Passing of Jack Canine
It is with great sadness that we share the news that American Banjo Museum founder and benefactor, Jack Canine, passed away on Sunday, September 27, 2020. A lifelong friend of the banjo – naming his company, The Banjo Corporation after his passion, Jack began collecting vintage banjos in the 1980s. When the time came to find a new home for his collection, he – along with attorney Brady Hunt – founded the National Four-String Banjo Hall of Fame Museum in Guthrie, Oklahoma in 1998. When the museum’s collection outgrew that modest facility with the 2007 acquisition of a collection of over 200 vintage banjos (purchased with Mr. Canine’s help), the museum begana search for a new home. While many locales were considered, Jack believed in Oklahoma City and, when what would become our new home was found OKC’s Bricktown district, purchased the building, funded a complete renovation, and established a financial endowment which allows us to share his vision of preserving and promoting the music and history of the banjo with the world. A devotee of the four-string jazz banjo, Mr. Canine was wise in realizing that the story of the banjo included many different types of instruments and playing styles. In this spirit, he was the driving force and financial support behind expanding the museum’s collection to represent all types of banjos and playing techniques. And, with this direction a more inclusive name seemed in order and the American Banjo Museum was christened. As the museum celebrated its 10th anniversary in Oklahoma City in September of 2019, Mr. Canine made his last visit and proclaimed, “I like what you’re doing…keep it up.” In his memory – and celebration of a life well lived – the staff and board of directors of the American Banjo Museum will continue to honor the legacy of Jack Canine.
