Biography

With a half century of performing experience, Sue Massek’s journey has taken her throughout the United States, Canada, Italy, Guatemala, and Nicaragua. She has performed as a solo artist and as banjo player for The Reel World String Band. For over 38 years Reel World has used its music as a tool for social justice in venues as diverse as the coal fields of Appalachia and the Lincoln Center in New York City. They were the 2011 Kentucky Conference for Community and Justice Lauren K. Weinberg Humanitarian Award Honorees.

Sue is Kentucky Arts Council’s first Community Scholar and a Master Artist for their Master/Apprentice Grant Program. She has apprenticed under legendary Kentucky artists Lily May Ledford, Clyde Davenport and Blanche Coldiron, and worked with nationally recognized traditional artists Oscar Wright, Jimmy Driftwood, and Guy and Candie Carawan.

Sue grew up in Kansas in a family of traditional musicians spanning several generations. They passed down a rich repertoire of ballads, gospels, and fiddle tunes as well as a passion for old time music. Sue has called Kentucky home for nearly 40 years and is deeply devoted to Appalachia and its people. She is a flatlander by birth and a hillbilly at heart.