A Documentary on G.B. Grayson

Short Life of Trouble: The Legend of G.B. Grayson
Director: Kelley St. Germain

From Laurel Bloomery, Tennessee, Gilliam Banmon Grayson (1887-1930) was a blind fiddler from one of the most isolated regions on the East Coast. Largely unknown, he may be one of the most influential musicians in the history of bluegrass and country music. His music has been recorded and performed by world-famous musicians including Bob Dylan, Mick Jagger, Doc Watson, Dr. Ralph Stanly, and the Kingston Trio, among many others. Yet, very few people have an inkling of who G.B. Grayson was and what he accomplished in only two years of professional recording.

In this film, we explore G.B. Grayson’s life and tragic death and how his musical legacy lives on today. Grayson’s most famous songs include: Tom Dooley, Train 45, Handsome Molly, Short Life of Trouble, Going down the Lee Highway, Omie Wise, Rose Conley, Banks of the Ohio, and Little Maggie.

This film includes interviews with: Ketch Secor (Old Crow Medicine Show), Emmy nominated folksinger/songwriter John McCutcheon, Ralph Stanley II, Kody Norris (The Kody Norris Show), Josh Beckworth (Author of Always Been a Rambler), several of G.B. Grayson’s Grandchildren, and many more.

This film is funded in part by the Tennessee Arts Commission, the Arts Fund of the East Tennessee Foundation, The Johnson County Center for the Arts, Germain Media, Appalachian Memory Keepers, and private donors.