Page 1 of 3: When Bunny gave up teaching, she asked Mel Bay to take over her students. This letter, written on February 25, 1935, mentions her influence on his teaching and also shows that the very young Mel Bay was already building on that and developing his own ideas and methods.

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Page 3 of 3

Bunny is mentioned in the third paragraph of this Author’s Note page from Mel Bay’s Tenor Banjo Method: “Later I was inspired by my teacher Bunny Longo, a top artist and great teacher, into becoming a professional on that instrument.”

The handwritten inscription was addressed to Bunny’s grandson, Jeremy Fields, when he met Mel Bay on a visit to his music store: “To Jeremy – You have a lot to be proud of. Bunny was the greatest. Mel Bay“

This note was addressed to Bunny’s husband, Kennett Wermke, when the Tenor Banjo Method book was released in 1968, five years after her death. It was attached to the inside cover of the copy given to Mr. Wermke by Mel Bay.

It reads: “Hello Mr. Wermke, I thought you would appreciate the instrument on the cover of my latest book. I used the banjo that was Bunny’s as a tribute to her. See the third paragraph of page one. regards, Mel Bay”

The cover of Mel Bay’s Tenor Banjo Method, published in 1968, features the customized Gibson Florentine banjo that belonged to Bunny Longo until her death in l963. Her name “Bunny” was spelled out in rhinestones on the peghead. Mel Bay purchased the banjo and featured it on the cover as a tribute to her.

This banjo skin was in Bunny’s personal collection of memorabilia. See next image for closeup of inscription: “Very well done Bunny – Harry Reser”

Inscription: “Very well done Bunny – Harry Reser”

Inscription on photograph: “Sincere Best Wishes to Bunny, who can really play my solos – Harry Reser”

We don’t know exactly when or where Bunny met and performed for Harry Reser, but in a letter dated October 28, 1935, from her friend and fellow banjoist Rev. Adam F. Hunkler, he states: “I am pleased that you met Harry Reser and that he highly recommended your banjo work, as I was certain he would.”