Welcome to the Biography section of the Smyth County Jam website. This section was put together to help everyone learn who's who. Many thanks to Anne Gilbert for her efforts to interview all the musicians - this will take some time! This is an ongoing process, so bare with us as we write and rewrite. Feel free to contact us for any updates or additions that you see needs to be made to these bios. ANNE GILBERT - When Larry Hogston began a search for a person to compile bio-sketches for the Smyth County Jam website, little did he realize there was a lady who had attended most of the jams who was eminently qualified to both interview and compile these Sketches. Her name is Anne Griffitts Gilbert. She was born in Grayson County between Rugby and Whitetop and now lives in Glade Spring. She had an early exposure to Old Time and Bluegrass music and many of its greats. Her parents lived near the legendary Albert Hash where she developed a deep and abiding love fro both the music and the man. She has attended 45 Galax Old Fiddlers Conventions and along with her late husband, "Bucky" judged a number of those conventions. She has interviewed many of the greats in the old time music field including Tex Ritter, Tom Ashley, Jeanette Carter, Flatt and Scruggs, Albert Hash and many others. She owns an extensive record collection, over 3,000 LP's and around 1,200 78 recordings, a wind-up victrola, several field recordings, assorted old instruments and a fiddle made by Albert Hash. She is always willing to help others. She is a delightful and talented lady. We're fortunate to have Anne associated with our jams. Her expertise in composition is showing through on her completed interviews. So when she approaches you with her pad and pencil, please answer a few questions for our website. Lawrence Richardson JOHN ABBOTT - CHRIS ANDERSON - LARRY ANDERSON - Larry says this is his first time at the Smyth County Jam; we hope it will not be his last! He sings well and is able to play several instruments: guitar, fiddle ,mandolin and banjo which he plays most often. Larry makes his home in Abingdon, VA. He is a retired truck driver for Mid-mountain Foods. Larry says he has been playing since he was about fifteen years, beginning on the guitar. A grandfather whom he never saw was a banjo-player. Larry's band is called "L and S Bluegrass Express". See Larry to purchase their CD's. PEGGIE BALDWIN - Peggy is from Whitetop, Va. She sings and plays rhythm guitar with the Whitetop Mountain Band from time to time at the jam. She has played since she was about twelve years old. Peggie says her entire family played all string instruments. A great musical heritage to come from a family who played . Peggie and husband Gayle, spent their working years in the Washington DC area and came back to Whitetop after they retired. Smyth County Jam welcomes her to our roster. Marty Robbins is one of her idols. STEVIE BARR - HERMAN BARRETT - Herman is a vital part of the Smyth County Jam, Larry gives him much credit for his faithfulness and his invaluable help. He began to play guitar at about age sixteen. Merle Travis and Chet Atkins have been his main influences. Herman's music /singing style is a very laid-back, easy listening type. He was born and raised in the Allison's Gap community, near Saltville, VA. Herman retired from Chesapeake Products, Chesapeake, VA in 2002. DANNY BARTLEY - LEWIS BARTON - JAN BENSCHOP - Jan (pronounced "Yon") comes to the Smyth County Jam from an island in the south Caribbean; in the Antilles, with a number of stops in between. At one time he and his wife were hikers on the Appalachian Trail; where they came to love this area. A back injury forced the long-distance hikes to cease. They now live in the Glade Spring, VA area in an RV park. Where Jan is currently involved in writing a science fiction novel. Jan was a technical writer in the corporate world. He plays a superlative guitar, as well as being a most compelling singer. Jan says he plays a "little" banjo, recorder and upright bass. Jan began playing guitar in 1967. In the 1980's Jan opened for Peter, Paul and Mary, going to many states to play. He says his all-time favorite music is that of Beethoven. Also, Jan lists Peter, Paul and Mary along with Doc Watson as his favorites among those artists who are living. We hope he will return to us many times in the future to enchant us with his music. "FAT ALBERT" BLACKBURN - ASHTON BLAYLOCK - SCOTT BLAYLOCK (left)- Scott Blaylock hails from Bristol, Tennessee. He says he mostly plays bass or guitar and sings. He is from a very musical family--the popular and very talented "Sage Grass" band are his uncles on his mother's side. The Smyth County Jam has welcomed another member of Scott's family a few months ago, his son Ashton, whom we all remember well for a mesmerizing performance. Not only Ashton, but Scott has another son, Brandon, who is eight years old. Brandon began on bass when he was five and has gone on to play banjo and mandolin. He is a bit shy Scott tells us, but here is another family member to look forward to hearing in the future. Scott says he admires Ernie Thacker, who played with Ralph Stanley. However, after being in a bad accident he is not able to travel. "Offset Grass' is the name of Scott's band. He is a foreman at BSR Roofing in Bristol, Tennessee and loves his work. ANDY BLEVINS - Andy lives near by in Cleghorn Valley area of Chilhowie, VA. He has been playing bass for about four years at this point. If he keeps on as well as he is doing now he will be truly awesome. Andy plays bass with the fine band "Cleghorn". The Smyth County Jam hopes Andy will come back every chance he has to grace this stage. Andy is a graduate of Radford University. He is employed by Casey Survey out of Wytheville, VA. BUDDY BLEVINS - Buddy lives at Seven Mile Ford. He is a maker of musical instruments: mandolins, fiddles, banjos and guitars. He also does repair work. Buddy is a very out-going friendly fellow. He is someone you would like to know better. He calls his business Deer Valley Musical Instruments; his shop is at his home. Both Del and Ronnie McCoury have played his instruments at the Paramount Theater. Mike Goodman owns one of Buddy's banjos. He usually plays it at the Smyth County Jam; it has an excellent sound. Buddy says he builds to order, and he usually has some instruments to sell as well. You can contact him at (276) 646-4264. Buddy also said he plays a "little " mandolin. Buddy is a regular at the Smyth County Jam; come and check out his instruments when you get a chance. DON BLEVINS - Don started out with his brother Larry, playing guitar and singing. What close harmony! What undeniable talent! Siblings almost always have an edge over the rest of us when it comes to music abilities. Don and Larry were together for several years, playing at festivals and fiddler's conventions all over the area. They called themselves the "Virginia Mountain Boys." About 1970 Don went to play with the superb band the "Mountain Ramblers" out of Galax, VA. This was one of the premier bands of that time. They almost always finished a competition in 1st, 2nd or 3rd place. Don spent about seven years with this group. There was a period of about ten years was when Don did not play very much. It was only when his son Jordan began to show interest in playing bass fiddle (and later fiddle) that Don began to play again. There are very few guitar pickers in this area who can hold a candle to Don's artistry on his instrument, as well as his very powerful singing. Don Reno was one of Don Blevins' big influences, Red Smiley too, he says, but mostly Reno. Don has been married to Pat for twenty-eight years. They have two sons :Jordan and Joel. Don is always one of the favorites at the Smyth County Jam. GEORGE BLEVINS - GREG BLEVINS - The Smyth County Jam is pleased to have Greg Blevins show up to play for us. Greg is a younger brother of Larry and Don Blevins of Marion, VA, who make up the core of the Virginia Mountain Boys. He plays mandolin and sings very well. He says he has been inspired by Larry and by Bill Monroe. Greg has been playing mandolin for about ten years now. Greg's five year old daughter loves bluegrass music and sings also, carrying on a family tradition! JORDON BLEVINS - Jordon began to play guitar at about age five! He started on the bass fiddle at ten. He is the son of Don and Pat Blevins of Marion, VA and Larry Blevins' nephew.