Japanese American Fiddler dies from pancreatic cancer

Aug 15 (asamnews.com) - Renowned Japanese American fiddler Shoji Tabuchi, a performer in Branson, Missouri; died from pancreatic cancer at 79 on Friday, his step-daughter Chrissy Lingo-Tabuchi, said on Facebook.

Tabuchi had been a violinist since he was seven years old and began his pursuit of country and bluegrass music after seeing American singer Roy Acuff perform in college.

It was in the early 1980s when Tabuchi moved to the U.S from Japan. According to Koam News, Tabuchi had moved to Nashville where he “reconnected with Akuff.” This rekindling granted Tabuchi a performance at the Grand Ole Opry, a venue that he would constantly return to. He also lived in Kansas City before moving to Branson, reports USA Today.

He was a fiddler who strayed from sticking to just performing country music as he performed pop, rock, rap and gospel as well.

Tabuchi founded his own theater, the Shoji Tabuchi Theatre, in the 1990s in Branson and launched an eponymous show featuring his wife, Dorothy Lingo, and his stepdaughter, Christina-Lingo Tabuchi. This family production helped establish Tabuchi’s reputation. ...continue reading

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