Eric Weissberg & Steve Mandell: Masters of American Folk and Bluegrass

Eric Weissberg and Steve Mandell are the American folk and bluegrass duo behind one of the most unexpected chart-topping instrumentals in music history. Their collaboration on the 1972 film soundtrack for "Deliverance" catapulted them to international fame, resulting in a multi-platinum album and a number one single.

Early career

Both musicians were established figures in the New York folk scene long before their famous partnership. Eric Weissberg, a multi-instrumentalist born in 1939, was a respected session player and member of the folk group The Tarriers, while Steve Mandell built his reputation as a skilled guitarist and arranger within the same circles.

Their paths converged through studio work, leading to a collaboration on the music for John Boorman's 1972 film "Deliverance." The soundtrack's centerpiece was an instrumental banjo and guitar duel, a rendition of the traditional Appalachian tune "Dueling Banjos."

Breakthrough

The "Deliverance" soundtrack, released on Warner Bros. Records in 1973, became a cultural phenomenon. Fueled by the film's success, the single Dueling Banjos soared to number one on the Billboard Hot 100 chart in early 1973, a rare feat for an instrumental track.

The accompanying album, "Dueling Banjos" from the Motion Picture "Deliverance", was certified double platinum by the RIAA, selling over two million copies. This success was unprecedented for a bluegrass-adjacent recording and introduced the genre to a massive mainstream audience.

Key tracks

Dueling Banjos — The iconic instrumental that topped the Billboard chart and defined their career, adapted from Arthur "Guitar Boogie" Smith's original composition.

Reuben's Train — A showcase of their intricate instrumental interplay, featured prominently on the multi-platinum "Deliverance" soundtrack album.

Proud Mary — Their folk-bluegrass interpretation of the Creedence Clearwater Revival classic, demonstrating their ability to rearrange contemporary songs within their acoustic framework.

Shuckin' the Corn — A driving banjo and guitar piece that highlighted their technical virtuosity and deep roots in traditional American music.

Following this explosive success, both Weissberg and Mandell returned to their primary careers as session musicians and solo performers. Weissberg continued extensive studio work, playing on albums for artists like Bob Dylan and Art Garfunkel, while Mandell pursued solo projects and film scoring.

Artists exploring the intersection of traditional American music and popular appeal include John Denver, who brought folk and country to a massive mainstream audience. The New Lost City Ramblers were pivotal in the folk revival that set the stage for Weissberg and Mandell's work. The virtuosic instrumental work can be heard in the playing of Earl Scruggs, a bluegrass banjo pioneer. Doc Watson shares a similar mastery of acoustic guitar and traditional songcraft.

The music of Eric Weissberg and Steve Mandell maintains a steady presence on classic rock FM stations and dedicated Americana radio streams. Their signature hit is a staple on stations that celebrate 1970s rock history and acoustic instrumental excellence, ensuring their legacy continues to reach new listeners.

You can hear the enduring American folk and bluegrass sounds of Eric Weissberg and Steve Mandell on radio stations featured across our network. Explore and listen to their iconic recordings through the diverse selection of radio stations available on onairium.com.