Mark Twain Traveled With Guitar

American writer Mark Twain was also a guitarist and singer, although he apparently never discussed this side of his life in his public writings or speeches. His older sister Pamilla, who taught guitar and piano to supplement the family income, introduced him to music. In 1861, Twain acquired a used Martin 2 1/2-17 guitar made in 1835, the same year he was born. He carried it on his travels and played for newspapermen, California miners, and ship passengers before parting with it shortly before his death in 1910.

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