Cary Fridley is an Appalachian singer, bassist, and educator from Asheville, NC. Her music has evolved to embrace all styles of traditional country, blues, folk, and jazz. She is a published songwriter, recording artist, and bandleader, singing and performing in western North Carolina since 1992.

Cary Fridley is a seasoned performer with an impressive legacy spanning over 20 years, dedicated to celebrating and preserving the cultural tapestry of the Southern Appalachian Mountains. Originating from the Alleghany Highlands of Virginia, Cary’s lifelong dedication to upholding and sharing the musical traditions of the region began at an early age, shaping her into a revered figure in the realm of traditional music.

Having graced stages across the United States and abroad, Cary’s expertise spans a diverse repertoire that encompasses ballads, fiddle and banjo tunes, and traditional country songs. She served as the lead vocalist and guitarist for The Freight Hoppers old-time string band during its influential period in the late 1990s for 6 years, traveling internationally and creating 3 albums with the group that left an indelible mark on the genre. Cary’s musical journey continued, collaborating with renowned musicians like Travis Stuart in the Haywood Ramblers and fronting her own band in Asheville, Down South.  She has 3 solo CDs of her own, and is planning a new album to be released in 2025.

Cary holds a Master’s Degree in Music Education from UNCG, and blends academic acumen with an innate understanding of old-time and traditional music. Her teaching methodology is innovative and engaging, offering students a unique learning experience.

In addition to her role as a valued member of the Fine Arts Faculty at A-B Tech in Asheville, Cary teaches at three Junior Appalachian Musician Programs in the area, Black Mountain, Haywood County and Buncombe County, NC, and offers Traditional Classes for Adults at the Black Mountain Center for the Arts. In 2023 she participated in the Fine Tuned program as a mentor to Bayla Davis, reflecting her steadfast commitment to passing on the musical legacy. Cary and Bayla now perform together showcasing the songs of the mountains, taking turns singing and backing each other up with harmonies on guitar, banjo, and fiddle. Cary has taught at Swannanoa Old-time Week for several years and will be returning in July of 2024.

Early Musical Influences

Born and raised in the Virginia mountains, Cary grew up around a strong bluegrass tradition and a rich musical culture. She sang in the choir at church and played the banjo as a teenager, later switching to guitar. Her parents provided classical piano and flute lessons, which led to a college major in music, and later a Masters in Music Education from UNC-Greensboro.  In North Carolina, Cary found the Mount Airy old-time fiddling scene, and played in  Sissy “T” and the Grownups old-time band for several years.  In Mt. Airy, Cary met champion fiddler David Bass, and began subbing in his band The Freight Hoppers on guitar.  In 1994 Cary officially joined this powerful new old-time band, and was a strong creative force during their rise to folk festival fame, singing and playing on 3 CD’s for Rounder Records. Her powerful old-time guitar rhythm and strong mountain voice made her a favorite in bluegrass and old-time venues throughout the US, Canada, and abroad. Cary left the band and moved to Asheville, NC in 1999 to pursue a solo project, learn to play the bass, and become part of the budding new music scene there.

New Millennial Shift ~ Expanding Traditional Genres in Asheville

Moving into the new millennium marked the beginning of a new creative period for Cary Fridley, and Asheville, NC was a powerful conduit of creative energy at the time.   In Asheville Cary established herself as a solo performer and band leader, releasing 3 albums over the next 10 years.  The singing on Neighbor Girl (2001) was compared to that of Maybelle Carter and Doc Boggs, two famous depression-era singers from the south.  Drawing from her solo performances with the Freight Hoppers, Cary’s first CD is a favorite among old-time ballad singers and southern Appalachian music audiences. In 2005, Cary recorded Down South, a collaboration with regional artists that represents the wider scope of Cary’s influences, branching into blues, songwriting, and electric country.  Asheville bands on that CD were The Lowdown Travelers (blues), 7 Mile Ford (old-time), and an early incarnation of Down South, Cary’s country swing band.  Down South debuted Cary’s first original song, “Cheatin’,” which led to an EP of all originals in 2007, Fare You Well. Her latest CD, Rainbow Mist, is a return to her mountain roots, a collection of traditional mountain ballads drawing from the Madison County, NC ballad singers Dellie Norton and Dillard Chandler. She was joined by Travis Stuart on banjo, and Mary Ellen Davis and Laura Blackley on harmony vocals.  As always, Cary played bass and guitar with many bands in Asheville during this time, collaborating on albums with One Leg Up (gypsy jazz), The Swayback Sisters (folk), Peggy Seeger, Trevor and Travis Stuart, and others.

I am truly thankful to have enjoyed a rich musical life so far, and that I can enjoy sharing different instruments, singing styles, and styles of music.  Thank you for supporting live music and for visiting my website.  For bookings, please visit the contact page and be sure to describe what you are looking for.

~Cary Fridley

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