Original bass player Mitch Jayne invited Rodney and Doug Dillard to play on his popular "Hickory Hollow" bluegrass show and later the boys invited Mitch to join the group.

After quickly teaching himself to play the bass, he accepted the invitation. Aside from being a musician, Mitch worked as a teacher in a one-room schoolhouse, a radio host, and an author. His excellent story telling ability made Mitch an ideal emcee as the band started taking off.

Mitch Jayne passed away on August 2nd, 2010. He was a friend to all and the world has lost a true artist.