--- A musical family of long standing. Jordon says his Dad Don was and is very much an influence on his music. He is presently playing fiddle with the popular group "Fescue", as well as playing with The Virginia Mountain Boys when ever his schedule permits. Jordon works as a ranger at Grayson Highlands State Park. We are grateful Jordon often sees fit to join us at the Smyth County Jam and to carry on a family tradition of outstanding bluegrass music. LARRY BLEVINS - There is much to be said about Larry Blevins. His encyclopedic knowledge of Bill Monroe is amazing! Bill Monroe was a mentor to Larry and he learned his lessons well! Larry can likely tell you more about bluegrass music than almost any one around. Larry began to play guitar in 1955, and went on to play mandolin in 1963. Since that time he has never looked back. Along with his brother Don, Larry formed the band The Virginia Mountain Boys in 1964. They stopped playing as a band around 1967. Larry played with Red Smiley and his group off and on in 1972, until Smiley passed away. Presently Larry owns Virginia Mountain Studios, repairing recording equipment, for the most part. He is constantly on the go with his work. In 1968 Larry became World Champion on the mandolin at Union Grove ,NC. Larry gives much credit to Spencer Moore for his enduring influence. The Smyth County Jam is fortunate to have Larry Blevins play at this venue. LEON & CRYSTAL BLEVINS - RHONDA BLEVINS - RYAN BLEVINS - STEWART BLEVINS - Stewart comes to the Smyth County Jam from Damascus, VA. He was born over on the other side of the mountain in Green Cove. He is a fiddler, who takes pride in his fiddle, which he bought in Germany in 1951, when he was in service. Stewart has been playing fiddle about fifty years. He says his mother played piano. Stewart is a retired painter who has worked in Washington, DC, Pennsylvania, Maryland, South Carolina and Florida. He says he has always admired the Carter Family very much. DAN BOLT - Dan along with his wife Stacie and his twin brother Sam hail from Willis, VA (Floyd County) and make up the Bolt Brother's Band. The entire band is very personable and approachable. They are self-employed, working together at manufacturing bio-diesel fuel. Being twins in the best sense of the word; they play one guitar at the same time. We at the Smyth County Jam are pleased and honored to have them come to our stage at any time. Dan plays guitar and mandolin. Both sing very well. He and Stacie have one daughter and two sons. Their maternal grandfather played fiddle for Grandpa Jones in years past. Between the three of them they make an outstanding group. Two artists Dan likes are Bill Monroe and Doyle Lawson. In their late teens and into their late twenties they travelled all over the country as a gospel band. They have played music for twenty years. Before they began to slow down to raise their children, they wore out two tour buses. The Bolt twins were the first bluegrass band from the USA to tour Newfoundland, Canada. SAM BOLT - Sam along with his twin brother Dan and Dan's wife Stacie hail from Willis, VA (Floyd County) and make up the Bolt Brother's Band. The entire band is very personable and approachable. They are self-employed, working together at manufacturing bio-diesel fuel. Being twins in the best sense of the word; they play one guitar at the same time. We at the Smyth County Jam are pleased and honored to have them come to our stage at any time. Sam plays fiddle and mandolin. Both sing very well. Sam has two children. Sam says their mother plays guitar and sings like an angel. Their maternal grandfather played fiddle for Grandpa Jones in years past. Between the three of them they make an outstanding group. Sam's favorite artist is Ricky Scaggs. In their late teens and into their late twenties they travelled all over the country as a gospel band. They have played music for twenty years. Before they began to slow down to raise their children, they wore out two tour buses. The Bolt twins were the first bluegrass band from the USA to tour Newfoundland, Canada. STACIE BOLT - Stacie along with her husband Dan and his twin brother Sam hail from Willis, VA (Floyd County) and make up the Bolt Brother's Band. Stacie adds a lot to this band with her bass playing and singing. She lists as her favorite performers as Dolly Parton and Russell Moore. We are honored for her to make an appearance at the Smyth County Jam. The entire band is very personable and approachable. Stacie and Dan have one daughter and two sons. DEBBIE BRAMMER - Debbie was born in Michigan, but now resides in Fancy Gap. She plays bass at the Smyth County Jam with the Whitetop Mountain Band, as well as some times playing with the Mt Rogers Ramblers. She first learned to play fiddle, and then bass, also claw hammer banjo and is now learning to play guitar! A well rounded musician! Her influences are the members of the Whitetop Mountain Band. DARNEL BREEDING - RANNIE BREEDING - Rannie was born in Buchanan County, VA. He now lives in Russell County with his wife Cathy. Rannie spent thirty -five years as a coal miner. He retired in 2006 from that dangerous occupation. He is one of our most faithful members at the JAM; bringing to it a fine talent on the mandolin and a friendly out -going personality to all he meets. Once in awhile Cathy will get up and dance when a good ,fast tune is played. This is an enjoyable part of the Smyth County Jam...we need more good dancers! WANNACE BREEDING - CARL BRICKEY - Carl comes to the Smyth County Jam from the Broadford area . He plays guitar and says he has been playing about two years. His mother plays piano and teaches chorus in middle school. At present time Carl is a student at Virginia Highlands Community college, where he will finish his course in Journalism shortly. He will go on to East Tennessee State from there. He likes to listen to Norman Blake, John Coltrain, and Buddy Guy. RON BRICKEY - Ron lives in Meadowview, although he is originally from Saltville, VA. The Smyth County Jam is glad to have Ron with us any time he wants to come by. He plays several instruments: mandolin, banjo, guitar and bass. At one time he was with a band called " The 107 Connection"; this was several years ago; now days Ron says he likes to go around and just jam with other musicians. Larry Hogston's mother is Ron's sister, so we have a talented family here. Ron has worked for General Dynamics for twenty-five years. His musical hero is the very popular Larry Sparks. BUD BROWN - Bud Brown lives in Oregon currently, however, he was born in Mountain City, TN. Having relatives living in Oregon Bud went west and went to work in construction. He retired from his business in 1991. Since that time he flies back and forth across the USA from Oregon to Tennessee and Virginia, to the JAM here in Smyth County. Bud is a valued member of the Smyth County Jam. He is a great-nephew of the late "Tom" Clarence Ashley of Shouns TN .He holds Tom up as one of his influences, as well as Mac Wiseman. When Bud was growing up he mentions listening to "Farm and Fun Time' a radio show originating in Bristol. A quality show for those days! Bud began playing guitar and singing about age twelve. By the time he was sixteen he had joined Tom Ashley's group. When Tom decided to give up driving, Bud would drive him here and there. It is very likely that Bud could tell some