Bio
JEREMY JOHNSON
GUITAR
Jeremy Johnson, born and raised in Columbia, South Carolina, grew up surrounded by bluegrass gospel and a love for music instilled by his Pawpaw. At just two years old, he began singing from the pulpit at The Old Country Church, and by five he was strumming his first guitar. Most importantly, Jeremy asked Jesus into his heart as a child — a decision that continues to shape both his life and his music. For him, every song is a testimony of God’s goodness.
“Greater love hath no man than this, that a man lay down his life for his friends.” – John 15:13
JACOB SANDERSON
MANDOLIN / GUITAR
Jacob Sanderson has been playing music since his youth. Hailing from the Smoky Mountains of North Carolina, Jake developed a deep love for traditional bluegrass and draws inspiration from the timeless sounds of The Stanley Brothers and J.D. Crowe & The New South. He is married to his wife, Megan, and together they share a life built on faith and family. Currently, Jacob serves as an associate pastor at Blaney Baptist Church in Elgin, South Carolina, where his calling to ministry and his passion for music work hand in hand. For him, every note played and every song sung is a way to glorify God and point others to His grace.
“Sing unto the Lord, bless his name; shew forth his salvation from day to day.” – Psalm 96:2
GARY JOYNER
BANJO / BASS / MANDOLIN
Gary Joyner began playing music at the age of 12 and has continued throughout his life. Blessed with many talents, he plays multiple instruments including banjo, bass, guitar, and mandolin. At 59 years old, Gary experienced liver failure, but through God’s grace and the gift of a liver transplant, he was given a second chance at life. He treasures time with his family, especially his two daughters and five grandsons, and sees every day as a blessing from the Lord.
“O give thanks unto the Lord; for he is good: for his mercy endureth for ever.” – Psalm 136:1
PATRICK "PA" RUSSELL
FIDDLE / BASS/ MANDOLIN/ GUITAR
Patrick Russell, aka Pa, grew up in the mountains of East Tennessee. Pa learned a cappella singing in a Primitive Baptist church. Some Baptist churches had a piano, while others included bluegrass instruments playing with the piano. All the churches included strong preaching and at age nine Pa answered the call from the Holy Spirit to accept Jesus as his Lord and Savior. Playing music came along during the early teenage years. Many in the family enjoyed singing the gospel songs from the Red Back Hymnal, especially Mom and Granny. Pa’s love for playing music has focused through the years on bluegrass and bluegrass gospel. Pa married Barbara 40 years ago and both are active in the local church.
“For I am convinced that neither death, nor life, nor angels, nor principalities, nor things present, nor things to come, nor powers, nor height, nor depth, nor any other created thing, will be able to separate us from the love of God, which is in Christ Jesus our Lord.” -Romans 8:38-39