2001). His final album was Appalachian Mandolin and Dulcimer: Music (Soundart Recordings, 2006), which he recorded with Butch Baldassari.

Among Schnaufer's many students was pop icon Cyndi Lauper. Despite his battle with lung cancer, he continued to influence the world of music until his death in 2006 at Alive Hospice in Nashville. His legacy continues through his music and his students.

Read more about David Schnaufer's life and contributions in the Wikipedia article about him.

Visit Hearne, Texas, where David was born, through this Google Maps link.