colorful stories about those days. Now that Bud is retired he can come and visit the Smyth County Jam and perform his music, and tell tall tales of his pal "Luther's ' exploits at any time. He is most certainly welcome to do so. Bud has two sons and three grand children. KEVIN BROWN - Kevin is one half of the Vagabond Brothers from Vermont. Felix Wilson makes up the other half. These two very polite and personable young men have been hiking the Appalachian Trail, carrying their instruments with them. They visited the Carter Fold and decided to come to The Smyth County Jam. We are happy they made the trip. Kevin Brown has played fiddle for about one year. Kevin was born in Arlington, VA. but now lives in Vermont. They admire the music of the Carter Family, John Jacob Niles and Hank Williams Sr. We hope they will see fit to come to the Jam any time they can make the trip to Smyth County. TONY BUCK (left) - TERRY BULLIN - NEAL BURCHETT (left) - Neal has been playing music for about forty-five years. He says he likes all music and could not pick out any certain group he likes more than another. Neal lives about seven miles from the Smyth County Jam and we wish he would show up more often to play for us. He plays a superlative bass and guitar and sings very well also. Neal has one daughter. He says both his parents played guitar and sang. Neal has played with mostly local bands, He played with The Virginia Mountain Boys; Larry Blevins' very excellent group at one time. LIB BURRESS (left) - SLOAN CAIN - Sloan Cain is recovering from shoulder surgery, but has seen fit to come to the Smyth County Jam as an observer instead of a fiddler. We hope he can get back to fiddling and feel well shortly. Sloan currently lives in Ceres, VA. He has retired from teaching (a guidance counselor) in Yadkin County North Carolina. Sloan plays fiddle and guitar. He has played since age thirteen. He says his influences in music are Benny Martin and Thornton Spencer. His mother came from a large family and and she played piano. Sloan says she showed him about three chords on the guitar and he learned from there. APRIL CALAHAN (left) - PATTY & TOMMY CALAHAN - Patty and husband Tommy live in the Marion area near Adwolfe. We are glad they live so near to the Smyth County Jam, so they can attend often! Patty says she has been playing bass for about two years, while Tommy has been playing guitar a some what longer time. Tommy writes much of their own material and is a polished and capable song writer; this is a talent many of us do not possess. They have been playing together for about four years. Tommy admires Larry Sparks and Patty likes Blue Highways and Mountain Heart bands. The Callahan's have one daughter who is grown and away from home. RAYMOND CAMPBELL - Raymond Campbell lives in Rich Valley. He plays mandolin with the ever popular band; "FESCUE". He has been with this band about eighteen years. Raymond says he has played about twenty years. He is a very strong singer and says he plays both guitar and bass in addition to his mandolin work. We welcome him anytime at the Smyth County Jam. One of his influences is John Duffey, another excellent musician, who was known as the Father of "Modern" Bluegrass Music. Raymond also plays with a church group called "VALLEY GRASS" He says his mother played guitar. JOHN CASEY - LOGAN CHATHAM - DAVID CHRISLEY - The Smyth County Jam is very pleased to have Steve Chrisley's son David, to come to play for us. He lives in Max Meadows, VA. David is a very mature nine year old and is going to be in the fourth grade this fall. He is a quiet young man who plays bass, guitar ,and a little on the banjo. What a treat to meet him and listen to him play! David says when he is through school he might like to be a mechanic or perhaps a brick-layer. We wish him loads of luck in whatever he goes into. STEVE CHRISLEY - Steve plays banjo. He began playing at the tender age of nine. He hails from Max Meadows area of neighboring Wythe County he says he expects to live and die in this same part of the world. He quit playing for a number of years,-- twenty-two, to be exact!. We are glad here at the Smyth County Jam that he started back to making music. Steve likes the late Bill Monroe's style and says he also admires the Seldom Scene and The Country Gentlemen's music. HAZEL CLARK - JUNIOR CLARK - Our only "permanent" dobro player at the Smyth County Jam, Junior is a valued musician where ever he plays. Not only does he play an exceptional dobro, he also makes them. He has been making dobros for about fourteen years. Junior says he has been playing for thirty years. He makes his home in Marion, VA. Although he is retired from B&T Concrete he some times works a little there to help them out. The Clarks have seven children. AMBER COLLINS - DALE COLLINS - BUFORD CONN - Buford Conn comes to the Smyth County Jam from Tazewell County, Thompson Valley section. He is a member of the Tazewell County Back Porch Pickers, playing a very nice style mandolin with this group. He started out on guitar, but has played mandolin about three years now. Buford says he has always admired the Stanley Brothers. He has been playing with the group about seven or eight years. Buford says his brother played piano at one time. CARMEN CONNETT - SANDY COOK - Sandy comes to the Smyth County Jam from Mountain City, Tennessee. She says she has been playing bass for about two years. Sandy sounds as if she has been playing much longer than that. She puts her entire personality into her music when she gets up on stage. She plays with "L and S Bluegrass Express". Sandy is a teacher's assistant. She says she admires the music of Flatt and Scruggs. Her hobby is bluegrass music. STEVE CRABTREE - Steve is a man of many parts. He comes to the Smyth County Jam from Lebanon, VA. Steve would be an outstanding addition to any group, with his shy smile and friendly ways. He plays a superlative guitar and sings as well, although he claims he only knows a total of four songs! This is just Steve being modest. While in the Air Force, Steve was stationed in Louisiana and became acquainted with Cajun music, Zydeco and Jazz. He likes all music, however. He began to play at age sixteen when he got his first guitar. After a tour in Iraq, Steve is now in college, playing when he gets a chance, with among others; the "Whitetop Mountain Band". Steve says he has a gospel group called "Forgiven", and he usually plays an electric guitar with this band. TOM CRAWFORD - Tom can play about any instrument, including bass; as well as being an excellent singer. He is a welcome addition to the Smyth County Jam. Tom also makes dobros. He was born and raised in Saltville, VA. The Crawford's have a son and a grandson who play music -- three generations! Tom likes all sorts of music from classical on down the list. He is retired from HS Williams Co. JACKSON CUNNINGHAM - MELINDA DAVIS - RALPH DOLLINGER - BOYD DOWELL - Boyd was originally from Pennsylvania, but now is living in Mountain City, Tennessee. He is a welcome addition to our group at the Smyth County Jam. Boyd has been playing since he was about ten years old; he plays guitar, banjo, bass and mandolin. He is related (cousin) to our good friend Kenny Price. Boyd is a member of "EC Miller's Gold Rush Revue Band". His musical heritage comes down from his dad's side; Roy Dowell and his dad's brother Ray played guitar and fiddle respectively. Boyd has written several songs and sings them well. we were honored by his singing one at the jam. He has recently retired from the Tennessee Department of Prisons located near Mountain City. JOANNE DRAUGHN - Joanne is a resident of Boones Creek Tennessee being the wife of Mike Draughn. She is an excellent upright bass player, and says she can play a little fiddle and guitar. Joanne works as a CNA in Home, Health and Hearth. The Draughns have two grown children, a boy in service whom she