The Band
Kelley Nelson – Lead Vocals
Kelley Nelson is a Southwest Virginia native, born and raised in Jonesville, Virginia, which is located near the TN-VA-KY border. Kelley recalls having a love for music and a desire to sing when she was extremely young. Being from an area so rich in musical heritage, Kelley was exposed to Traditional Country and Bluegrass music throughout her childhood. Some of her earliest memories include spending Saturday nights at the Carter Family Fold in Hiltons, VA with her grandparents. Kelley began singing in her church choir when she was only eight years old and performed with her high school chorale group for four years. After high school, Kelley continued to sing in church as she attended college and graduated from The University of Virginia’s College at Wise in 2006 with a Bachelor’s Degree in Psychology. She began a career as a counselor for children and continues to work in this profession at the current time. Although she loves her work, Kelley aspires to have a career as a Bluegrass Singer & Songwriter. In March, 2006, Kelley met Tim Mullins on yet another Saturday night at The Carter Family Fold. Tim and Kelley shared a love for Bluegrass music and a relationship soon began. They were married in November 2007 and now make their home in Castlewood, Virginia. Kelley has performed at many local and regional events within the past 4 years, often appearing as a guest with Lonesome Will Mullins, singing their crowd-pleasing version of the Johnny Cash and June Carter hit, “Jackson”. Since the formation of The Kelley Nelson Band in 2008, she has had the opportunity to perform for audiences in many regional venues. Kelley is currently recording her debut album, which will be released later this year and will include several of her original tunes, along with those of other band members.
Tim Mullins - Guitar
Tim Mullins was born October 11, 1980 in Russell County, Virginia. At a very young age, he was taught guitar chords by his older brother, Chris Mullins, who always encouraged him to learn as much as he could about various styles of music. It was through Chris’s extensive record collections that Tim was introduced to music ranging from classical, jazz, rock, and blues to Scotch-Irish, folk, old-time, and bluegrass. By the age of 15, Tim had made up his mind that acoustic music would be his path and he received his first guitar as a gift from his parents. He spent countless hours at weekly jams and annual Bluegrass festivals perfecting his style of playing. He gained respect and admiration throughout the Bluegrass community and among other musicians. Tim and a close friend formed a traditional country band and played locally for about one year. Soon after, he met Will Mullins, and became part of the regional favorite, Lonesome Will Mullins and The Virginia Playboys. During this time, Tim and Kelley’s lives crossed paths. The two began dating, and eventually were married in November 2007. Tim is a valuable member of the KNB with his rhythm guitar that is among the best in the business, and his clear and concise lead breaks that are sure to impress.
Daniel Salyer – Bass, Ha
rmony Vocals, Lead Vocals
Daniel Salyer was born on September 13, 1981 in Big Stone Gap, VA. He was introduced to music early on, and at the age of 11, his dad taught him to play the bass. Soon after, Daniel joined his Grandparent's gospel group, The Sounds of Glory, and travelled throughout Southwest Virginia and Eastern Kentucky playing with the band until he was 13 years old. Daniel was presented with his first guitar by his Grandfather and was taught to play by his Dad. He began playing with local bluegrass bands and continued to do so for the next seven years. During this time, Daniel took an interest in song-writing and has since had songs recorded by Mark Newton, Sammy Shelor, Junior Sisk, and others. He spends much of his time writing bluegrass and gospel music and doing session work for local studios; and he has been a part of several accomplished Bluegrass bands throughout his career. Daniel’s phenomenal lead vocals will capture any audience, and his harmony singing is just the right complement to Kelley’s sweet and commanding voice. Daniel is a 2004 graduate of East Tennessee State University and he currently resides in Bluff City, TN with his wife, Rachel, and his two sons, Peyton and Logan.
Alex Hibbitts – Mandolin, Harmony Vocals
Alex Hibbitts was raised in Grundy, VA, where he was given his first guitar lessons by his father when he was only four years old. Alex received his first mandolin at the age of 10, and his family could quickly see that he had a promising future as a musician. Alex spent his teenage years performing with local and regional bands and he quickly gained recognition for his outstanding abilities on the mandolin. Alex has since shared the stage with nationally touring Bluegrass artists, including Randy Kohrs, Alecia Nugent, Wildfire, New River Line, The Expedition Show, and The Midnight Ramblers. He currently owns and operates A^2 Studio out of his home in Johnson City, TN and is in the process of engineering and producing Kelley’s upcoming album. He has two solo projects to his credit, including his 2006 release, “It’s About Time”, and his new album, “The Chronicles of Depression”. Both feature many of today’s popular bluegrass artists including Jimmy Van Cleve, Josh Swift, Hunter Berry, Darrell Webb, Josh Miller, Clay Hess, Daniel Salyer, Brandon Green and more. The experience and expertise that Alex has brought to The KNB has helped to elevate the band to new heights. His fine harmony vocals and extraordinary mandolin solos are always delivered with precision and are guaranteed to leave the audience wanting more!
Matthew Cruby - Banjo
Matthew Cruby resides in the small town of Fort Blackmore, VA with his lovely wife, Melinda, and their daughter, Mattalee. Matt has been exposed to Bluegrass music all his life, and he began playing the guitar when he was only 5 years old. At the age of 10, he took an interest in playing the banjo and soon became a skillful instrumentalist. Matthew was recruited to play in the Bluegrass Gospel group Free Spirit at age 13, and he continued to perform with the band until he was 17 years old. In 2001, he and a friend formed Twin Springs Bluegrass Band. Twin Springs gained local and regional recognition and the group travelled together for the next 6 years. At that time, Matt and some other members of the band joined with Appalachian Trail, and continued their successful journey, playing at Bluegrass Festivals and acquiring a large and dedicated fan base. In addition to being a member of The KNB, Matt continues to perform with Appalachian Trail when needed; and, in his spare time, plays with local Country and Gospel bands. He is also a sought after studio musician, doing regular session work with engineer David Castle at Castle Recording located in Castlewood, VA. Whether he is picking the banjo or the guitar, or filling in on mandolin or bass, Matthew’s multi-instrumental talents are evident from the first listen. Adding to that, his ability to deliver vocal harmonies that are a perfect blend, Matt’s role as a member of the KNB is immeasurable.
Jordan Blevins grew up in Marion, VA, near White Top Mountain, and still resides in the same area today. Jordan first picked up a guitar when he was only four years old and was shown chords by his dad. He gradually learned more about playing the guitar over the next several years and became very interested in Bluegrass music around age 11. He began playing bass when he was 13 years old, and soon started performing with his father and uncle in their band, The Virginia Mountain Boys. Jordan learned the fundamentals of bluegrass music and continued to travel with the Virginia Mountain Boys throughout the next 6 years. At that time, he began teaching himself to play fiddle by going to local jams as often as possible. After playing fiddle for only 6 months, he was invited to join Fescue, and he performed with the band at festivals and other events throughout the Eastern United States until 2009. Jordan is one of the original members of the KNB and has played a significant role in its success thus far. His ability to provide rock-solid backup and tasteful, exciting lead breaks has enhanced the sound of the band and is always pleasing to those fans that come to hear him “sawin’ on the strings!” Jordan Blevins - Fiddle
