Don Stover was an influential American bluegrass banjo player known for his rich musical legacy that spanned several decades. Born on March 6, 1928, in White Oak, West Virginia, Stover's early exposure to music came from his coal-mining family and community, where traditional Appalachian music was a staple. He began playing the banjo as a young boy and was heavily influenced by the playing styles of greats such as Earl Scruggs.

Stover's career took off when he became a member of the Lilly Brothers in 1952, and together they helped shape the bluegrass scene in Boston, Massachusetts, at the legendary Hillbilly Ranch. Their collaboration and performances on radio eventually led to the release of the album "On The Radio 1952-1953," which showcased their early live recordings. Throughout his career, Don Stover's music was characterized by his distinctive, clean banjo picking style and his ability to inject emotion into traditional bluegrass tunes. His solo works, such as "Things In Life," his penultimate studio album released in 1972, and collections like "West Virginia Coal Miner's Blues" and "Early Recordings," serve as testaments to his talent and contributions to the bluegrass genre. Stover's work remains influential, and his legacy is celebrated by bluegrass musicians and enthusiasts alike.