Jesse McReynolds

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Jesse Lester McReynolds (born July 9, 1929, in Coeburn, Virginia) is known for his innovative crosspicking and split-string styles of mandolin playing, is an innovator of bluegrass music and is a forty two year member of the Grand Ole Opry.

Jesse McReynolds, along with his late brother, Jim McReynolds, formed the bluegrass pioneering band Jim and Jesse in or around 1947.

In 1993 he was inducted into the International Bluegrass Music Hall of Honor.

And, in 1997, Jesse and Jim were presented with our nation's highest honor in the folk and traditional arts, the National Heritage Fellowship Award. Jesse is a multiple Grammy nominee and award winner.

Jesse McReynolds, at 78 years young, still plays between 60 and 70 shows each year, and regularly releases new albums of his own tastes and the bluegrass music he and his brother made famous, while continuing to venture into ever wider realms of music. His acclaimed recording, "Bending the Rules" garnered a nomination for "Best Instrumental Recording of the Year" from the International Bluegrass Music Association in 2005.

Last year, 2007, marks his 60th anniversary in music, with a special tour planned.