SAMMY SHELOR

• From Ferrum, Virginia.
• 1967, started playing banjo at age 5. First band: Posey Boyd family band at age 16.
• 1980-81, played with Interstate Exchange (later became Summer Wages), and the Heights of Grass.
• 1983-1989, founding member of the Virginia Squires.
• 1990, joined the Lonesome River band
• 1992, did a six-month stint with the country group Matthews, Wright and King. Toured with Reba McIntyre.
• 1997, released first solo album Leading Roll (Sugar Hill).
• 2002, became the leader of the Lonesome River Band.
• 2012, won the Steve Martin Prize for Excellence in Banjo and Bluegrass.
• 2012, won his 5th IBMA Award for Banjo Player of the Year (also won in 1995, 1996, 1997, 1998).
• 2013, appeared on Alan Jackson’s Bluegrass album.