History with Bluegrass: I’ve loved bluegrass and real country music since I was 5 and my parents took me to the Saturday Barn Dance in Renfro Valley, KY. I played other instruments growing up, but started playing the bass in 2006.
Around age 15 my uncle started having jams at The Pick Shack in Shingle Hollow. This was his mother’s old country store, which is now listed on the National Historic Register. My uncle needed a bass player, so he stuck one in my hands and the race was on. We formed a family band, Hickory Flat, and we played and recorded together for 25 years doing festivals and concerts, as well as fiddlers’ conventions. Eventually, I moved to Greenville, where I became regular side man/guitar picker for Gene Dillard at The Handlebar Bluegrass Jam. My good friend and future bandmate, the late Jim Rollins, joined us for last few years.
Favorite Musicians: Loretta Lynn and George Jones.
Favorite Part About Being In West End: I love making music with the funniest and most talented people I know!
Other pastimes: In my spare time I enjoy going to hear live music, boating at the lake, camping, and playing with our Springer Spaniel, Arlo.