worries about a lot, being in a foreign place. We are happy to see Joanne and her husband Mike, at any time they can come up to the Smyth County Jam. A musician/singer, Joanne admires is Alison Krauss. Joanne has been playing bass around twenty years. MIKE DRAUGHN - Mike comes to the Smyth County Jam from Boone's Creek, Tennessee. He plays mandolin, guitar, banjo and bass; he is a very multi-talented person! Mike's dad Ted Draughn, played mandolin and guitar. He also plays in the " Gold Rush Revue Band," with Boyd Dowell. Mike has been playing music for about thirty years, actually, he doesn't look much older than thirty. By trade Mike is a diesel mechanic. He says he has always admired the music of Bobby Osborne. SMILIN' JACK DUNEVANT - Smilin' Jack Dunevant comes from the Galax area of Grayson County. He started playing music about age ten. He sings, plays guitar and kazoo. Jack says his mother played all stringed instruments. He began his career in music at WBOB, the radio station in Galax. Jack has performed from Virginia to Great Falls, Montana and into Canada, as well doing imitations in Poland, Japan and other parts of Asia, while he was in the military. He tells us at the Smyth County Jam that he has a CD out of all gospel songs, and that all the songs are fifty years old or older. Look him up if you would like to purchase the CD. Jack says his son Jackie, plays anything with strings. JAMES "RABBIT" DUNFORD - James Dunford comes to the Smyth County Jam from Wythe County. He lives in Max Meadows area, out in the country. He is a member of The Gospel Mountain Boys band. James plays rhythm guitar and sings tenor. He says he comes from a musical background; both his parents played instruments. In the 1980's he toured by bus with a group called the Dalton Gang. James started in gospel music about twelve or fourteen years ago and switched to bluegrass two years ago. He started playing at about eleven years old. Some of his influences and persons he admires are; Jimmy Martin, Ralph Stanley and Third Time Out band. The Gospel Mountain Boys have several CD's out, if you would like to buy one you need to contact him. CHRIS DUTTON - RANDY DUTTON - JACOB ELLER - JIM ELLIOT - TAZE FARMER - JESSE FINLEY - Jesse comes to the Smyth County Jam from Whitetop. We always welcome any one from there; so many great musicians, both past and present have roots in Whitetop, and indeed, in Grayson County. Jesse has been playing guitar and singing lead for about five years now. He is a member of The Dry Fork Band. Jesse is retired on disability. He has one daughter and two grandchildren. He says he is" single and looking" so pay attention all you eligible ladies. Jesse says he likes to listen to Ricky Scaggs, the Osborne Brothers, and Larry Sparks. ERSEL & ELLA DEANE FLETCHER - Ersel is a retired coal miner, born in Buchanan County, VA. His father was an old time claw-hammer banjo picker. Ersel lived in Russell County during his working years, since then he moved to the Glade Spring area of Washington County, VA, where he lives presently with his wife Ella Deane. He began to play guitar after high school ;when in 1966, he went to diesel school in Nashville, TN and was taught to play by a room mate. He went into service and was sent to Vietnam. After his tour of duty, he went to work in the coal mines. The Smyth County Jam is very pleased he has come to be with us and that he is such a faithful part of the Jam almost every Monday evening. Ersel is an excellent singer and guitarist. He probably knows more song lyrics than most people have heard of ! He counts Ricky Scaggs, Bill Monroe, and the Stanley Brothers as bands who have been influences for him. Ella Deane is learning to play bass and is also a welcome addition to the Jam. Ersel has formed a band called "Black Diamond Edition", who for the most part, play in Buchanan County when they can get together. HEATHER GILLESPIE - MIKE GOODMAN - Mike was born in Georgia, but raised in Chilhowie, VA. He is a jeweler by profession. He is also a jewel of a bluegrass banjo picker, as well! He began to play banjo about the age of eight or nine . His father Bill plays bass here and there. Mike has played with the wildly popular bluegrass band "Fescue" for about thirteen or fourteen years now. Mike says his inspiration comes from playing at fiddler's conventions and festivals over the years. Mike is a regular at the Smyth County Jam. CODY GRAVLEY - Cody Gravley comes from up in Wythe County to the Smyth County Jam. His home is in Max Meadows, quite a drive down the interstate. Cody impresses us with not only his youth; he is fourteen, but his excellent fiddling. He says he has only been playing fiddle about eight months. If this is any indication of things to come he will do well to keep at it. When asked who he admired in music, he promptly said "Gid Tanner and the Skillet Lickers!"- a very popular old time band from the late twenties and early thirties. Even some of the older generation would not know that name.! Cody is in an old time band called "White Noise." It will be interesting to see and hear the entire band at some point in time. Members of the White Noise band are: Cody Gravley - fiddle, Jerry Atwell - bass, Coy Ryan - banjo, Jamie Spicer -guitar and Aaron (last name unknown) mandolin. JAY DEE (J.D.) HALE - JD Hale was born near Oakwood, VA in Page "Holler". He says he wrote his first song when he was ten years old. JD has the soul of a poet; his songs get close to the heart. He said his mother sang as she sat at her sewing machine making clothes for her family. We are honored that JD has visited the Smyth County Jam and hope he will see fit to return many times. JD's uncle Earl played fiddle with The Virginia Drifters at one time. He is a man of many talents and has worked at various occupations: coal miner, carpenter etc. His father was a miner for forty years. Now days JD says he is making his living writing songs. We wish him well in this endeavor. He has a CD out titled" SONGS FOR MAMA". It is quite good and from the heart. If any one wishes to buy one you can contact him at this number: 1-276-657-1404 or get in touch with Black Crow Art and Publishing Co 198 Keenon Lane, Tazewell, VA 24651. JD really liked the atmosphere and friendliness of the Smyth County Jam. He says he felt welcome as soon as he came in the door "DOC" MARK HANDY - Dr Mark Handy comes a long way to the Smyth County Jam. He makes his home in Ennice, NC (Alleghany County); although his medical practice is in Abingdon. Mark plays a fine banjo and will some times break out into a spontaneous dance step or two; which he does quite well also. Dr Handy says his grandpa played claw-hammer banjo, and that an uncle played banjo also, in addition to being a luthier. He has cousins who are musicians, playing fiddle and banjo (both bluegrass and claw-hammer styles). Dr Handy seems to have a thoroughly musical background. The Jam is always pleasantly surprised to see Dr Handy come through the door. MIKE HANKINS (right) - Another member of the " Back Porch Pickers", Mike Hankins is an original member of this fine band. Mike plays an outstanding dobro. He plays guitar, bass and fiddle, also. What a multi-talented man to grace the stage of the Smyth County Jam! Mike says he has played for about twenty-five or twenty-six years. At one time he played in a gospel group called "Country Praise." Mike says he admires a man by the name of Wade Arns, whom he grew up with. Wade Arns played an exceptional guitar and Mike apparently learned a lot from him. RYAN HANKINS (left)- We at the Smyth County Jam know where Ryan Hankins gets his talent in music--the 'apple does not fall far from the tree', so to speak. Ryan is the son of Mike Hankins; both play with the "Back Porch Pickers" band out of Tazewell, VA. Ryan plays both guitar and mandolin. He is a 2006 graduate of Emory and Henry College majoring in History and