In or around 2013 or 2014, I was branching out from Muddy Roots and ROMP into other festivals that feature the bands I love. I started running into the people involved in the local Appalachian music community, and many of those people I met are responsible for me featuring most of their music. I am not one hundred percent sure I explained that correctly, so I wanted to delve into how things came about to me. I will also tell you something that many others will about themselves.
I have spent the last ten years studying and writing about the bands and artists that this community features. I have had the pleasure to have met many of the influential people inside and outside the realm. And although I did indeed write about Tyler Childers and Sturgill at very early points in their careers, I was influenced by others like Mr. Byron and a friend of mine named JJ Waters to check them out back then.
Look. I’m not like those other websites that claim to know everyone and everything. I’m just a beat to shit factory worker with a blog that writes about the music Byon loves. I’m not some magic “journalist” that miraculously finds the next arena superstar. I’m not even close. In fact, if it weren’t for W.B. Walker, J.J.Waters and Byron Roberts, I wouldn’t know HALF the artists I know now. And you can bet your ass I’m not going to spend one second pretending to say otherwise.
Back many years into Tyler Childer’s career, he and Mr. Byron started a many year outdoor festival in East Kentucky called “Kicki’n It On The Creek”. I covered two of the many years it went on for. Byron Roberts was one of the ones that masterminded that event, and turned it from 25 cent hot dogs to 2500 people. Not to mention that he and his team did it for nearly any profit.
It was those guys and gals that showed me into their realm of music and what I learned I studied and it culminated into what I do know now. They accepted ME into their community and accepted my website into their region, I wasn’t one of them OG’s that were there since day 1.
So, when I saw some posts that were sharing some concern for Byron’s health issues, I wanted to tell him how special he is to me, and I have 0 doubt that anyone would dispute my statement. I know that eventually he will encounter this article. In my 20 years of blogging and writing articles about all types of music, Byron is one of most loving and Godly people I have ever met, and I love you very much.
Here is a statement from his own family’s Facebook account:
From Byron:
Head looks like its been split open with a dull double bitted axe. Took out more brain than I had to start with, but my heart is filled with the love, kindness and hope.
They’re gonna let me go to Ross’ Creek to have Thanksgiving with my family. Got a long row to hoe, and I can’t thank everyone enough and we will keep yall updated. Blessed. Keep me and my family in your prayers, cherish each moment and enjoy your holidays and your family.
