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