Josh Goforth got hooked on mountain music after his great uncle gave him a guitar. Having performed music since the age of four, when he played the piano in church, Goforth has learned how to play at least 10 instruments without formal instruction.
"I'd go out to jam sessions and see a bunch of people I knew there, but I didn't know they played. I just got into the whole jam thing, and that's where I really learned how to play, through jams. Never had a teacher."
Although Goforth cites several musicians as influential, he primarily admires Madison County brothers Arvil and Gordon Freeman for their bluegrass and old-time fiddle. He has already proved himself a respected member of the musical community by earning the coveted "Fiddler of the Festival" title at the 76th annual Ole Time Fiddler's and Bluegrass Festival at Fiddler's Grove Campground in Union Grove.
He aspires to keep Appalachian music alive by teaching band and music education after he finishes college, while continuing to perform on the side.
