Emily Spencer - Emily came to this area from Arlington, VA She graduated from Clinch Valley College, a Social Welfare major. She met Thornton Spencer about this time and they married soon after wards when she was about twenty-two years old. She has been a member of the Whitetop Mountain Band since 1975; playing old time banjo and doing vocals as well as playing guitar at times. There is no doubt about the influence of Albert L. Hash in her music and in her family's talents. How very fortunate to have been able to play with one of the best for many years. Emily says there was music on her side of the family also, but she did not get a chance to hear any of it. Emily is full of graciousness for every one. She always has time to say hello and talk a bit. She and Thornton are parents of two very musically-talented children: Martha and Kilby, one or both are usually at the Smyth County Jam.
