N.R. Taylor / DJ

Although his full name is Norris R. Taylor, Jr., most people simply know him as N.R. Born in 1961 in the small southwestern Virginia town of Wytheville, he continues to live there with his wife, Sarah.

N.R. discovered his love for bluegrass music early on, inspired by his parents’ vinyl records of Bill Monroe, The Lonesome Pine Fiddlers, and The Lewis Family. Black-and-white TV also played a role, with the family regularly watching Flat & Scruggs and the popular Reno & Smiley “Top’o The Morning Show” broadcast from Roanoke, Virginia. However, his greatest musical influence came from Wytheville itself, through the innovative sounds of The McPeak Brothers, who remain close friends and a primary source of inspiration for him.

Starting with the banjo at age eight and later mastering several other instruments, N.R. eventually turned his focus to the resophonic guitar (Dobro) around 2010. He now plays with his granddaughter’s band, Jaelyn Taylor & 21 South.

Over the years, performing live introduced N.R. to radio DJs, sparking his interest in broadcasting. Thanks to Annette Grady and The Bluegrass Jamboree, he now hosts his own show, Bluegrass From The Blue Ridge. The program highlights bluegrass staples such as tight harmonies, energetic melodies, and deep Gospel roots.