Yesterday, July 9, was Jesse McReynolds’ 78th birthday.

I spoke with Jesse, and his wife Joy, via email yesterday and they sent along this photo of Jim & Jesse, sitting on the steps outside their old homeplace in SouthWest Virginia. Jesse believes this photo was taken in 1932, when he was only three , and his brother Jim (sitting to the right) would have been five at the time.

Jesse is not only one of bluegrass music’s great pioneers, he and his wife Joy are also two of the kindest, most friendly people I’ve ever met. Congratulations on another year of playing great bluegrass music Jesse! We’re looking forward to many more.