We’re celebrating Appalachian music this month with Sam Gleaves and Larah Helayne.

Sam Gleaves is a singer, songwriter, and multi-instrumentalist originally from Wytheville, Virginia. He began playing old time Appalachian music as a teenager, reveling in the beauty of dance tunes, Carter Family songs, and the stories surrounding the music. While studying folklore at Berea College, Sam performed with the Berea College Bluegrass Ensemble directed by Al White. Sam has toured throughout the U.S. and in Ireland, England, Canada, Japan and Italy. Sam has released 5 studio recordings, including his critically-acclaimed debut Ain’t We Brothers. He currently serves as Appalachian Instruments Instructor and Bluegrass Ensemble Director at Berea College. 

Photo by: Susi Lawson