He was well known for playing the banjo solo in "Dueling Banjos", used as the theme in the film "Deliverance" (1972), produced by Joe Boyd and directed by John Boorman. It was released later as a single and became a hit; playing on Top 40, AOR, and country stations alike. It reached the Top Ten and hit #2 in the US and Canada. The song also won the 1974 Grammy Award for Best Country Instrumental Performance.