Update: July 28, 2001
Welcome to the John Jewell Tenor Banjo Page - a tribute to James E. "Skip" Handlon who passed away in 1981. He was a great lifetime musician, and a terrific Tenor Banjo Player in the 1930s. He was billed as "The World's Greatest Amateur Tenor Banjoist", touring with the Major Bowes Amateur Troupes across the country using the stage name "John Jewell". They played the best theatres in the major cities. He performed in all the 48 states, save one (possibly, North Dakota).
John Jewell should have his "own web page" on the Net - so here it is. A good use of bandwidth! I would be very interested if anyone has any further information about the Biograph Pictures (Short Feature Films) release by RKO Pictures in the mid 1930s... since he was featured in (2) of them which featured the "Major Bowes Amateur Hour" Stars of the day. This page will feature photos and reviews from their big US Tour of 1935... music nostalgia and surprises! Great oldtime photos, and Links will appear to the Billy Finegan (Sauter Finegan Orchestra), Wyoming Jack OBrien, Diamond Teeth Mary - and others on the road in those times. Come back, and see!
In 1937, "Skip" Handlon decided to retire "John Jewell" from the road, and he moved to Florida to join his Dad - a talented Pastry Chef who had worked the big hotels in the North for years, before retiring to Florida. "Skip" liked what he found in Florida and decided to stay. With his extraordinary musical skills, he easily got a teaching certificate, and found employment as a High School Band Director. Soon after, he met and married, Miss Betty Jane Vickers of Charlotte Harbor, Florida. His life from then forward, involved raising a family and teaching music to students in High Schools throughout the sunshine state. Actually, he didn't just teach them to play instruments (he played, taught, wrote music for... and repaired: all band instruments...) - he did more than that: He gave them a greater awareness and appreciation for the arts, music and culture. He made Classical Music, Modern Marches, even "Pop" tunes - everything the kids played - come to life.
James E. "Skip" Handlon went on to compose a number of unique and musically savvy "swing marches" for High School and College Marching Bands in the 40s and 50s - which were published & recorded internationally. For more complete Biographical information on the compositions and work by "Skip" Handlon, please click *HERE*!
"John Jewell" was a great solo performer on the Tenor Banjo. He was spotlighted center stage as a featured performer in the Major Bowes' shows. His special VegaVox Tenor Banjo, had an innovative electrical plug built in, so that the calfskin head would light up onstage. He brought that sense of style and showmanship to his later avocation as a Director of High School Bands: when he conducted the bands in their concerts - it was with a lot of verve and dash. His small High School Bands did very well in Florida State Band Competitions up against much larger cities.
For a complete Biography on "Skip" Handlon, please click *HERE*!
Banjo Haven - Great site! Vinnie's "Banjo Haven" has many resources, links and is very well put together! You must check it out... pickin' and strummin'... thumpin' and thrummin' - it's all spoken here!
Banjo Manufacturers of the Golden Age ~ Excellent resource on the masterfully-produced Banjos that ruled the stage, before the Spanish Guitar went electric!
The Banjo-L Homepage ~ A Great Banjo Resource. Banjo Listings and Links!
Fairbanks & Vega Banjos ~ Dating the Banjos from the 1800s-1900s by the Fairbanks (later the Vega) Banjo Company. Chronological listings of Serial Numbers.
Elderly Instruments ~ Wonderful inventory of vintage and hard-to-find instruments. Excellent information on Banjos and other stringed instruments.
Vegavox Banjo ~ From the Elderly Instruments inventory, beautiful photos of a classic Vegavox model Tenor Banjo.
1963 Vega Pete Seeger Model ~ One man's tribute to his beautiful 1963 Vega model "Pete Seeger" Banjo. Nice photos!
Vega Banjo History ~ Fine Information page on the Vega Banjo Company, their patents and innovations - and historical facts.
ProFrets Guitars Banjo Pics ~ Nice pics of a Vegaphone Tenor Banjo, from ProFrets Guitars in Gainesville, FL.
Mandolin Brothers ~ Great catalog & Inventory of stringed instruments. Attractive website & great reputation. Banjo is spoken here.
Lark In The Morning ~ Company devoted to finely crafted folk insruments - this is their Banjo selection... unique, contemporary instruments crafted on old designs.
Spotting Fake Vega Banjos ~ W. Fawley's Info page on characteristics to watch for in buying a possible "vintage" Vega Banjo.
Banjo Tee Shirts! ~ Hey, you've heard them Banjo's ring! Show your preference for the great original American Instrument - get the Tee Shirt!
Banjo Setup Page ~ Bill Palmer's XLNT page on how to properly set up & tune a banjo. Good instructional resource.
Banjos Unlimited Homepage ~ BANJOS UNLIMITED is an association of banjo bands and individual banjo players dedicated to the
preservation of the banjo and its music. They have a Newsletter, "The Resonator", and schedule of events of interest to Banjoists!
Tenor Banjo Page ~ Tenor Banjo Enthusiast in Sweden - Information and European Links!
Richelieu Banjos ~ Banjos in Space!! Well, nice intro page for Richelieu Banjos, who have the "banjos.com" domain in their camp. A premiere banjo maker, and their banjos "circle the world".
House of Musical Traditions ~ Traditional Instruments - this link is direct to their Banjo page.
The Green Children of Banjos ~ Wow! X-Files Banjos in the Paranormal! Are there Banjos on Mars? In Another Dimension? Get the story here!
The Banjo Dance Page! ~ Everybody pickin', Everybody grinnin' - doin' the country banjo dance!
NOTE: All photographs are 
copyright 2000, by George Wesley Handlon. All Rights Reserved.
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