James Alan Shelton facts for kids
James Alan Shelton (born November 3, 1960 – died June 3, 2014) was a talented American bluegrass guitarist. He was known for his solo music, releasing 10 albums. James also played with the famous Clinch Mountain Boys band.
Early Life and Music Journey
James was born in Kingsport, Tennessee, and grew up in Gate City, Virginia. When he was a child, the music of the Stanley Brothers greatly inspired him. They were from nearby Dickenson County, Virginia.
At 12 years old, James saw Ralph Stanley perform live. This experience made him want to learn the guitar and banjo. His father bought him his first guitar, which cost $89.95. James worked for his father to pay him back for the instrument.
Other musicians who influenced James included the Carter Family, Flatt and Scruggs, and Bill Monroe. He especially loved listening to the Stanley Brothers' records. There, he discovered the guitar playing of George Shuffler, who had a special style called crosspicking. James admired Shuffler and later even got to play with him during his career.
James and his wife, Greta, lived in Church Hill, Tennessee. He passed away on June 3, 2014. Greta still lives there today.
Professional Music Career
James Shelton became a professional musician and played with Ralph Stanley and the Clinch Mountain Boys. His guitar playing was very special. He combined George Shuffler's crosspicking style with Doc Watson's flatpicking. He also added a blues finger-picking style to his music. Later, he played the dobro and guitar with a band called Flint Hill.
Solo Albums
James Shelton recorded 10 albums as a solo artist. Here are his albums:
- Blue in the Blue Ridge (Freeland FRC-CD 645, 1992)
- Clinch Mountain Guitar (Freeland FRC-CD 650, 1995)
- Road to Coeburn (Copper Creek CCCD 0154, 1997)
- Standing Room Only - 1999
- Song for Greta (Rebel REB-CD 1785, 2002)
- Guitar Tracks - 2003
- Half Moon Bay (Rebel REB-CD 1809, 2004)
- Walking Down the Line (Sheltone SR 1961, 2007)
- Gospel Guitar (Sheltone SR 1960, 2008)
- Copper Creek Sessions (Sheltone, 2012)
