Rockingham Road

JIM HUNTER: BIO

Born and raised in Johnson City, I have my roots in folk music from the 60’s. I taught myself to play a banjo but set it aside after a few years.  My 20/20 hindsight tells me that I probably should have taken lessons.  About 19 years ago, I came down with a terminal case of “bluegrassitis” and have been blessed with it ever since. Large doses of playing music with my friends have helped keep me healthy and (almost) sane.

About five years ago, my good friend Brandon Thomas dragged me screaming and kicking my first bluegrass band class at East Tennessee State University.  I then sought out guitar lessons from banjo great Glenn Rose, whose teaching skills are widely recognized in the region. With his help, I managed to learn to play a passable rhythm guitar, and I have been building on those skills ever since.  I have been in several different ETSU bands, playing guitar and/or bass, singing both lead and harmony, and even student teaching one band, the Bluegrass Horizons.  That’s where I met Brett Tiller and recognized his great talent on the banjo.  My second band, High Test, had 7 members.  We shared something we really wanted to keep, so we formed Rockingham Road. Four original members are still with the band, with Brett Tiller and Katie Doman being the newest additions. 

Along with playing rhythm guitar and singing both lead and harmony, I’m also the band’s “front man” and manager.  Those are my contributions, and I’m glad to make them for great bunch of folks. We all love and respect each other, and we look forward to rehearsals and shows because we know we’ll all be together again, improving our skills and playing good music.  One of the best things about our group is that no one has a chip on their shoulder.  We have all learned to deliver and accept constructive criticism. Of course, part of our ability to work together so well comes from having learned from two of the greats--Raymond McLain and Jack Tottle--both wonderful musicians and teachers. Thanks to them many times over.

My favorite band is Seldom Scene, including my very good friend Lou Reid. I love almost any acoustic bluegrass, and travel all over the place to hear it.  The more electric the music is, the less I can kick back and enjoy it.  There’s something about all those folks lined up around the mic singing together instead of bobbing around individually that I really like.  It’s more of a community, and that’s why I like bluegrass in the fist place.