Gilbert Hancock got his start playing the 5-string banjo as a member of James Dockery's invention, the Bluegrass Little Bits, during 1977.

A native Floridian, Gilbert spent most of his young life playing bluegrass music and developing his comedic skills at Allen's Historical Cafe, which was not far from his Green Swamp home in northeast Polk County. Every Thursday night at Carl Allen's was Bluegrass night and there were very few of those nights that Gilbert couldn't be found in one of the rooms either pickin' or tellin' some tall tale that would have everybody around him in stiches.

Over the years Gilbert has recorded 6 albums and been a guest banjo player on numerous others.

During the past few years, Gilbert has performed with his band “Gilbert Hancock & Friends” in festivals throughout the Southeast, as well as New York, Vermont and Maine.

"Baby Snakes" [RealAudio clip]

Gilbert had this to say about the Allen's Cafe experience, "Thousands of people from around the world visited Carl Allen's while it was open, but none could appreciate the importance of that small restaurant as me and the many pickers who performed there did. No matter where life leads, anyone who performed there will always remember the sights, sounds, friends, and memories that were found there." "I owe a special thanks to Mr. and Mrs. Allen for their support of the music I love and for allowing me to be a part of everyone's life who came through those doors, past the bear, the wooden Indian, weaving through yards of antiques into the back room to hear the music."

Entertaining is Gilbert’s love. Compelling him to enter theatre and soon from it’s stages to the silver screen, acting has become his first love.

For more in-depth information visit: GilbertHancock.com