Rich In Tradition, from the Galax, Virginia – Mt Airy, North Carolina area came to be in the spring of 2006. A product of one of the most fertile grounds of traditional bluegrass, gospel and old-time music in the world; the Mt. Airy – Galax areas of Northwest North Carolina and Southwest Virginia, these guys cut their musical teeth playing with some of the music’s best that the area had to offer. Rich in Tradition combines a century of rich bluegrass and gospel music experience to make available some of the best picking and singing around. From pure gospel, to traditional and contemporary bluegrass, to their own original songs, Rich in Tradition covers the bases with precision picking, great harmonies and a professional presentation.
JAY ADAMS / BANJO: Jay grew up in Spray, NC (now known as Eden, NC). His first influences in bluegrass music were Flatt & Scruggs, Bill Monroe, Reno & Smiley, all the pioneers of Bluegrass music. Around the age of 16, Jay began playing banjo with the help of Kerwin Smith, a cabinet maker from Shiloh, NC. After high school Jay enlisted into the US Marines and used his enlistment bonus to buy his first Gibson Mastertone, an RB-250. Jay played part-time with several groups through the years, wrote gospel songs that would be recorded and was one of the founders of Rich In Tradition in 2006. Jay lives in Pine Hall, NC with his wife Teresa and 2 daughters, Ellie and Katie, and is a dedicated member of Floyd Baptist Church.
GREG JONES / MANDOLIN & VOCALS: Greg was born in the heart of the bluegrass and old time haven Mt. Airy, NC. Growing up with a family of musicians ad singers made it easy to get the “pickin bug.” At the ripe old age of 15, he found himself wanting to learn how to play an instrument. Influenced by his Uncle “Smoke” he picked up the mandolin and started learning everything from Bill Monroe to David Grisman and Ricky Skaggs. Throughout his career, Greg has played with several bands, recorded projects, won competitions, played various venues and even joined as baritone for the late Johnny Cash one night at a show. Greg was one of the founders of Rich In Tradition in 2006. He lives in Mt. Airy, NC with his wife Shannon, his son Daniel and 2 daughters Katie and Emily.
RONNIE EDWARDS / GUITAR & VOCALS: Ronnie has been playing music and singing for over 40 years. He grew up in the mountains of NC, where his Dad showed him his first chords on a guitar. With a lot of natural talent and with Tony Rice as his main influence, he taught himself to play and found that he had a pretty good singing voice as well. He grew up playing on the fiddlers convention circuit and would play in a few bands including Summer Wages in the late 80’s. In 1990 Ronnie decided to travel to Nashville, TN. There he became a songwriter for Crosswinds Music, MCA, Major Bob and Warner Chappell Publishing. He has written songs for Moe Bandy and co-wrote a single with writer Carol Ann Ethridge recorded by Connie Smith and Pam Perry. Ronnie joined Rich In Tradition in 2012. He lives in Mt. Airy with his wife Jennifer, daughter Amelia and son Ethan.
JAKE HARBOUR / BASS: Jake began playing music at the age of thirteen. Aside from playing bass, banjo, and guitar; he enjoys writing songs as well as singing lead and harmony vocals. His musical influences are Mike Anglin, Charles Humphrey III, and Graham Sharp. He doesn’t place himself into any “musical box” and is ready to play or listen to any genre that he finds interesting. He is finishing up his Bachelor of Science degree at Appalachian State University and looks forward to a career in teaching. He lives in Danbury, NC and has played with Rich in Tradition since 2012.
DANIEL GREESON /FIDDLE: Daniel Greeson has been playing bluegrass fiddle since he was very young. Daniel participated in Virginia’s 1st Junior Appalachian Musicians’ (JAM) program which opened doors for other projects. He has won many competitions and has established a name for himself at fiddlers conventions across NC, VA, and TN in both youth and adult divisions. In 2011 Daniel played a song on “Christmas Along the Crooked Road” with other accomplished musicians. In 2014 Daniel was included in the CD project “Close Kin: Our Roots Run Deep” released by Mountain Road Recordings. Daniel has already released a self-titled solo project under Patuxent Records and at the age of 18 is regarded as one of the most gifted young artist in bluegrass. Daniel is from Jamestown, NC but is currently attending East Tennessee State University.
SIDNEY WATSON /FIDDLE: Sidney is enjoying the fill in role on fiddle being a fan of Rich in Tradition since their beginning. Sidney actually began playing the banjo at age 13. Listening to influences early on such as as Flatt & Scruggs & The Stanley Bros. & Lost & Found, he has a deep love for the traditional sound and utilizing his talent to play several instruments. At 17 he found his home with The Easter Bros. for the next four years traveling from festivals to churches. He lives in Mt. Airy with wife Breanne and son Parker.