Beloved Arizona Bluegrass Musician Howard Anderson Dies at 83

Anderson was a veteran, engineer, teacher, and mentor who helped grow the bluegrass community in Arizona for decades.

Apr. 14, 2026 at 8:41pm

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An abstract illustration featuring stark black silhouettes of a banjo, a singer, and other geometric shapes, conveying the spirit of the bluegrass community that Howard Anderson championed in Arizona.The passing of beloved bluegrass mentor Howard Anderson leaves a void in Arizona's vibrant musical community.Tempe Today

Howard Anderson, a longtime bluegrass musician, teacher, and mentor in Arizona, passed away on March 30, 2026 at the age of 83 after a battle with cancer. Anderson was known for his high tenor vocals, banjo playing, and dedication to fostering the bluegrass scene in the state through hosting a weekly jam session for over 35 years and volunteering as an instructor for the Jam Pak Blues 'N' Grass Neighborhood Band.

Why it matters

Anderson's passing marks the end of an era for the Arizona bluegrass community, as he was a central figure who helped nurture generations of musicians through his teaching, mentorship, and inclusive jam sessions. His commitment to preserving traditional bluegrass styles while also encouraging up-and-coming players left a lasting impact.

The details

After discovering bluegrass while stationed at the Pentagon in the military, Anderson became an avid banjo player and active participant in jams in Virginia. When he retired from Motorola and moved to Tempe, Arizona in the mid-1980s, he and his wife Susan immediately got involved with the Arizona Bluegrass Association. Seeing a need for more open bluegrass jams, the Andersons started hosting a weekly session at their home that ran for 35 years. Anderson also volunteered as an instructor for the Jam Pak Blues 'N' Grass Neighborhood Band, helping many young musicians develop their skills on the banjo and other instruments.

  • Anderson discovered bluegrass while stationed at the Pentagon in the military in the 1970s.
  • The Andersons started their weekly bluegrass jam in Tempe in the mid-1980s after moving from Virginia.
  • Anderson began volunteering as an instructor for the Jam Pak Blues 'N' Grass Neighborhood Band in 1995.
  • Anderson was diagnosed with cancer in 2022 and passed away on March 30, 2026 at the age of 83.

The players

Howard Anderson

A longtime bluegrass musician, teacher, and mentor in Arizona who passed away in 2026 at the age of 83 after a battle with cancer. He was known for his high tenor vocals, banjo playing, and dedication to fostering the bluegrass scene in the state.

Susan Anderson

Howard Anderson's wife, who helped him start a weekly bluegrass jam session at their home in Tempe that ran for 35 years.

Anni Beach

A mandolin player who became friends with the Andersons through their weekly jam session, and later founded the Jam Pak Blues 'N' Grass Neighborhood Band that Anderson volunteered to teach for.

Jam Pak Blues 'N' Grass Neighborhood Band

A bluegrass band and music education program in Arizona that Anderson volunteered as an instructor for, helping to teach and mentor many young musicians.

BluegrAZ Express

One of the bluegrass bands that Anderson played and sang with over the years.

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What they’re saying

“Play with people that are better than you if they will let you. You can learn a lot from them.”

— Howard Anderson, Bluegrass Musician

“If you are missing notes and sound sloppy … slow down! Speed will come automatically if you practice enough.”

— Howard Anderson, Bluegrass Musician

What’s next

The Jam Pak Blues 'N' Grass Neighborhood Band plans to hold a special memorial concert to celebrate Anderson's life and legacy in the Arizona bluegrass community.

The takeaway

Howard Anderson's lifelong dedication to teaching, mentoring, and fostering the bluegrass scene in Arizona left an indelible mark on generations of musicians. His commitment to preserving traditional styles while also encouraging up-and-coming players serves as an inspiring example of how one person can make a lasting impact on a local music community.