Lawrence County native Jim Laney is no stranger when it comes to singing and playing music

By Roberta Cantrell

BSN Editor

Laney said he’s been playing the mandolin since he was 13 years-old and decided June 10 on his 90th birthday that he wanted to leave behind a legacy by making a music CD. His genre of music is Bluegrass, Gospel and a mixture of both.

Laney served in the Army from 1956-58 with 14 months in Germany and retired from the Coal Washing Plant in Nolan, WV, but always knew his love for music would stay with him throughout his life.

“I enjoy playing and singing and I just want to leave something behind,” said Laney. The CD has 13 songs, six of which Laney wrote.

“I didn’t play any instruments on the CD I just sang lead vocals and my friend Bo Isaac sang tenor,” Laney explained.

Other musicians featured on the CD include Elmer Burchett, Johnny Branham, John Rigsby, Robert Maynard, Blake Hopper, Andy Ruff and Steven Burwell.

Laney also enjoys making “made to order” leather crafts and basket weaving.

Laney said he has 25 CD’s left from the first 100 he ordered but is planning to order 100 more within the week. Anyone interested in buying a CD for $15 can call Jim Laney at 606-624-9655.