Best known for his work with the Western-style vocal band Sons of the Pioneers between 1961 and 1986, he had a long career that spanned from the prewar years to his death.
His name never quite achieved widespread notoriety; but within the music industry and his peers, he was considered on a par with the likes of Merle Travis and Chet Atkins.
[5] Other notable names for which he performed was Western swing Hank Penny's, in which Lanham's driving, jazzy guitar soloing were a signature feature; also, Loretta Lynn, Spade Cooley and others.
During this time, Lanham appeared in several motion pictures alongside the Pioneers, among which probably his most memorable performance was on 1963's short film 30 Minutes at Gunsight.
Later in the decade, however, he was diagnosed with bladder cancer and shortly after surgery he suffered a stroke, from which he somewhat recovered, although not sufficiently to rejoin the band.
"[12] His signature guitar style consisted of swingy, driving single-string flatpick soloing, as well as fingerstyle chordal melodies.