Tommy Jarrell was a renowned old-time fiddler, banjo player, and singer born on March 1, 1901, in Mount Airy, North Carolina. Widely regarded as a key figure in the preservation and celebration of Appalachian music, Jarrell drew from a deep well of traditional songs and tunes, many of which were passed on to him by his father, Ben Jarrell, who was also a respected musician of his time. Tommy Jarrell's music was a reflection of the life and times of the rural South, embodying the community's spirit, hardships, and joys. His style was characterized by a distinctive, expressive fiddle technique and an authentic voice that resonated with the authenticity of mountain music tradition.

Throughout his life and even after his passing in 1985, Tommy Jarrell left a substantial legacy through his music. His influence extended far beyond his local community, attracting followers and students from around the world who sought to learn from his mastery. Some of his most recent releases, which were compilations and recordings of past performances, such as "Hand to the Banjo: Tommy Jarrell," "Down To The Cider Mill," and "Stay All Night… and Don't Go Home," provide listeners with a window into the past and preserve the distinct flavor of his musical heritage. With his other celebrated albums like "Come And Go With Me," "Pickin' On Tommy's Porch," "Sail Away Ladies," and "Rainbow Sign," Jarrell's work has secured him a permanent place in the pantheon of American traditional music, influencing countless musicians and leaving an indelible mark on the genre of old-time music.