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.