Doyle Lawson | Corey Hensley | Dale Perry | Jason Barie | Jason Leek | Josh Swift
When I was 10 years old my elementary school offered violin lessons. With the encouragement of my parents I started those valuable lessons. It was also at that age that my Dad took me for some private fiddle lessons at a place called the Bluegrass Parlor. The lessons lasted for just a short time but I ended up returning to the Parlor at age 13 for some Bluegrass schooling. By age 15 I was performing weekly at a place called Allen's Historical Cafe'. I would perform with anywhere from 1 to 3 bands a night at the cafe'. It was during this time that I won my first Florida state fiddle championship. That honor is something that I would win 6 times all together. At age 17 I graduated from Durant Senior High School. Having already landed a professional touring job, I then hit the road full time with The Sand Mountain Boys. My first trip out with them out of school took me away from home for 8 straight weeks. Talk about getting my feet wet. I recorded on the "Molly Rose" album with Sand Mountain which was my first time ever being included on a CD which received national recognition. I recorded my first solo project, "My Great Grandfathers Fiddle", with them as well. I traveled and performed with them for 4 years. With out a doubt, the greatest thing to happen to me during my tenure with Sand Mountain is the day that I asked Jesus Christ in to my life. In 2000 we dissolved the band and formed The Misty Valley Boys. Since I was in college, I decided that it best to finish up my associates in arts degree from Hillsborough Community College. After finishing what I thought was enough of school, I later hit the road with Carolina Road. I performed and recorded with them for 4 and 1/2 years. During this time I started to write more fiddle tunes and singing songs. Even though we didn't perform many of my tunes I was surrounded by some fine song writers that helped me in my own writing. I then went to work with Bobby Osborne and The Rock Top XPress. I was only there just a short time, but I got to perform with him and his band at The Grand Old Opry. The Churchmen were my next stop where I was there just a few months when Larry Stephenson called and offered me a job as his first ever fiddle player in his band. I was a part of Larry's band for two years. While playing in Larry's band I was able to showcase some of my original fiddle tunes and also furthered my knowledge of harmony singing. Before departing from The Larry Stephenson band, I had the chance to record on his upcoming project with Pinecastle Records. During my stint with LSB, Pinecastle Records released my CD entitled, "The Past Is Present." The Past Is Present garnered my first ever IBMA nomination which was for "Instrumental Album of the Year." Toady I have the honor of performing with one of the biggest names and performers in Bluegrass music, Doyle Lawson & Quicksilver. I was asked to join his band January of this year. It is a blessing for me to be a part of such a legendary band. I have also had the opportunity to have performed with the legendary Jim and Jesse and The Virginia Boys on stage at the Grand Old Opry, Blueridge, James King, Chubby Wise, Vasser Clements, The Bluegrass Cardinals, The Gillis Brothers, Goldwing, and many others. I have been nominated three different times for fiddle player of the year at the SPBGMA awards in Nashville, TN, and have also won the title of Florida State Fiddle Champion six times. When I am not out touring with Doyle Lawson & Quicksilver, I can be found working part time in a custom cabinet shop building cabinets for customers and building gifts for my family. friends, and church. I may also be found outdoors some where hunting, fishing, may be in the recording studio, and most important, spending time with my family. I am married to a wonderful and beautiful wife named Sarah. We have an energetic son named Isaac, and chase two dogs and a cat around named Ruby, McKinnly, and Joe.