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Pete Wernick, born Peter Wernick on February 25, 1946, in New York City, is an American banjo player known for his contributions to bluegrass music. He began playing the banjo at age 14 and pursued studies at Columbia University, where he hosted a bluegrass radio program and earned a Ph.D. in sociology. In 1970, Wernick formed Country Cooking in Ithaca, New York. In 1976, Wernick moved to Niwot, Colorado, and released his solo album Dr. Banjo Steps Out in 1977. He then formed Hot Rize in January 1978 with Tim O'Brien, Charles Sawtelle, and Mike Scap (later replaced by Nick Forster). Hot Rize recorded many originals including "Just Like You" and "Gone Fishing," performing full-time until April 1990. Wernick served as the first president of the International Bluegrass Music Association from 1986 to 2001. He won two IBMA awards in 2018: Mentor of the Year and Best Liner Notes.
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