(headline image: Jesse Smathers – Photo by Laci Mack0
Jesse Smathers, a native of Eden, North Carolina with deep family roots in Western North Carolina, is a bluegrass musician known for his work as a guitarist, mandolinist, and tenor vocalist. He descends from a musical lineage that includes his grandfather Harold Smathers and great-uncle Luke Smathers, recipients of the 1993 North Carolina Folk Heritage Award and recording artists for June Appal.
Smathers began playing guitar at age 11, later adding mandolin to his repertoire. As a teenager, he competed at fiddlers’ conventions across North Carolina and Virginia, eventually launching his professional career in 2010 with the James King Band. Initially joining as a mandolinist and harmony singer, he later returned to the band on guitar and lead vocals.
In 2014, he joined Nothin’ Fancy and was named an honorary member of the music fraternity Phi Mu Alpha Sinfonia. The following year, he became a member of Lonesome River Band, first as a mandolinist and, starting in 2021, as the band’s guitarist. In 2017, he received the IBMA Momentum Award for Vocalist of the Year.
Smathers released his self-titled debut solo album in 2022. He currently resides near Floyd, Virginia, where he also teaches at the Handmade Music School, helping preserve and share Appalachian musical traditions.
Discography:
Jesse Smathers (self-release, 2022)
Author: Angel Romero
Angel Romero y Ruiz has dedicated his life to musical exploration. His efforts included the creation of two online portals, worldmusiccentral.org and musicasdelmundo.com. In addition, Angel is the co-founder of the Transglobal World Music Chart, a panel of world music DJs and writers that celebrates global sounds. Furthermore, he delved into the record business, producing world music studio albums and compilations. His works have appeared on Alula Records, Ellipsis Arts, Indígena Records and Music of the World.