The hills of Eastern Kentucky are famous for two things: music and coal. Those dark, dangerous mines are a rich source of both jobs and musical inspiration. Many bluegrass and country legends, including Keith Whitley, Ricky Skaggs, J.D. Crowe, Dwight Yoakam, Loretta Lynn, Patty Loveless and Tom T. Hall, hail from the music-rich region.

So it’s no surprise that the profoundly talented Don Rigsby comes from the heart of Elliott County, in the northeastern corner of the Bluegrass State. As one enters Isonville on KY 32, there’s a sign that proudly proclaims the town as “The Home of Don Rigsby.” A similar sign bearing a different name is posted on KY 32 as it enters nearby Sandy Hook--the birthplace of late country icon Keith Whitley.

On a sunny Saturday in May, I made the short one-hour flight [Jason is the proud owner and pilot of a Piper Cherokee Six airplane—Ed.] from Livingston, TN to the airport in Morehead, KY. Not knowing what to expect, I taxied the plane up to a non-descript white block building, hopped out and took a seat on a nearby bench.

Read the Full Article in the print issue of Bluegrass Now, or call for a back issue.