Ed Blankenship Music

Behind the Music

I grew up in Statesville, NC, but have lived the last 18 years in Salisbury, NC.

I started playing guitar when I was 13 or 14 years old and got really serious about playing in my late 20’s.

For the next ten years, I played with several bands sometimes playing 75 to 100 shows a year.

I took an almost 15-year hiatus and always hoped some day I’d get to go to and/or play in Nashville, TN.

For my 50th birthday, my beautiful and lovely wife, Jolaine, bought me 2 plane tickets and 2 tickets to the Ryman Auditorium. The next thing I knew, I was on the front row of the balcony looking down on the forehead of the one and only Vince Gill.

After being touched and inspired by his performance, I knew I couldn’t hang up my guitar just yet. I went home, picked up my guitar and haven’t laid it down since.

I have written dozens of songs and just recently recorded my first album.

I enjoy many genres of music: Country, Blues, Classic Rock, Southern Rock, Americana and Folk. These styles often come out in my song writing.

I’m a solo musician who plays coffee houses, restaurants, sports bars, vineyards, private parties, weddings, funerals, etc.

For the past 5 years, I have been playing in a Contemporary Christian Praise band. I’ve written several contemporary Christian songs that are played at church with the praise band on a regular basis.

I’d love to come play at your restaurant, event, or gathering. Be sure to get in touch!