Young Heart ~ Old Soul
Riley Gilbreath is a Bluegrass/Country artist from Crowley, Texas. He began taking banjo lessons in 2016 at the age of 12 with a loaner banjo from the Bluegrass Heritage Foundation's Play it Forward program. After about 2 years, he had taught himself Flat Pick guitar and began writing songs. In 2019 he had become The Texas State Banjo Champion at age 15.
Riley is a laid back, kind hearted 18 year old who can't get enough JD Crowe and The New South, Lonesome River Band and The Johnson Mountain Boys. His unique brand of entertainment fuses traditional bluegrass and old country music, especially Keith Whitley.
Riley joined his first band Cedar Junction at age 14 as their full time banjo player. When his band leader, Dale Brawner passed away, Riley was asked to join Pocket Change Bluegrass Band with his dad, Danny. Riley was lead guitar/vocals. After playing with them for 2 years, Riley decided to go out on his own and form his own band.
Riley formed Riley Gilbreath & Lone Star Blue in early 2021. He had always dreamed of having the members that he currently has Leah Sawyer, Cole Gore, Sam Smith and John-Samuel May, but never thought it could ever happen with the busy family band schedules each of them had. It did happen though and the rapport, work ethic and friendship they have is a true gift.
They have performed at the iconic Levitt Pavilion in Arlington, TX, The Bluegrass Heritage Festival and The Bloomin' Bluegrass Festival in Farmers Branch, TX, Troy's at Texas Live, Unity Square in Bartlesville, OK as well as many other venues and festivals. They recently recorded their first single "Dark and Stormy Weather" at the Cove Studios in Arlington, TX
Riley has had the opportunity to open for Ricky Skaggs and Kentucky Thunder, Rhonda Vincent & the Rage & Kylie Frey
"Extremely talented artist! I had the opportunity to see him in Texas and we all agreed we were witnessing true, rare musical talent. Songwriting, singing, instrumental, Riley has it all, you won't regret seeing this up a coming artist!" - S. Norton
"Riley Gilbreath & Lone Star Blue are phenomenal" - Tim Shipman - Host of Ship Show on Texas Red Hot Radio
"We found Riley Gilbreath (past winner of the Start the Journey Youth Voice Competition and past Share the Stage opener) because YOU recommended him. You can sure bet you will see Riley back on the Levitt Stage in 2022!" Levitt Pavilion Arlington
Riley Gilbreath & Lone Star Blue and a dozen more special guests blew it out of the part last night" Holy Deliverance!" Brock's Food & Drinks - Granbury, TX