J.D. Joyner grew up in Rocky Mount, North Carolina and discovered his passion - and talent - for the guitar early on.

He began playing at the age of 12 and his self-taught fingerstyle performances led to local recognition and stage time with various rock, jazz, country and gospel bands. J.D. has also been teaching guitar lessons for over 10 years and many of his students have gone on to become performers in their own rights.

With his support of cultural centers, churches and festivals, J.D.'s talent has touched audiences far beyond the city limits of small-town Rocky Mount. He received official endorsement by C.F. Martin Guitars in 2004, and has performed solo sets for events across the state of North Carolina. He even takes his passion overseas, providing guitar backup for church services during his mission trips to Sri Lanka.

While not all of J.D.'s stages are as exotic as the jungles across the Atlantic, his travels have allowed him to meet guitar legends such as Chet Atkins and B.B. King. But his mingling with the rich and famous hasn't affected J.D.'s down-to-earth style.