Biography

“Sing Darling Sing” Arrives From Jesse Smathers

Acclaimed Lonesome River Band Guitarist & Vocalist Releases New Solo Single, Teases New Project

A lifelong musician and longtime member of Lonesome River Band, Jesse Smathers released his debut solo album in 2022. After the chart success of songs like “Nothing in the World to Do,” “Under the Weather,” and #1 Gospel single “Living in Canaan,” Jesse returns with a new single, releasing on September 22.

“I’m proud to announce the release of ‘Sing Darling Sing,’” says Jesse. “This love song tells the tale of a young fella’s journey to wed the girl of his dreams.” When writing the song, Jesse took inspiration from his parents and grandparents - who are also an important part of his musical heritage.

Hailing from Eden, North Carolina, Jesse Smathers comes from a long line of musicians. His grandfather, Harold Smathers, and grand uncle Luke Smathers, recorded for June Appal and were awarded the North Carolina Folk Heritage Award in 1993 for their contributions to North Carolina Folk Music. Jesse began playing the guitar at age 11, mandolin at 15, and was heavily influenced by the music around him in his youth. In 2009, he won the guitar championship of the Virginia Folk Music Association. The following year, after graduation, he began his career as a touring musician with the James King Band on mandolin and vocals, and later rejoined the band performing guitar and vocals.
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Jesse joined Nothin’ Fancy in 2014. The same year, he was also inducted into Phi Mu Alpha, a music fraternity, as a Sinfonian - joining such greats as John Phillip Sousa, Count Bassie, Duke Ellington, and Andy Griffith. In 2015, Lonesome River Band welcomed him to the group as a vocalist and mandolin player, and in 2017, Jesse won the IBMA Momentum Award for Vocalist of the Year! After the departure of Brandon Rickman from the Lonesome River Band, Jesse switched over to guitar duties in 2021.

Smathers says “Sing Darling Sing” hearkens back to a simpler time: “Before the days of being able to have a relationship over a phone or computer, and the accessibility that comes with it… this song was inspired by the examples I often see set by older couples, like my folks, who didn’t have it as easy. But because of their love for each other, their relationship persevered.”

“Sing Darling Sing” features Jesse on guitar and lead vocals, with harmony vocals and mandolin provided by Nick Goad. Corbin Hayslett plays banjo on the track, along with Hunter Berry on fiddle and Joe Hannabach on bass.

The first taste of more new music from Jesse Smathers to come in 2024, “Sing Darling Sing” releases to streaming services everywhere on September 22.

PRESS CONTACT:
Maggie Rainwater
Rainwater Poster Co.
maggie@rainwaterposterco.com