About Charlie Tagawa
Charlie Tagawa (October 27, 1935 – July 30, 2017) was a Japanese-born American musical entertainer and banjoist. In a music career spanning seven decades, he was regarded as one of the best contemporary four-string banjo players. He performed regularly across the U.S. and in Japan, where he was known professionally as "Japan's Harry Reser". A 2003 inductee into the National Four-String Banjo Hall of Fame, Tagawa often performed as the headline act at banjo jazz festivals and shows. He was also the international goodwill ambassador for the Peninsula Banjo Band. Tagawa was a protégé of Reser's, who advised and encouraged him in the development of his single-string technique. In honour of his mentor, he regularly played Reser's original compositions, including "The Cat and the Dog", "Cracker Jack", and "Lolly Pops". After three months of lessons and practicing, Tagawa became a professional banjoist. Tagawa soon became the band's music director and continued to lead the band for all but one year.
Biography source: Wikipedia. The profile adds birthday-specific historical context from the Celebs Birthday Today editorial database.