David "Stringbean" Akeman - 2018 Inductee

David Akeman was born in 1915 in the rural town of Annville, Kentucky. Early in his career, he earned the nickname, “Stringbean”, as members of his band took notice of his 6’5” slender frame; the endearing nickname remained with him for the rest of his career. In 1940, Akeman joined and starred as the lead banjo player in legendary Bluegrass artist Bill Monroe’s “Bluegrass Boys Band.” He soon discovered he had a knack for making people laugh and integrated comedy into his musical routine. In 1952, David took his act to the Grand Ole Opry Stage where his long running show met with remarkable success. From 1962 to 1971, “Stringbean” recorded seven albums featuring chart hits “Run Rabbit Run” and “Little Liza Jane”. During this time, David landed a supporting role on the television series Hee Haw. Audiences fell in love with his mixture of banjo playing skills and comedic routines. Hee Haw became an instant classic. A talented musician, a gifted comedian, and a widely adored entertainer, David “Stringbean” Akeman will go down in history as one of Kentucky’s most beloved performers.

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  1. Introduction
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  2. Replica of King Tutankhamen’s Throne, pre-1980s
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  3. Horse Model, c. 1870s
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  4. Replica Radio-Controlled Model Airplane “Big Guff,” 1937
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  5. Dutch Merchantman Model, Handmade, c. 1949
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  6. Carrom Board, The Carrom Company, manufactured 1914-1939
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  7. Flexible Flyer Sled, S.L. Allen and Company, Inc.
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  8. Pieter Van Peenen’s Trunk, c. 1863
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  9. Wheelchair, circa 1940s-1950s
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  10. Child’s Ladder-Back Chair, 1840-1860
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  11. Child’s Rocking Chair, mid-19th century
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  12. Baby’s Highchair, 1830-1839
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  13. Bassinet, Vermeulen Furniture Company, 1930
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  14. Rocking Horse, Pony Boy Manufacturing Company, 1947-1948
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  15. Edgars Krasts’ Trunk, c. 1951
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  16. Work Table, date unknown
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  17. Bicycle, “Mini Miss,” Stelber Bicycle Corporation, c. late 1960s
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  18. Electric Stove, Kalamazoo Stove & Furnace Company, 1948-1950
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  19. Electro Hygiene Vacuum Cleaner, c. 1940
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  20. Pump Organ, Star Organ, c. 1870s
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  21. Electric Phonograph Company, 1916-1918
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  22. Regina Music Box, c. 1895
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  23. Console Television, Model 2U172L Run 2, Magnavox, c. 1960
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  24. Radio, Zenith Radio Company, 1940-1941
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  25. Bass Drum, Barbour Hall Military Academy Band, c. 1950s-1979
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  26. Chickering Piano, 1864
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  27. Florentine Table, c. 1875
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  28. Panama Pacific Exposition of 1915
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  29. Carved Chair, purchased 1915
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  30. Table, Hinoki Wood, 1915
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  31. Settee, c. 1870
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  32. Writing Desk and Chair, c. 1880
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  33. Singer Sewing Machine, 1927
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  34. Underwood Standard Bookkeeping Machine, post-1923
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  35. Permanent Wave Machine, c. 1937
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  36. Hoekstra’s Hardware Store Sign, 1940s-2017
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  37. Test 'Ur Own' Radio and TV Tube Tester, c. Late 1950s - Early 1960s
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  38. Telephone Switchboard, 555 PBX (Private Branch Exchange) model, 1955-1969
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