“Whistler’s Jug Band (Buford Threlkeld)”

Oil on a 17' x 17” wood panel cut out to the shape of jugs.

Buford Threlkeld, aka “Whistler” from Eminence, KY formed Whistler’s Jug Band, which first recorded in 1924 and is thought to be the first recording of a jug band.  Whistler got his name from playing the nose whistle (or nose flute). Threlkeld moved to NYC after he was accused of stealing money from a purse at the Brown Hotel during a Derby party.  He died there from tuberculosis at the age of 42.  Whistler was buried in the “Potters Field” on Hart Island.  He and his band would more than likely be almost completely obscured by time if not for a completely groovy 1930 film of them playing the song “Foldin’ Bed.”

$875