Ella Deane Fletcher - Deane plays a huge part in the success of the Smyth County Jam. She is our director and is helpful in every way possible. Born in Russell County, (Cleveland, VA) she spent most of her life in Russell and Buchanan Counties until moving to Glade Spring, VA in 2001. Deane is married to Ersel Fletcher who is one of the jam's foremost movers and shakers. She plays upright bass and is a splendid addition to any band. Deane says her mother played guitar and mandolin and is a good singer, as well as an aunt and uncle who played music, plus two grandfathers who played banjo. A musical family! She has a son and a daughter and two charming granddaughters. Deane is most proud of her husband Ersel, her children and grand children. Her hobbies are reading and doing genealogical research. She says she likes most types of music and could not choose a favorite musician/band. Deane plays bass with "The Smyth County Jam Band" and occasionally plays with "The Crooked Road Band." She is never with out a smile and an encouraging word to every one she meets.
