Barry Abernathy

Barry Abernathy, winner of 1997's Banjo Player of the Year award from the Society for the Preservation of Blue Grass Music in America, began his career performing bluegrass gospel with Silver Creek, but first came to national attention as a member of one of the decade's hottest bluegrass bands, IIIrd Tyme Out. From 1994 to 1998, the Georgia-born banjo player/lead vocalist was a featured member of Doyle Lawson & Quicksilver, recording five albums with the award-winning ensemble. His heartfelt and earthy vocal tones are in perfect compliment to Gulley's soaring tenor lines and his banjo playing defies logic, considering he has no fingers on his left hand. Barry's on-stage demeanor is one of the cornerstones for Mountain Heart's exciting live performances.