Eastern Kentucky native Don Rigsby discovered bluegrass music early in life, nurturing his interest through Ralph Stanley records and hanging out with two of Stanley's Clinch Mountain Boys, Ricky Skaggs (who happens to be Don's cousin) and Keith Whitley. Soon enough, he would move on to make his own mark with his powerful tenor and distinctive mandolin playing. Don first began to pursue a musical career while in college. He emerged on the national scene with the Bluegrass Cardinals. Subsequently he hooked up with J.D. Crowe and the New South. He has also done stints with Charlie Sizemore and Vern Gosdin and eventually became a member of the award-winning Lonesome River Band. In addition, he filled in with the Seldom Scene upon the sudden death of John Duffey, and has been involved with Longview, Rounder's super-group comprised of top-ranked traditional bluegrass artists. The late '90s found him releasing solo recordings and undertaking a series of "brother duo" albums with Dudley Connell. ~ Erik Hage