A big Hello from Perth, Western Australia. Just to let you know that his music is and will continue to amaze and bring great joy to many for a very long time.

Bill, thanks for keeping this site going. It's so great to see your Dad's community continue to grow, like a vine, out of that banjo.

One night at Galax in 1991, my wife Maxine came up to me and told me that I had to come and hear this amazing banjo player she'd been listening to, playing in a session with (I believe) J. P. Fraley and some other folks. I followed her, and was mesmerized by his playing! We talked to the fellow, and he introduced himself to us as Will Keys, from Tennessee. Over the next few days, we listened to and chatted with Will some more. Before the week was over, we asked him if he would consider coming out to play and teach at the Festival of American Fiddle Tunes in Port Townsend, WA, if we could get him invited there.

After we had returned home, we sent some of our recordings of Will at Galax to the artistic director of Fiddle Tunes, and he was indeed invited to join the faculty! Though it was hard for many of us to figure out just what the heck he was doing on that banjo, he was warmly received and very popular at Fiddle Tunes, and seemed to enjoy himself immensely! I remember that he referred jokingly to his unique, individual style as "Tennessee Long Thumb" (Ralph Blizard was also there that year with his "Tennessee Long Bow" style). He certainly made his mark at Fiddle Tunes, and we were proud to help introduce this warm, delightful man and his wonderful music to a new audience on the West Coast. Thanks for allowing me to share this memory with you!

Thanks for keeping Will's memory and music alive. I love his style. This is what a banjo is suppose to sound like.

Mr. Keys music is inspiring! Further- it certainly puts a smile on my face to know that it was such a loved and respected man who played this music with an obvious passion.

Like others, thanks to Mr. Chip Arnold for introducing me to Will's music.

What a blessing Mr. Keys was to music & obviously to those who knew him. Though he is no longer with us here, God must be happy to have him in heaven adding to the heavenly music there. Trish Arnold lead me to your site. Looking forward to catching some concerts at the local folk school & festivals with this wonderful music style. Blessings to All!

I too followed chips link from BHO, what a lovly tribute to a great guy

Love your music and we are the Keys family of Cherokee descent.

Hi to the Keys 'Family. I'm sure the memories are as good as the music Will left behind. Thanks for maintaining a site so we can remember also. Paul

Another person sent here via Chip/BHO. Greetings from Orlando!