Patrick Costello: the deaf, copyfighting Merry God of Banjo


BB pal and deaf banjo-pickin' dude Patrick Costello writes, "The Washington Post just did a story about my work as a music teacher: 'Merry God of banjo'"

Costello's fans have paid him tribute in all sorts of ways — by traveling from other continents to his banjo conventions in Cris­field, by writing notes saying his lessons helped them deflect suicidal thoughts, by mailing him instruments.

"Through 600 videos, people really feel like they know me," he said. "The real Patrick Costello's never going to match up."

To one fan, though, he more than measured up to expectations.

A government contractor from Manassas picked up the banjo and soon found Costello's videos. In 2009, she traveled to Crisfield to attend his convention.

"I saw him and I went, 'I'm gonna marry this guy,' " she said. "Even though there's the guru banjo person, I saw a genuine, authentic man."

Amy Costello was right.

'Merry God of banjo': Despite deafness, Md. man learned to play and teach music [Julie Zauzmer/Washington Post]

And here is Patrick's wonderful YouTube channel, with hundreds of videos.