Cumberland River

Paying tribute to tradition, while carving their own distinct sound. Cumberland River has found its own unique style in the bluegrass world. Their ultimate goal is to help preserve the national heritage that is bluegrass music. Bound by ties of blood family members Dustin Middleton, Joey Jones, and Jamie Stewart anchor Cumberland River and infuse into their music the passion passed down by generations of musicians. To these men this music is a cultural heirloom. Each and every song is drawn from personal experience. Music isn’t something they do it’s a reflection of who they are. On July 29th 2010 Cumberland River performed for the writers and producers of the hit Television Series Justified. With less than 24 hours’ notice, the band collectively wrote a song inspired by the story of the show’s protagonist Raylan Givens. Immediately following the performance, Cumberland River received a standing ovation from the writers, producers, and Graham Yost, the multi-award winning writer and producer. Despite writing the song to honor and applaud the series it was Cumberland River receiving the applause that night. The song (Justified) was added to their album Rock Island Express. TV viewer’s got a taste of Cumberland Rivers’ music in the opening scene of the March 2nd, 2011 episode of Justified, “For Blood or Money,” when they heard the band performing an instrumental version of their original song “Justified” during the opening scene. On the April 6, 2011 episode of Justified “Brother’s keeper” viewers received a full dose of appalachian glory, when fans heard the band performing five more of their original songs. At that time, the Justified averaged 3.9 million total viewers on the first run of season two. With a multi-run weekly average of 7.2 million total viewers and gaining fans every week, bluegrass music was vaulted into recognition by Cumberland River. Rural Rhythm Records released the band’s sophomore album The Life we Live in July 2011. The compilation showcases the incredible songwriting talents of Cumberland River with all members contributing to this impressive first national release. The Life we Live was produced by acclaimed singer-songwriter, Steve Gulley. Dustin Middleton provides lead vocals on his original song ‘Harlan Man’ that debuted on the October 2011 Bluegrass Music Profiles Top 30 Hot Singles Chart. JAMES DEAN provides lead on his original song and the band’s first single, ‘Cold & Withered Heart’ along with the music video of the song that hit #1 on Yallwire.com numerous weeks. Cumberland Rivers’ original song Antietam’s Hill was featured on the SEASON 3 premiere of the hit TV show JUSTIFIED on the FX Network on January 17, 2012. Following a grueling tour through a quarter of the United States Cumberland River’s James Dean decided to set down his five and pick up a wrench. He felt his priorities needed to be focused back towards his family. James Dean said farewell to Cumberland River in January 2014. Torn between their passion for music and the integrity that had bound them Cumberland Rivers coals burned low. The passion for what they had been doing was still there. It wasn’t diminished in any way. It wasn’t even dormant. The song writing has prospered in this period of downtime. Cumberland River’s defining attribute has been its realness. It’s adhesion to life as they know it, as they’ve seen it, and as they’ve lived it. Life is a beautiful, horrible, awesome, tragic, amazing, and terrifying experience. Cumberland River strives to imbue their songs with reality. Nothing here has changed. Cumberland River’s line-up includes Dustin Middleton(Mandolin/Lead and Harmony vocals), Jamie Stewart(Dobro/Harmony vocals), Joey Jones(Bass/Harmony vocals), Brandon Elkins(Banjo) and Jamie Clark(Guitar/Lead and Harmony vocals).