Political Science. Ryan now works for the Crab Orchard Museum. HOWARD HAWTHORNE - BOBBY HAYTON - STEVE HAYTON - TEDDY HELTON - WAYNE HENDERSON - HERBERT HESS - Herbert is a member of the outstanding "Back Porch Pickers "out of Tazewell, VA. He plays both guitar and bass; most often guitar, with the band. The Smyth County Jam hopes to see a lot more of this very excellent band. He has played for about two or three years with this group, before this, he and Buford Conn sang five or so years together. Herbert was born in Tazewell and lived there all his life. He is a retired heavy equipment operator. Although he has a sister and brother who played music, Herbert says he learned to play on his own. Herbert admires the "Black Diamond" band. RICKY HESS - Ricky comes to our music venue from Cedar Bluff, VA. The Smyth County Jam is very happy to have a few good harmonica players visit us. They are few and far between; yet they add so much to the music! We appreciate him coming here. Ricky says he has been playing harmonica for about 48 years. That would make him start at age four. He spent about fourteen years in Cleveland, Ohio where his only child, a daughter, remains still. About all Ricky's family plays and or sings. Ricky is a member of the excellent band: "The Back Porch Pickers" based in the Tazewell area. He says he admires the music of the original Carter Family very much. JENNY HINKLE - Jenny (Virginia) Hinkle has visited the Smyth County Jam for her first time. We hope it will not be her last. Jenny sings in the choir of The Church of Christ in Tazewell, VA. She says she will have a CD out before long; doing gospel songs. Both her parents sang and she has a brother plays guitar, banjo and sings tenor. Jenny has two grown children who live near by. She loves to sing and has been at it about her entire life. Singing brings her comfort and much joy. LARRY HOGSTON - Larry, You are NOT going to like this, for you are entirely too modest. You are welcome to include this in as a 'disclaimer AG - Larry is our very able leader at the Smyth County Jam as well as being the webmaster on the jam website. In "real life" Larry is an Investment Advisor Representative. Larry and Sandy live in North Holston, near Saltville, VA. Beside being a really pleasant person, Larry is a "musician's musician". He plays an excellent bluegrass banjo, guitar, and bass, to name a few. Beside music he keeps busy "working on a building" which will eventually evolve into an office. Larry names many artists whom he admires from Hank Williams, Bill Monroe, Johnny Cash, Gordon Lightfoot, to Jim Croce and Butch Robbins. His favorite banjos players and influences are Earl Scruggs, Butch Robins, Ed Delp and Ted Sage. He likes to go fishing when he can (his lifestyle don't produce many off-hours to sit on the river bank.) On top of this Larry goes out with his metal detector to search for treasure now and then. We hope he finds that pot of gold--or what ever he seeks in time to come. Larry wanted to be last on the bios when he should have been first! SANDY HOGSTON - Sandy is the heart and soul of the best of The Smyth County Jam. Without her and Larry there would be no jam, and certainly not of the quality we enjoy. Sandy is our very excellent official photographer for the website. She and Larry have been married about fourteen years. What a dedicated couple, devoted to the preservation of our music! While Sandy is reluctant to talk about herself, we can all see what she is doing and how well she does it. She says shopping is one of her hobbies. Sandy was born and still lives in Saltville. Sandy is employed by The Marion Housing Authority. CHARLIE HOLLIDAY - The Smyth County Jam welcomes Charlie Holliday , formerly of Damascus , now living in Glade Spring, VA. Charlie suffers from spinal bifida; a birth defect. He does NOT suffer from a lack of talent and out- going friendliness, however. Charlie plays mandolin and guitar and sings exceptionally well! He has been playing guitar for about twenty-five years and mandolin about three years. He plays gospel and country as well as playing a solid bluegrass style. Charlie says he admires The Carter Family, Ricky Skaggs and Bill Monroe. A very select group and well worth admiration. Come back soon, Charlie! RAY HOLMES - PAULINE & EMERY HORN - Pauline and Emery Horn have been married for fifty-four years! At present they live in Glade Spring, VA. Pauline and Emery add a lot to the Smyth County Jam with their talents. He plays guitar and they both sing. They are a shining example to those who would follow after them. Pauline says they spent thirty- four years in Michigan ,where they tirelessly promoted bluegrass/country style music as a constant thing. She says enthusiastically." I love it!" That love certainly shows. The Horns have three sons. Larry, who still lives in Michigan, started playing fiddle when he was about seven years old. He is still at it and doing a bang -up job , by the way! Another son, Randy, is involved with the Smyth County Jam and some times gets up to sing with his folks. It is a treat to see Pauline out on the floor clogging away...she is a "keeper!" RANDY HORN - In Memoriam - Randy In spite of his ill health Randy tried to show up at the Smyth County Jam as much as he possibly could. Everyone who knew Randy will miss his friendly smile and out-going manner. If you were a stranger, Randy would put you at ease; this is a special trait not all of us possess. In addition to emceeing singing at the jam, Randy was proud of his garden and loved flowers. At one time Randy played bass, in later months he would get up and sing a song once in a while, sometimes with his parents, Pauline and Emery, sometimes solo. All the jam attendees will miss Randy and all send heart-felt condolences to his family who are bowed in grief at his passing. Randy had been an important part of all the jams since Larry and some friends started the Saltville Jam in 1997. TRAVIS HOUCK - Travis is a native son of Chilhowie, VA. He is currently a student at ETSU, majoring in advertising and minoring in bluegrass music ! The Smyth County Jam welcomes Travis to our Monday night gathering, and hope he will come back often. Travis says he used to play bass, but has gone on to play dobro in recent times, and he does it quite well! He was in a family gospel band at one time, with his sister, brother, father, mother and sister-in-law, going by the name of The Houck Family Band. Travis says he admires and respects all who play music. He says he likes the style of Josh Graves and has a dobro signed by Graves.   CJ HUBBLE - The Smyth County Jam is always pleased to welcome new young people to play for us. CJ is a high school student from Rich Valley who plays mandolin, guitar, bass and fiddle. He says he has been playing mandolin about seven months now. One of CJ's uncles (Wayne Hubble) played fiddle and mandolin. CJ admires the style and music of Doyle Lawson. Another interest of CJ's is horse back riding. DAN ISAACS - Dan Isaacs is from Watauga County NC, where he retired from teaching PE and coaching after thirty-two years of service. The Smyth County Jam is fortunate to have musicians of his caliber come to play for us. He is a fiddler, who plays a really fine harmonica, as well. He also played banjo with Clint and Clarence Howard and their family band for about eighteen years. These are enviable credentials for anyone. Dan says all his family played music (not the immediate family); but grand parents, aunts and uncles. He admires all bluegrass musicians, and especially all bluegrass banjo pickers. Dan says he is very proud of his identical twin grandsons who are about one year old. TOMMY ISSACS - KEVIN JACKSON (LEFT) - TJ & Tommy Jackson - How fortunate we are at the Smyth County Jam to have ten year old TJ Jackson, who is both a singer a song writer, and an added bonus -- a musician; he plays bass guitar! TJ is a very intelligent boy--writing songs far beyond his years of experience, thought provoking songs, about abused children and subjects we as adults can hardly comprehend happening to people. TJ attends Chilhowie School and is in the third grade. He and dad Tommy play together on stage and we know that dad is so very proud of TJ. DOC BB JESSEE (center)- GEORGE JESSEE - George Jessee is from Lebanon, VA in near by Russell County. He is a very talented fellow who plays banjo, guitar, bass, mandolin and fiddle. George says: "mostly banjo!". He and his wife play gospel music together. The Smyth County Jam welcomes his talent to our group. George's cousin, Adam Steffy, picked up mandolin from him and went on to win first in mandolin five years running at the BGMA (Bluegrass Music Association). He built a very beautiful banjo which he played for us at the jam. He says; "probably will be his first and last attempt at instrument making"--we sincerely hope not as it is truly a work of art. George has three young children who are just beginning to take an interest in music. He is employed by American Electric Power. George admires the music of JD Crowe. CHASE JOHNER - Chase was born in Chilhowie, VA and still lives here. He will be nineteen years old old in April. Chase has been playing guitar for seven years and playing mandolin about five years. He has developed his own unique style on the mandolin and Smyth County Jam is happy to see him take the stage, to play or sing at any time. He says his influence has been Ronnie McCoury, son of Dell McCoury. Chase played at the White House in 2005, for the "Pageant for Peace." In a short while Chase will take a tour in Europe, mainly Germany to showcase his very great talents. We know he will be received well there. Good Luck, Chase! ALLEN JOHNSON (middle) - Allen is a newcomer to the Smyth County Jam, and we hope he will come back as often as he is able. He comes from Sparta, NC, however, he was born in Galax, VA, a hot bed of excellent musicians!! Allen used to play guitar for about thirty or forty years he says, but now he plays bass--left handed! He says his fingers won't work as well to play guitar as they once did. He taught his son to play guitar, and states his son can play better than he can now--a good teacher! Allen's grandfather played fiddle. Mentioning a few musicians whose work he admires he lists Larry Sparks, The Country Gentlemen, and The Seldom Scene HARMON ROY JOHNSON (right) - We are privileged to hear the banjo of Harmon Johnson here at the Smyth County Jam now and then. Harmon was born in Buchanan County, and worked as a coal miner twenty-two years, until an injury forced his retirement .He worked at Virginia-Pocahontas #5 mine. He plays guitar, fiddle, as well as two styles of banjo (bluegrass and claw hammer). Harmon has been playing music for fifty-two years. He says his grandmother and most of his uncles on both sides of his family played music. Harmon is a member of the band "Black Diamond Edition." He says he enjoys gardening and playing music. His wife is named Melvie June and they have two children. SHERRY JONES - ADDIE KEENE - The Smyth County Jam welcomes Addie Keene to our group.--what a super lady! Addie was born in Maine, and later spent thirty plus years in Denver, Colorado. She lives in Kingsport, Tennessee currently. She says she only knew one person when she moved to Tennessee, but through musical contacts; she has broadened her horizons considerably. Addie says she has been playing rhythm guitar and singing since age twelve when she got her first guitar from Sears for the princely sum of $12.95 !! She has played and sang both at the Carter Fold and the Picking Porch, with which every one is familiar. While in Maine, she won three trophies for her talents in country music. Addie admires Kitty Wells very much and says she also likes to listen to Patsy Cline and Hank Williams Senior. Hopefully, she will return to our jam at every opportunity. ED KENNEDY - The Smyth County Jam welcomes Ed Kennedy from Wytheville, VA. Ed is a member of The Gospel Mountain Boys band. He has been playing music off and on since he was about eleven years old. Ed plays banjo and guitar and is a fine singer also. He has played banjo since the 1990's. Two of Ed's brothers play instruments as well as his dad who played banjo and a great-grandfather played fiddle. He admires The Stanley Brothers ( Carter and Ralph), and says Larry Sparks is another musician he likes very much. Ed is a disabled Vietnam veteran. GUS KINCER - Gus Kincer comes from Speedwell, VA to the Smyth County Jam. Gus plays bass as well as the uke-jo, which is basically a ukulele with a banjo head. His mother plays piano and his great grandfather played Scurggs style banjo. Gus has been playing about five years. He started out in Old Time style. Gus also plays in church. CHARLES KINZER - Charles is from Independence, VA. He is a new comer to the Smyth County Jam. He plays guitar, mandolin, bass, keyboards, steel guitar and sings too. A well rounded musician, indeed! Charles plays in a band called The New River Bluegrass plus he plays with the Grayson County Bluegrass Band. He admires the music of Flatt and Scruggs, Seldom Scene, Country Gentlemen, and many of the local groups. Charles has been making music about all his life; since he was about four or five years old. He had a country-type band in the 1960's, and went to totally bluegrass later on. BRUCE KNIGHT - TOM LAYTON - ADAM LARKEY - It is our pleasure at the Smyth County Jam to welcome Adam and his folks to our venue. Adam comes to us from Erwin, Tennessee. He is eleven years old, and in the fifth grade; he has been playing fiddle for about four years now. To hear Adam play his fiddle, sing and do his own emceeing, you would think he was a grown man. This young fellow is mature beyond his years by a great deal. His stage presence is remarkable. Adam says he hopes to continue on with his music and probably make an architect when all is said and done. He is presently working on learning mandolin to add to his current abilities. Adam plays percussion in his middle school band. The entire family are musically inclined; Adam says. Dad Eric, plays bass and guitar, his mother also plays bass and his sister sings. Someone whom Adam admires in the field of music is Hunter Berry, who plays fiddle for Rhonda Vincent. ERIC LARKEY - When asked what his name is, Eric replied, "Adam's dad!". The entire Larkey family are very people-oriented and friendly to all. Eric plays bass and guitar. The Larkeys hail from Erwin, Tennessee. The Smyth County Jam hopes they will return as often as they can to be with us. Eric says his grandprarents lived in Hiltons, VA near the Carter Fold, and that they grew up in that tradition. Beside the Carter Family, Eric says he likes to listen to Flatt and Scruggs and Don Reno. Eric is a UPS driver in Johnson City, Tennessee. ALEX LEACH (left on guitar) - Though Alex Leach is slight of body, that small frame contains a huge talent! The Smyth County Jam is so fortunate to draw people of his caliber. Not only is he a very talented musician, Alex Leach is also a DJ, he was voted DJ of The Year two years running. Alex comes to us from Lafollette, Tennessee; his radio show originates from Knoxville. He plays both mandolin and guitar and sings very well also. Alex is involved with two bands: "Alex Leach and The Red Oak Mountain Boys" and "Southern Skye". He has been playing for seven or eight years. Alex admires Ralph Stanley and Bill Monroe. JOSH LEONARD - KEVIN LOVE - GARY LOWERY - Mention the Lowerys in this part of Virginia and most people will say; "the singing Lowerys?" Yes, Gary is a son of one of the singing Lowerys. To be exact he is Bill Lowery's son. Gary is a personable young man, who plays guitar. He plays acoustic guitar as well as electric guitar and of course he sings as well. Gary says he admires the