Real name: Jose Silva

Jose Silva was also known as "Mr. Banjo".

Born in Portugal, he eventually made his way to the American upper Midwest, where he played as a solo artist and in combos.
He also crafted many banjos by hand, and during the last part of his life wrote for banjo and guitar enthusiast magazines.

While Mr Silva is a somewhat obscure artist (additional information and recordings are rare), more information is available at the web link.