Don Blevins - Don started out with his brother Larry, playing guitar and singing. What close harmony! What undeniable talent! Siblings almost always have an edge over the rest of us when it comes to music abilities. Don and Larry were together for several years, playing at festivals and fiddler's conventions all over the area. They called themselves the "Virginia Mountain Boys." About 1970 Don went to play with the superb band the "Mountain Ramblers" out of Galax, VA. This was one of the premier bands of that time. They almost always finished a competition in 1st, 2nd or 3rd place. Don spent about seven years with this group. There was a period of about ten years was when Don did not play very much. It was only when his son Jordan began to show interest in playing bass fiddle (and later fiddle) that Don began to play again. There are very few guitar pickers in this area who can hold a candle to Don's artistry on his instrument, as well as his very powerful singing. Don Reno was one of Don Blevins' big influences, Red Smiley too, he says, but mostly Reno. Don has been married to Pat for twenty-eight years. They have two sons :Jordan and Joel. Don is always one of the favorites at the Smyth County Jam.