late Clarence White's style. We are honored to have Gary with us at the Smyth County Jam whenever he can come. CHARLY MARKWART - Charly comes to the Smyth County Jam via Bluefield, WVA, where she is finishing her last year at Bluefield College majoring in Communications. She hopes to become a journalist. Charly was not born in WVA, but in Michigan. She says she came to our area for the music--that is surely one of the best reasons to come here, as we are rich in a musical heritage that is unequaled any where on planet earth! Charly is a good singer and plays mandolin, as well as some guitar. She speaks of her admiration of the original Carter Family, who are admired universally. We hope to see Charly back at the Smyth County Jam when ever she can come, she is a welcome addition and a fresh new face. LINDSEY MASSIE - Lindsey is Madison's older sister, being eleven. She likes to dance. Lindsey goes to Glade Spring Middle School. Both are granddaughters of Ersel Fletcher. He and Ella Deane are justifiably proud of these girls and the talent they have shown in their short lives. MADISON MASSIE - Madison is a fourth grader in Meadowview Elementary School. She has been playing fiddle for two years and has come along way with it in such a short time. Smyth County Jam is honored to see her on stage at any time. She says she plays guitar --a "little bit." Madison loves animals and wants to make a veterinarian when she is grown. BILL MATTHEWS - Bill Matthews is one of our regulars at the Smyth County Jam. He came to us from Russell County, Virginia but now lives in Chilhowie in the Mill Creek area. He has been playing since he was about 10 years old. Bill says his father was an old time claw-hammer banjo picker and a brother played guitar. Bill has played all over the country. He has played back-up for Bill Monroe at one point in time. After thirty years playing, he has pretty well mastered the guitar. Bill is a very strong singer, and can remember a huge amount of songs. Off and on over the years Bill has had bands of his own. One of his four children, a daughter, sings. DAVE "DAVE" MATTHEWS - Dave Matthews comes to Smyth County Jam from the Barren Springs area of Wythe County, VA. Dave says he has been playing forty plus years. He plays guitar, and upright bass and sings also. Jimmy Martin is an artist he admires greatly. He does quite a bit of Martin's material, and does it very well! Dave has been a long - distance trucker during his working years. He says he comes from a family who are all musically talented. Dave has two children. JO ANN "Twinkletoes" McCloud - Jo Ann McCloud is more than likely to be up flat-footing at the Smyth County Jam than sitting still. She says she is employed by Valley Nursing Facility in Chilhowie, as well as being a native of Smyth County. Her love for older folks is evident by the work she has chosen. Jo Ann attends Chilhowie Christian Church and does not like to miss a service. She has adores her two grandchildren--Katy and Isaac. Jo Ann loves bluegrass and the Nashville type country music. She is an unbelievable sixty-four years young; if you see her dancing you would never believe that statement. Such energy and what a shining personality! TERESA McDANIEL - Teresa comes to the Smyth County Jam from Whitetop, VA, where she was born and raised. She is the most modest of performers and very reluctant to speak of her own considerable talents. Teresa has a Christmas tree farm near Whitetop. She is also employed by Dr. Wendy Strawbridge in Abingdon, VA. She has been with the doctor for twenty plus years. Teresa comes from a very musical family, many of whom played/and /or sang. One of her uncles, Harold Hensley, played for many years in TV, movies and radio programs. Teresa says she plays guitar "barely". We are inclined to think otherwise. Teresa also says she likes to 'flat-foot and she does a bang-up job on that as well. She is a very strong singer who pronounces word every word clearly. Some of the people she admires are Rhonda Vincent, Jimmy Martin, Bill Monroe and Larry Sparks. ROY McMILLAN (left) - BARRY MILLER - Barry has lived in Meadowview, VA for about nine years now; moving here from Russell County. He is self -employed at present. It is a real treat for the Smyth County Jam audience to have Barry sing and play for us. Barry says he has been playing guitar for about twenty years, although there was a period of about eight years he quit playing. We are glad he has started back playing. He plays Tony Rice style, and admires Rice very much. Barry plays mandolin, and bass, besides guitar, and says he is beginning to learn to play fiddle. He plays with the Chip Ridge Boys some times, and also with Black Diamond Edition band. Barry won first place guitar at Adwolfe Fiddler's Convention this past year. HARVEY MILLER (center)- The Smyth County Jam is happy to see Harvey Miller join us from Sword's Creek, VA. Harvey plays guitar, bass and mandolin. He has been playing for ten or eleven years. He belongs to a gospel called the Hubbard Family, also from Sword's Creek. Harvey is employed by AT&T. He admires many different people in the field of music, including the Stanley Brothers and the Marshall Family. JULIUS MILLER - Juilius Miller lives in Meadowview, VA. He came here from Sword's Creek. He has played with The Chip Ridge boys, a Meadowview band. Juilius has played guitar since about 1978 or 1979. He also used to play a harmonica, but says he does not have the air in his lungs to play it now days. He is retired from Pittston Coal Mines. His son Barry is is also a really good guitarist, who often comes to the Smyth County Jam. Juilius says he likes and admires the Stanley Brothers and George Jones. CLARK & NANCY MIXON - The Mixons come to the Smyth County Jam from the Boone, NC area. Nancy plays bass and is an outstanding singer as well. Clark plays bluegrass banjo and some guitar. He has been playing about forty-five years. They make a dynamic duo on our stage. Flatt and Scruggs were an influence on Clark as he grew up listening to their music. It would be hard to find better influences than that pair. Clark is related to Kody Norris, one of our shining stars. The Mixons have one son. JIM MIXON - GARLAND MOORE (Pretty) - SPENCER MOORE - BRET MORRIS - MITCHELL MOSER - After a lengthy illness and hospitalization Mitchell is back with us. He says he can't wait until he is well enough to play--the Smyth County Jam can't wait either. We have missed Mitchell a lot. Mitchell has played with some really first class bands, over a long period of time. He played with the Stanley Brothers, some with Mac Wiseman and with Carl Story for nineteen years! Mitchell's dad played banjo at one time. Mitchell lives in the rural Chilhowie area, not too far from the jam. When the musicians Mitchell was playing with came to this area Mitchell's folks would always keep them and of course feed them. He says as many as fifty would be given a meal and sent on their way. He has been playing music about seventy years, playing both bass and mandolin extremely well. Mitchell says he made his first recording at age six; a rendition of "The Great Speckled Bird"; He still has the record! Horton Barker, once our local ballad singer, (who was raised near by), gave Mitchell encouragement and showed him a few chords on the guitar and from there, Mitchell's talent took off.  