Southern Raised is a family band from the Hurley, Missouri area, sharing the gospel in word and song, through traditional bluegrass music. The group consists of the Reith family siblings: Lindsay, Sarah, Emma Grace and Matthew. They live on a rolling 88 acre farm in the heart of the Ozark hills with their Mom, Dad, dogs, cats, chickens, goats and cows. Having their beginnings in classical music, they now enjoy traditional bluegrass music, which has been a part of the Ozark's rich history. Bluegrass music has its roots in the value of family, fellowship of friends, hard work, taking care of one another and the need for our Saviour Jesus Christ, and allows them the means to honor this way of life.

Southern Raised began in the spring of 2007, when they were asked to play at a church function and from there the Lord has continued to open doors. With the help of John Langley, they began to develop an understanding of what it takes to have a bluegrass band. As time went on, the Lord brought Greg Bailey of the Homestead Pickers into their lives. He produced and recorded their first album, the self-titled Southern Raised. He helped them tremendously with their harmonies, vocals and playing skills. The Homestead Pickers have also greatly influenced the band and shown great kindness toward them. Southern Raised owes a debt of gratitude to so many kind people who have given of themselves.

They play at a variety of venues such as: churches, nursing homes and festivals. They all agree "being in a band with your best friends is a wonderful experience, for which we praise the Lord and look forward to each opportunity to minister together!" They see a deeper purpose that goes beyond entertainment, they see souls that they want to touch with the love of Jesus and share the message of salvation.

Lindsay, 22 began music at the age of 10 when she started the piano and at the age of 12, she picked up the classical violin. In May of 2007, she started learning the bass fiddle, giving us the heartbeat in our band. She has learned valuable lessons from the fine musicians such as, John Langley, Greg Bailey, Greg Becker and Irl Heese. Lindsay plays a custom-made Medley bass #123. She also sings lead and baritone vocals. She played in a classical guitar ensemble and also played violin in an orchestra for three years. Lindsay also held the position of assistant principal for one year. Lindsay currently enjoys teaching bass, classical violin, piano and guitar. Her favorite instrument is the bass. When Lindsay is not playing music, you will usually find her outside in her flower and herb gardens enjoying the beauty of God's creation. She also enjoys studying creationism, geology and paleontology. She is always looking for new specimens to add to her rock and fossil collection.

Sarah, 20, plays banjo and brings an energetic drive and bluegrass twang with her upbeat style. Sarah began playing banjo in May of 2007 and says it is her favorite instrument. She plays a 5-string B-17 Washburn and dreams of one day owning a Deering. She has learned from and been influenced by great banjo players such as John Langley and Greg Bailey, who have both given selflessly of their time to help improve her skill. Sarah also plays guitar and fiddle for the group, sings a high tenor and will occasionally sing lead. Music became a part of Sarah's life at the age of eight when she began piano. After two years of piano she began to play the violin. She played in an orchestra during high school for three years holding the position of principal violinist for one year. Sarah currently has fun teaching piano, violin and banjo. When Sarah's banjo is not in her hand, she can most likely be found reading the latest weather events and reports or recording the day's weather data. She is a certified weather spotter and would love the thrill of seeing a tornado. Unfortunately, Mama only lets her spot from the basement window! Sarah is also a Civil War buff and enjoys reading and collecting books on that topic. She is also a seamstress and has sewn numerous historical costumes and quilts.

Emma Grace, 14, is our splash of smiles and fun! Emma plays fiddle and mandolin and sings baritone and lead vocals. She brings a spark of life with her fiddle playing. She plays mandolin as well as the fiddle and will on occasion play the guitar. Emma began mandolin and fiddle in May of 2007 and only a few months later took home 3rd place in her division in the 57th Annual Golden Missouri Fiddle Competition. In 2008 at the 58th Annual Golden Missouri Fiddle Compeition Emma placed 1st in her division. She plans on participating in more fiddle contests in the future. Emma has been inspired by the fiddle playing style of Greg Bailey and values each tip he gives her. She plays a Morgan Monroe mandolin and a Scott Cao fiddle. She started out on the piano at age five and the classical violin at age six. She played in an orchestra for four years and last year held the position of principal violinist. She also plays in a quartet with Matthew, and played in the classical guitar ensemble with Lindsay. She loves to teach music and her versatility allows her to teach mandolin, guitar and fiddle. Emmie loves animals and enjoys life on a farm. She is also an artist and works hard to polish her skills. Sit still too long and she may be sketching a picture of you! She is also a fan of Roy Rogers and Dale Evans.

Matthew, 11, has had the benefit of hearing music even before he entered the world with his three older sisters filling the home with music. His first instrument was the cello, which he began at the age of eight. The same year he also started playing in an orchestra of which he was a member for two years and held the position of principal cellist for both years. He has also played in a quartet for two years. Matthew began keeping rhythm on the guitar in June of 2007, and he is now working hard to learn to flatpick. Matthew has had the privilege to watch and learn from very talented musicians such as John Langley, Greg Bailey, Dwight Murdy and Danny Eakin. Matthew's favorite instrument is the guitar and he plays a Martin D16 TR. He is currently working on his vocals and we look forward to him joining us in family harmony. When Matthew is not pickin', you will usually find him outside shooting his Stevens double barrel 20 gauge shotgun. He also has an interest in archery and woodcarving and is always trying to talk his sisters into a game of mumbly peg. Matthew is also a fan of Daniel Boone.

Thanks for visiting our bio page. We hope you know us all a little better by now. We would love to meet and get to know you should our paths cross on down the road.