Howdy, folks! Jim Mills here. For those of you who haven’t heard my picking, I’m a banjo player who’s been mighty fortunate to spend a lifetime makin’ music. From jam sessions on porches in Durham, North Carolina to national tours with the legendary Ricky Skaggs and Kentucky Thunder, it’s been a wild ride.

Today, I wanted to take a seat on the ol’ rocking chair and share some stories with you all. We’ll talk about how a young fella with a fascination for the banjo strings turned into a professional musician, the twists and turns of the road, and the incredible people I’ve met along the way. So, grab yourselves a sweet tea, sit back, and let’s get pickin’.

The Seeds of Bluegrass: A Boy and His Banjo

Born and raised in Durham, North Carolina, music was always in the air. My grandpappy used to strum his guitar on the porch swing, filling evenings with folksy tunes. But for me, it was the banjo that stole my heart. The first time I heard those bright, crisp notes ring out, I knew I had to get my hands on one.

At the tender age of 12, I begged (and maybe pleaded a little) until my parents surprised me with a shiny new banjo. Let me tell you, that was a Christmas I’ll never forget! From that moment on, it was banjo, banjo, banjo. I practiced every chance I got, my fingers fumbling over the strings as I tried to learn the three-finger picking style made famous by Earl Scruggs. It wasn’t easy, but there was somethin’ magical about the challenge, the way the notes could come together to create a joyful melody.

Finding My Groove: Early Bands and Building a Reputation

By my teens, I was already hooked on bluegrass music. The fast tempos, the intricate picking patterns, the powerful vocals – it all fit together perfectly. I started playing with local bands, guys just as passionate about bluegrass as I was. We’d gather on weekends, picking under the summer sky or huddled around a potbelly stove in the winter, our music echoing through the fields of North Carolina.

Those early gigs were a blast. We weren’t famous by any means, but we were havin’ a time sharin’ our love for bluegrass with folks who appreciated it. Word started to spread about this young banjo player with a fire in his fingers. I even won a few local talent shows, which boosted my confidence and made me even more determined to make a name for myself.

On the Road with Bluegrass Masters: Doyle Lawson & Quicksilver

In the 1980s, my life took a major turn. I had the incredible opportunity to join Doyle Lawson & Quicksilver, a legendary bluegrass band known for their tight harmonies and electrifying live shows. Doyle himself is a true icon, and learnin’ from him was an absolute privilege.

Those five years with Doyle Lawson & Quicksilver were pure magic. We toured all over the country, playin’ at some of the most prestigious bluegrass festivals and venues. Every night was a new adventure, connectin’ with audiences and sharin’ the joy of bluegrass music. It was also during this time that I started to develop my own unique style. I was heavily influenced by the greats like Earl Scruggs and J.D. Crowe, but I also tried to incorporate my own personality and feel into my pickin’.

Joining the Kentucky Thunder: A Dream Come True

By the late 1990s, my reputation as a banjo player had reached new heights. Then, the unthinkable happened. I got a call from Ricky Skaggs himself, invitin’ me to join his band, Kentucky Thunder. Now, Ricky Skaggs is a bluegrass legend, a true innovator who’s pushed the boundaries of the genre. To even be considered to play alongside him was an honor, and to get the offer – well, let’s just say I didn’t hesitate for a second.

The next 14 years with Kentucky Thunder were some of the most fulfilling of my career. We toured the world, playin’ for audiences from all walks of life. Ricky is a phenomenal bandleader, and the energy onstage was somethin’ special. We pushed each other to be better musicians, constantly explorin’ new sounds and takin’ bluegrass to new heights.

Beyond the Banjo: Solo Albums and Awards

While tourin‘ with Kentucky Thunder was an incredible experience, there was always a part of me that craved the freedom to explore my own musical ideas. That’s why, in between tour dates, I decided to record some solo albums. “Bound to Ride” (1998), “My Dixie Home” (2002), and “Hide Head Blues.