STEVEN MOUNTS - Steven is twenty-three years old and an exceptional banjo picker. He makes his home in Hurley, VA where he works as a sub-contractor mining rocks. Steven has great stage presence and a good rapport with his audience. He has been playing about four and a half years at this point; one would imagine much longer. The Smyth County Jam is grateful for all the young musicians who come to play and sing for a very appreciative crowd. By playing his music, Steven says he got his entire family involved in it! He is getting ready to start forming a band soon. We wish him all the luck in the world. Steven states that he has been blessed by God and gives all the credit to HIM for his talent and for his daily life. Steven says he would like to play banjo as a full time job. Go for it when the opportunity comes! JIMMY MULLIN - The Smyth County Jam is delighted to welcome visitors to our venue, and especially from other countries. Jimmy Mullin comes from County Tyrone in Northern Ireland. Jimmy is such a delight to talk with and he is also a musician who sings. plays guitar and piano, and he says "banjo a little." He works for the Environment Protection Agency. When he is at home Jimmy has a band called the "Faar River Valley String Band", who play every weekend. Jimmy lists several people /bands whom he admires from our country, including the Carter Family, Fescue, The Stanley's, Hank Williams Sr., The Country Gentlemen, Flatt and Scruggs among others. His father played coronet in an orchestra and for operas. Jimmy says he loves the states and he visits fairly often. The Smyth County Jam extends an invitation to Jimmy to return at any time. DAVE NEAL - Dave Neal from Chatham Hill shows up at The Smyth County Jam on a fairly regular basis. He says he has been playing guitar about forty years. Dave is an excellent rhythm guitarist. He has played in Florida and many other venues. Dave played with the band" SAGE GRASS" for quite some time. Also with "NO SPEED LIMIT" band, both very well known bands in the area. Dave says he "'chops" at the mandolin from time to time. He has a daughter, Lacey, who is thirteen. TED NIXON - KODY NORRIS - Kody was born and still lives in Mountain City TN. This area is/was a hot bed of musicians. Kody grew up listening to the Stanley Brothers music and has fulfilled his dream by performing with Ralph Stanley in 2005 and 2006 quite a number of times. Kody now has his own band :"Kody Norris and the Watauga Mountain Boys. "They are now booking in twenty states. This is not bad for a nineteen year old young man! His newest CD has just been released. It is titled "In Despair"--with Tom Isaacs and The Watauga Mountain Boys Kody is one of the most pleasant, well -raised fellows any where. He is a genuine all around good young man. It's always a delight to see Kody enter the door at the Smyth County Jam. Every one is assured of a solid performance when he takes the stage. RAYMOND OAKS - BRYAN OSBORNE - Bryan travels from Creston, NC (Ashe County), to the Smyth County Jam and comes here almost every week. That is a pretty far drive. Bryan is twenty years old and says he started playing guitar when he was about four. He also sings and plays bass as well . Bryan admires Jimmy Martin and the late, great team of Flatt and Scruggs. His dad plays guitar and his dad's side of the family played different instruments.   MATT OSBORNE - Matt comes to the Smyth Count y Jam from Bristol, VA. He is owner of The Acoustic Emporium, 1061 Old Abingdon Highway, Suite #3, Bristol, VA 24201. He would love for any one interested to stop by his place of work. Or you can contact him on line at www.theacousticemporium.net Matt plays guitar, banjo, and says he sings a little. He has been playing ten or eleven years. Matt says he likes bluegrass music best and admires the work of "The Lonesome River Band" very much. He says his grandpa played guitar at one time and sang some. JIM PARDUE - Jim is a very agreeable fellow who seems to know a great deal about singers/songwriters and the like. He can tell you who wrote what and often when they wrote it. We are happy to have him come to sing and play his guitar at The Smyth County Jam. He comes from Mountain City, TN but spent most of his formative years in Pennsylvania at Sunset Park which is a country music venue of national repute. Although Jim has health problems stemming from diabetes, he is cheerful and out-going to all whom he meets. Both sides of Jim's family were singers; his mother's side also played some instruments; his grandfather played fiddle and some of his uncles played banjo. Jim says he admires Tom Paxton, Gordon Lightfoot and Norman Blake. Jim graduated from Avon Grove High School, West Grove, PA in 1963. He enjoys reading about early US History in addition to his first love --music. Jim likes sports both pro and college level foot ball and base ball. He is also proud of being one of the song leaders in congregational singing in his church The Appalachian Church of Christ in Mountain City TN. SPENCE PENNINGTON - JOSH PICKETT (left) - KENNY PRICE - Kenny was born and still lives in Mountain City, TN. He is a carpenter and house painter by trade. Kenny is the son of "fiddling Fred Price" who played with "Tom" Clarence Ashley, Doc Watson and Clint Howard in the 1960's and 1970's. He is a 'chip off the old block in his musical abilities. Kenny plays claw-hammer and bluegrass banjo, guitar, and fiddle, as well as being an excellent singer. He is indeed a multi- talented man. Kenny has a CD to his credit called "Grandpa's Memories". This was done with his dad Fred and his son Adam, who died tragically of MD at the age of twenty-two. Kenny and his sister played gospel music for about fifteen years. His sister plays guitar. Perhaps she could be persuaded to join Kenny at the Smyth County Jam one of these Monday evenings. Kenny has talked about issuing a CD of gospel songs, that would be an outstanding idea. RON PUCKETT (center) - BLAKE RASH - Blake is twenty years old and lives in Whitetop, VA. He is coming into his own as an excellent fiddler, who sometime plays with the Whitetop Mountain Band. Blake is the great-grandson of a legendary old time fiddler; Corbit Stamper. He also plays banjo, claw-hammer style. The Smyth County Jam is always pleased to see Blake when he comes to play. One of his cousins, Crystal Blevins, also plays fiddle, carrying on down the generations of Whitetop musicians. KRIS RASNAKE - JEFF RAYNOR - LISA REEDY - TOMMY RICHARDSON - Tommy was born in Perryville (Smyth County) in 1949. He grew up in Abingdon. Currently he makes his home in the Lodi area. When Tommy was 10 years old he started singing with a country band. Since that time he has never looked back! He is always composing and creating songs. He wrote the "Smyth County Jam " song just for our sessions. Tommy is one of these people who 'never met a stranger; out-going and friendly to everyone he meets. He is our good will ambassador for this venue. Tommy is the father of two sons, both of whom are Baptist ministers. Tommy himself is a deacon in the Baptist church. He is proud of his three grandsons all of whom sing. Tommy says he gives credit to the Lowery side of the family for their talents. RANDIE RINEER - Randie pops up every so often at the Smyth County Jam and we are always glad to hear his fiddle tunes and to hear his fine singing. He was born in Lancaster County Pennsylvania, but has southern roots--in fact in neighboring Grayson County. Randie says his grandparents were both from Grayson County living very near Grayson Highlands State Park. He has been playing fiddle about forty-three years. Both Randie's grandfathers played music; One being an old-time fiddler. Randie works in wholesales of water treatment equipment. He also plays in a bluegrass gospel group called "Sunnyside". His website is www.sunnysidebluegrass.com  His musical heroes are Flatt and Scruggs and Ralph Stanley. DAN ROARK - Dan comes to the Smyth County Jam from Saltville, Va. He plays dobro and guitar. He is a member of the Dry Fork Band. Dan says he has played off and on for about fifty-five years; however, he has been playing recently for about five years. He is retired from Reynolds Metals. Dan likes about any musician who has the courage to get up and perform. George Jones, Merle Haggard, and Bill Monroe are among his favorites. Dan has three children, three grandchildren and one great-grand child. RANDALL ROBERTS -