Riley Baugus stands squarely in the realm that Sugar Hill has come to define- that of quality roots Americana music. He represents not only the best of the old-time banjo, but also Sugar Hill’s commitment to preserving and fostering the growth of traditional music.

Riley Baugus first came to music through his family. His father brought home countless records from fellow North Carolinian Doc Watson and others, which Baugus says touched him on a molecular level. His family’s membership at the Regular Baptist church exposed him early to the unaccompanied singing that is a time-honored tradition for ballad singers throughout the Appalachians . Starting on the fiddle, but quickly moving on to the banjo, Baugus learned the “ Round Peak ” style of playing at the knee of National Heritage Award winner Tommy Jarrell.

While old-time music remained his passion, Baugus worked days as a blacksmith and welder until he got a fateful call from longtime friend and collaborator Dirk Powell. Powell was involved in the music direction for the film Cold Mountain, and convinced the producers that they needed banjos made in the Carolina hills, specifically Riley Baugus ’s handmade banjos. They also needed an authentic acapella ballad singer for the voice of Pangle, played by Ethan Suplee. Baugus put the hammer down on the anvil and didn’t look back. A whirlwind Hollywood experience ensued, culminating in a place on the “ Great High Mountain ” tour with superstars Alison Krauss, Ralph Stanley and others. From there, Baugus has made his own path building in-demand instruments, performing at festivals all over the world, and teaching young banjo players the way that Jarrell taught him.