[3] Simpkins and his brother Ronnie played in a family group, and eventually joined the bluegrass band Upland Express, releasing an album on Leather Records in 1979.

Other members included his brother Ronnie (bass), Ken Farmer (guitar), Barry Collins (banjo), and Tonya Gibson (mandolin).

[4] When he graduated from high school, Simpkins joined the McPeak Brothers as a full-time member, and continued with them into the early 1980s.

[9] Simpkins joined David Parmley, Scott Vestal and Continental Divide to record the album "Feel Good Day.

Dancing on the Fingerboard was nominated for the International Bluegrass Music Association (IBMA) Instrumental Recording of the Year award.