This Putnam County native developed a special clawhammer style of playing by watching his father after long days on the farm. As a teen, he played on local radio with his cousin George.

After serving in World War II, Bird returned home, married, and worked various jobs, including at Union Carbide. In the 1950s, he joined a local bluegrass band, learning the newer three-finger banjo style even though he never considered himself a true bluegrass player.

In the 1970s, he focused on old-time music again, developing a unique "double drop-thumb" style. He recorded albums and played at many festivals, winning awards and becoming known as "The Banjo Man from Turkey Creek."

In 1996, he received West Virginia’s highest folklife honor, the Vandalia Award.