J.D. Kahler, Dallas Banjo Band Icon, Passes Away

(1918-2008)

Though not a famous Banjoist nationally, J.D. Kahler was a very accomplished musician in his own right. He was even more of a legend to those who heard him playing and singing with the Dallas Banjo Band.

Most uniquely, he was 90 years old at his passing, which may distinguish him as probably the oldest active banjoist in the Banjo community. And he was not just a PASSIVE member of the Dallas Banjo Band..... he rarely missed a gig and had more pep and enthusiasm than those of us who were much younger. He was usually a featured vocalist on several numbers at our gigs (and the ladies loved him !).

Originally a guitarist in various Bands while he was still employed as a travelling salesman for the railroad, he was very impressed with a banjoist he once heard... a guy by the name of Smokey Montgomery (a Hall of Famer in the National Banjo Museum, in Oklahoma).

J.D. struck up a friendship with Smokey and was determined to learn to play the Banjo under Smokey's direction. Smokey would actually come to J.D.'s home to instruct him.

He picked up the Banjo very quickly and in 1991 joined Smokey's latest venture (the Dallas Banjo Band which was begun in 1989). The Band flourished under Smokey and is still performing in the Dallas area (and at national Banjo venues) even after Smokey's passing in 2001, at the age of 88.

J.D. had a winning personality and was loved by everyone with whom he came into contact. He was both a gentle man and a gentleman. He had a ready wit, as evidenced by his retort when asked why he remarried in his eighties after the death of his first wife. "I HAD to !" he jokingly quipped.

He also had a serious side and was devoutly religious and routinely led-off our practice sessions with a prayer.

He died just prior to his playing in a group that he formed to entertain seniors in the Dallas area (he always joked that he enjoyed playing for "the older folks"). He suffered a stroke just prior to the performance and never regained consciousness. His peaceful passing has left a massive void in the Band; but I would bet that he and Smokey are enjoying their reunion and wowing the audiences up there.