In 1969, the Pine Ridge Boys released their first album, titled "Old Time Mountain Music", on the County label.
[1] Earnest East was born July 8, 1916, in Surry County in North Carolina and spent much of his childhood learning about and playing music.
As a child, East spent most of his time at legendary banjoist Charlie Lowe's home learning to read music and play the fiddle, banjo, and guitar.
East drew music inspiration from the playing styles of popular recording artists at the time, including Fiddlin' Arthur Smith, learning to create a stronger driving sound by employing the entire length of his bow which became East's signature style.
[4] In 1988, East received the Brown-Hudson Folklore Award from the North Carolina Folklore Society which honors individuals who contribute to the "appreciation, continuation, or study of North Carolina folk traditions"[5] for his continuation of old-time folk music.