Ersel Fletcher - Ersel is a retired coal miner, born in Buchanan County, VA. His father was an old time claw-hammer banjo picker. Ersel lived in Russell County during his working years, since then he moved to the Glade Spring area of Washington County, VA, where he lives presently with his wife Ella Deane. He began to play guitar after high school ;when in 1966, he went to diesel school in Nashville, TN and was taught to play by a room mate. He went into service and was sent to Vietnam. After his tour of duty, he went to work in the coal mines. The Smyth County Jam is very pleased he has come to be with us and that he is such a faithful part of the Jam almost every Monday evening. Ersel is an excellent singer and guitarist. He probably knows more song lyrics than most people have heard of ! He counts Ricky Scaggs, Bill Monroe, and the Stanley Brothers as bands who have been influences for him. Ersel has formed a band called "Black Diamond Edition", who for the most part, play in Buchanan County when they can get together.
