Benton Flippen

James Benton Flippen (July 18, 1920 – June 28, 2011) was an American old-time fiddler from Mount Airy, North Carolina.

He was one of the last surviving members of a generation of performers born in the early 20th century playing in the Round Peak style centering on Surry County, North Carolina.

During his youth he visited his fiddling uncle John Flippen, quickly turned to playing the fiddle and started playing with the area's noted bands and musicians, among them the Green Valley Boys led by Glenn McPeak, with Esker Hutchins and Leak Caudill.

Esker became an important influence on Flippen's fiddling style, which included a heavy bow shuffle and bluesy notation.

In 1990, the North Carolina Folk Heritage Awards honored Flippen, who was recognized for a unique style of string fingering.

Flippen was also renowned for his original compositions, which include "Benton's Dream," "Fiddler's Reel," "Sally in the Turnip Patch," and "Smokey Valley Breakdown."