Melvin Goins & Windy Mountain

Melvin Goins is one bluegrass musician who isn't quite in the legend category. However, he probably should be. Melvin has been actively involved in the music for 55 years. and throughout has been a tireless laborer in the bluegrass vineyard. Together with younger brother Ray, Melvin spent considerable time-two separate stints-with the Lonesome Pine Fiddlers, recording some of their more memorable RCA Victor sides and all of their Starday material. From early 1966 until the spring of 1969, he worked with the Stanley Brothers through the last months of Carter Stanley's life and the formative period of Ralph's solo leadership. In between times, Melvin worked with Hylo Brown, filled in with Bill Monroe, did booking for other artists, and toiled as a sideman with Cecil Surratt's country group at WHIS-TV in Bluefield, WVa. In the spring of 1969, Melvin Goins went back again with Ray and reformed the Goins Brothers. This duo had originally played on radio at WHIS Bluefield in 1953, prior to their work with the Lonesome Pine Fiddlers (Ray had been with this band earlier in 1952). Melvin and Ray picked and sang as the Goins Brothers for a quarter century until Ray suffered a heart attack in Dec. 1994, and afterwards appeared in the group on an irregular basis (Ray still does occasional guest appearanced with them). During this time, the band labored steadily on the festival and club circuit, making numerous albums. When Ray finally chose retirement from active performing, Melvin-taking the name Windy Mountian for his band-chose to persist. He has a traditional approach the retains elements of the Lonesome Pine Fiddler sound, as well as that of other pioneer figures. Melvin and Windy Mountian are moving forward in the new century with the brand of music that has taken their leader through a fair amount of the old one.