Jacob Eller - Jacob began playing bass as a teenager with his Dad in the group Cleghorn. Next he was recruited by Ryan Blevins to play in the band Canebreak based in Berea, KY, but Jacob liked Chilhowie better than Berea and moved back home and was one of the founding members along with Stevie Barr & Amber Collins of the popular young bluegrass group No Speed Limit. With the introduction of the The Crooked Road, No Speed Limit was on their way playing a west coast tour, a Scotland tour, and playing for the new Virginia governor's inaugural concert, the president at Jamestown's 400th Anniversary celebration and for the Queen of England in Richmond, VA.
Jacob began playing for Sierra Hull & Highway 111 in February 2008 on a part time basis while finishing out the year with No Speed Limit. In July 2008 he spent two weeks with Sierra in Japan playing all over the country to bluegrass loving fans of all ages. September 2008 was Jacob's first time playing at The Grand Ole Opry. In 2009 they played festivals all over the United States and Canada, including Grey Fox in New York, The National Folk Festival in Butte, Montana, Merle Fest in Wilkesboro, NC, and closer to home, Rhythm & Roots in Bristol and The Blue Plum Festival in Johnson City, TN. October 2009 the band was privileged to be nominated as one of the Emerging Artist's of the year. They didn't win, but the nomination got them a chance to perform for a full house at the Ryman Auditorium in Nashville for the IBMA awards show. No matter where Jacob plays, he always takes his signature smile!
Jacob also attends the Smyth County Jam whenever he can. He started coming when we were still in Saltville, and followed us to Chilhowie. On top of being a top-notch bass players, he is one of the finest young gentlemen you will ever meet. We at the Smyth County Jam wish him well in all his endeavors.
