Lester Raymond Flatt, born on June 19, 1914 in Duncan's Chapel, Overton County, Tennessee, was an American bluegrass guitarist and mandolinist. Lester Flatt began his musical journey playing the guitar with Bill Monroe’s band during the 1940s. In 1948, he formed a band with fellow Monroe alumnus Earl Scruggs called Flatt and Scruggs. The duo's collaboration lasted until 1969. During this period, they released numerous albums that defined bluegrass music standards. After the split with Scruggs, Lester Flatt continued to record and perform with his new group, the Nashville Grass, until his death on May 11, 1979. Lester Flatt is remembered for his role as rhythm guitarist and vocalist, contributing to many bluegrass standards. His notable contributions include performing on "The Ballad of Jed Clampett", which served as the theme song for The Beverly Hillbillies. Lester Flatt was inducted into the Country Music Hall of Fame in 1985 along with Scruggs and posthumously honored as an inaugural member of the International Bluegrass Music Hall of Honor in 1991.
