NEA NATIONLAL HERITAGE FELLOWSHIP Text and photos by SU CLAUSON-WICKER EDDIE BOND Way to Fame As a self-described "old-time nerd," Bond stands out as one of the most talented and important people carrying on his musical tradition. T EDDIE BOND: "I don't feel I'm worthy of receiving this honor, but I feel like all the people who taught me are getting their due." 30 BLUERIDGECOUNTRY.COM he Blue Ridge region has produced more old-time musicians per capita than anywhere else. It's considered the heart of America's traditional music scene. So it was no surprise when the National Endowment for the Arts announced its newest recipient of the NEA National Heritage Fellowship for Appalachian old-time fiddling as one of the region's own: Virginia fiddler Eddie Bond. In September he traveled to Washington, D.C., to receive the highest honor bestowed upon an old-time musician and a $25,000 award. Virginia State Folklorist Jon Lohman nominated Bond. He's heard many impressive fiddlers, but the Grayson County native stands out as one of the greatest old-time fiddlers alive. "Eddie is special in that while he is relatively young, he has spent his entire life at the feet of the masters learning the traditional songs and then making them completely his own. He's also extremely generous, taking the time to jam with anyone of any age at any skill level. He ishttp://www.BLUERIDGECOUNTRY.COM