Born in the Southeast and educated on the East Coast, Brantley Kearns was a Renaissance man. A trained stage actor as well as a musician, he first came to the attention of the masses and the industry when he started playing with Dwight Yoakam in the mid-'80s. It's Kearns' fiddle playing that kept Yoakam's debut release, Guitars, Cadillacs, Etc., Etc. so traditional. The video of the title track also focused on Kearns' magnificent playing style. He was a featured player and background vocalist on Hillbilly Deluxe and Just Lookin' for a Hit, and his background vocals were prominent on Buenas Noches from a Lonely Room. As a player he mastered many instruments; mandolin and guitar were also part of his arsenal. Revered as one of the best fiddle players in the business, Kearns was a favorite around L.A., where he was often a guest on recording sessions and live performances. A close friend to Rick Shea, the two often performed as an acoustic duo act; as a soloist, Kearns moved back the clock and performed not only Western swing tunes à la Bob Wills but also ancient mountain and hillbilly songs. Kearns also joined Billy Joe and Eddy Shaver and their band for a tour in support of Highway of Life, and continued to play, perform, and record with numerous members of the Los Angeles country and roots music community as well as select others from around the country. He returned to the theater now and again, combining his music and acting skills. ~ Jana Pendragon