Artist Biography
North Carolina’s own Ashleigh Graham was destined for bluegrass greatness. Born into the music through her father’s fiddle, the sound of tradition ran deep from the very beginning, shaping a voice and spirit meant for the stage. By her teenage years, Graham was already commanding festival crowds across the Southeastern United States, captivating audiences with a rare blend of charisma, authenticity, and raw musical fire. At just fifteen, she took her first bold step into the genre’s history with her debut album, It’s Easy to Forget.
Life carried Ashleigh into marriage and motherhood, yet music remained her constant companion. She lifted her voice in church, explored the world of musical theater, and in 2019 released an inspirational Christian album highlighted by her original song, “When the Rain Falls.” Through every season, her artistry continued to deepen, quietly gathering strength.
When the world slowed to a standstill during the pandemic, Ashleigh Graham surged forward. Reconnecting with her bluegrass roots, she poured herself into songwriting with renewed purpose. Old dreams awakened, new songs emerged, and her desire to fully immerse herself once again in the bluegrass world burned brighter than ever.
That fire carried her to Pinecastle Records, where Graham entered a new era—one marked by both creative confidence and undeniable momentum. Her current album, I’ll Just Drive, has stood tall with an extraordinary six-week run at #1 on the Roots Music Report Bluegrass Album Chart, firmly establishing her as one of the genre’s most compelling voices.
For 2026, Ashleigh has elevated her sound both in the studio and on stage with the addition of a powerhouse lineup of veteran musicians. Joining her is Jason Fraley (founder, Deeper Shade of Blue, NC) on guitar and vocals; Steve Wilson (founder of Wilson Banjo Co., SC; Dale Ann Bradley; Deeper Shade of Blue) on banjo; Will Potts (Trey Hensley) on bass and vocals; and Glen Alexander (The Violin Shoppe, NC) on fiddle. Together, they form a dynamic new ensemble that honors tradition while driving boldly forward.
With roots firmly planted and eyes set on the horizon, Ashleigh Graham continues her ascent—carrying bluegrass into its next chapter with heart, grit, and undeniable grace.
Appalachian Highway
Our Story
Ashleigh Graham and Appalachian Highway was founded by a group of music lovers who wanted to create a space for people to come together and share their passion for music. We started with a small community and have grown into a thriving platform for music enthusiasts everywhere.
Jason Fraley
Born into music, his journey began on day one—coming home from the hospital to the sound of his father rehearsing music in the house. Just a week later, he attended his first bluegrass festival, setting the tone for a lifelong passion. Traveling and performing alongside his late father, a profound musical influence, he was immersed early in the craft that would shape his life.
Reflecting on those formative years, he shares: “In 1993, I met my guitar hero Tony Rice for the first time in Denton, NC, as well as Bill Monroe that same year. That experience not only led to lifelong friendships, but the Denton festival became a place where I was fully immersed in learning my craft. From watching my heroes and meeting them to eventually sharing stages with them—it’s indescribable.”
With more than 35 years of experience, he has established himself as a seasoned multi-instrumentalist, songwriter, audio engineer, and producer. Continuing a family legacy, he owns Playhouse Records, originally founded by his grandfather. His extensive performance career includes longtime membership with Deeper Shade of Blue (1999–2022), as well as work with Bluegrass 76, Remington Ride, No Other Name, Wayne Taylor and Appaloosa, Jerry Butler and the Bluejays, and Wilson Banjo Co.
Over the years, he has toured nationwide, performing on many of the country’s most respected stages and alongside notable artists. His honors include performances with The Army Band and The Marine Band. A versatile musician beyond bluegrass, he was also a trombone player and drum major in high school and continued into college, performing with jazz artist Bill Hannah’s big band.
He has served as music director and lead guitarist for Lee Park Worship on Daywind Records. His accolades include the 2007 NC Bluegrass and Country Hall of Fame Mandolin Player of the Year, an IBMA Mandolin Player of the Year nomination, a Grammy nomination with Deeper Shade of Blue, and GMA and Dove Award nominations with Lee Park Worship.
In recent years, he has expanded his creative pursuits into the culinary world, launching Playhouse Cook Shed BBQ, where he enjoys cooking and catering when he’s not performing. Today, he continues his musical journey as guitarist and vocalist for Ashleigh Graham and Appalachian Highway, bringing tradition, experience, and heart to every stage.
Will Potts
Will Potts is from Blairsville, Georgia. He currently resides in Johnson City, Tennessee as a student in the Bluegrass, Old-Time, and Roots Music Studies program. Will has played alongside Trey Hensley, Appalachian Road Show, The ETSU Bluegrass Pride Band, and many more great talents!
Steve Wilson
Steve Wilson is a multi-faceted force in bluegrass and roots music, known for his work
as a banjo player, recording engineer, producer, and instrument builder. With a career
that bridges stage, studio, and workshop, Wilson has earned a reputation for
authenticity, tone, and craftsmanship at every level of the music-making process.
Wilson’s professional journey took shape in Nashville, where he worked at Gibson’s
Custom Art Shop designing and building high-end, one-of-a-kind instruments for a
distinguished roster of artists. That experience not only refined his skills as a luthier but
also helped shape his deep understanding of tone and musical detail—qualities that
continue to define his work today.
A dedicated student of bluegrass, Wilson immersed himself in the tradition while
developing his voice on the banjo, his primary instrument. Over the years, he has
performed and recorded with a range of respected artists and groups, including Dale
Ann Bradley, Deeper Shade of Blue, and his own band, Wilson Banjo Co.
Today, Wilson is actively touring and recording as a member of Pinecastle Recording
Artist Ashleigh Graham & Appalachian Highway, while continuing to write, record,
and release music with Wilson Banjo Co. His playing reflects both deep respect for
tradition and a modern musical sensibility.
As a producer and engineer, Wilson has become known for delivering powerful,
radio-ready recordings rooted in modern and traditional bluegrass sounds. His credits
include projects with Dale Ann Bradley, The Creekers, Red Camel Collective, Jim
Hurst, Tidalwave Road, The King James Boys, Shawn Lane, Richard Bennett, and
many others.
Wilson, along with with wife Melanie Wilson of Wilson Pickins Promotions, operates
Oakway Music House, a full-service recording and artist development company built to
support independent musicians. Designed as a modern distribution and production hub,
Oakway Music House provides recording, producing, distribution, and radio
servicing—helping artists bring their music from concept to audience with clarity and
professionalism.
Based in South Carolina, Wilson continues to balance life on the road, in the studio, and
at the workbench—building instruments, producing records, and contributing to the
evolving sound of bluegrass music