George Washington Gregory

George Washington Gregory (February 15, 1867 – May 2, 1902) was a banjo player, playing in the classic banjo style. A composer, he arranged classical music for the 5-string banjo. He taught the banjo as a music teacher and wrote a musical method, Practical Fingering for the Banjo, originally published in serial. For about two years he was part of the Gregory Trio, consisting of himself, W. B. Farmer and Charles Van Baar.

Gregory arranged European classical music for the banjo, which he and his trio would play. His choice of music made him part of the same musical movement as Alfred A. Farland, William A. Huntley, and S. S. Stewart, men "elevating" the banjo by appearing with the banjo in formal dress and playing music suitable for the parlor.

The European classical works that Gregory arranged for the banjo include Wagner's Grand March from Tannhauser, Listz's Rhapsodie Hongroise No. 2, Moszkowski's Boleros and Spanish Dances.

He began a performing career about 1891, performing alongside top performers of his day. His performing career may have been cut short by an injury to his hand in mid-1893. For a time he continued to teach music, listed as a banjo teacher through October 1898. He committed suicide in 1902.