The Lone Mountain Band specializes in contemporary bluegrass, but it maintains a deep respect for the traditional sound and feel of Appalachian music. The group features hard work, attention to detail and chemistry among it’s members who bring together many years of collective musical experience.

Jim Pankey, banjo, is a Georgia State banjo champion and plays both bluegrass and old time clawhammer styles. He is also a yo-yo enthusiast and a board member of the American Yo-Yo Association. Bobby Burns, mandolin, grew up in a musical family in Chattanooga and began playing with local bands before he could drive a car. He played for several years with Pinecastle Records’ Special Consensus, a nationally touring band. Burns is well known as a talented vocalist and runs the repair shop at Wilborn’s Music in Ringgold, Georgia.

Guitarist Roy Curry originally from Warren, Ohio, played with the Forester Sisters from 1984-1987, including appearances at the Kennedy Center and the Grand Old Opry. He is twice National Flatpicking Guitar Champion (1980, 1991). Bassist Diana Phillips was born in northern Virginia but attended high school in Chattanooga. She has played bass and sung in several bands including Special Consensus. She is a talented songwriter and several of her songs have been featured on Lone Mountain Band recordings, as well as those of other artists.


The Lone Mountain Band currently plays concerts and festivals all over the southeast. The group ‘s first recording, Low and Lonesome Wind, was released in 1998 and its second one, Live From The John C. Campbell Folk School, was recorded at their 2002 performance in Brasstown. Highway of Regret, was released in 2003.