Tyler Jackson Archives - Bluegrass Today

Tyler Jackson, Tori Jones wed

Music has brought another couple to the altar. Banjoist of North Carolina’s Drive Time, Tyler Jackson, married fiddler/mandolinist, Tori Jones, formerly of Sweet Potato Pie, on November 6 in Boonville, NC.

The couple officially met in Nashville while attending the 2020 SPBGMA gathering.

“We didn’t really talk much until right before I went in the hospital,” Tyler, who suffered a brain aneurysm in 2020, shared. “The support she showed me throughout the time had a large part in my recovery. She has been the answer to countless prayers.”

Tori pointed out, “I knew I had found a keeper.”

Their wedding included current and former band mates. Former Sweet Potato Pie pickers, Katie Springer Koerner and Madeleine Baucom Carnes, provided music as the bridal party entered. One of Tori’s music students, Izzy Yarborough, played fiddle as the bride came down the aisle. Groomsmen included Drive Time’s Bailey Coe, Austyn Howell, Austin Koerner, and former member, Grayson Tuttle.

Tyler said, “We were so blessed to have so many friends and family there with us, both musical and otherwise. We are so thankful the Lord has brought us together, and we look forward to where this road will lead us.”

The Jacksons will make their home in Kernersville, NC. No doubt they will be making beautiful music together.

Congratulations Tyler and Tori!

Another Sweet Potato Pie/Drive Time wedding coming up

Another bluegrass wedding is on the horizon with more members from the same bands! Sweet Potato Pie mandolinist, Tori Jones, and Drive Time banjoist, Tyler Jackson, have officially announced their engagement. This comes just a month after Drive Time/Sweet Potato Pie fiddler, Katie Springer wed Drive Time mandolinist, Austin Koerner.

Jackson, who survived a brain aneurysm just about a year ago, shared, “Tori and I officially met on a group trip to SPBGMA in January of 2020. Katie Springer and Maddie Baucom (of Sweet Potato Pie) introduced us, but we really didn’t talk much until October of last year, right before I went into the hospital with the ruptured aneurysm. While I was still there we started talking just about every day, and the support she showed me throughout that time had a large part to play in my recovery, more than she realizes. I’ve told her this before, but she has been the answer to countless prayers and I’m so very thankful the Lord has led me to her.”

Jones added, “As Tyler mentioned, we officially met on a trip to SPBGMA in 2020 with our bandmates, Katie Springer and Maddie Baucom Carnes. However, we didn’t start talking until right before the aneurysm in October 2020. As he was in the hospital, we began talking more and realized how much we had in common. He played bluegrass AND was a big nerd…so I knew I’d found a keeper.”

“We started dating in early January 2021, and on September 17 while we were at MerleFest, he asked me to marry him. It’s been so cool to see how the Lord has shaped our lives this past year. Tyler and I balance each other out in so many ways…I am beyond blessed to get to marry my best friend.”

Jackson concluded, “We haven’t set a date officially, but we are looking at October of 2022.”

Tyler Jackson of Drive Time’s miraculous recovery from brain aneurysm

During a time of year when we reflect and give thanks, there is much to be grateful for even in the midst of a pandemic. Tyler Jackson, 24 year old banjoist with NC-based bluegrass band Drive Time who suffered a ruptured brain aneurysm on October 31, is back home and on the road to a complete recovery!

“We’re HOME!” said Tyler’s dad, Ronnie Jackson. “Tyler has quite a few appointments coming up, but medically he’s good. Doctors are optimistic about his recovery. He will receive rehab and therapy as an outpatient.”

The young banjo picker spent 15 days in the ICU at Chapel Hill Medical Center, two days in a step-down room, and two more in a regular room before being released to go home last Thursday, November 19.

His dad expressed his appreciation for the medical care his son received. “We will always be grateful for the Neurological Science ICU at UNC hospital in Chapel Hill. When we entered, we didn’t know what would happen, and we were so scared. We had no choice but to put it in God’s hands.”

Tyler will begin the rehabilitation process this week. He will receive physical therapy to assist him with walking and balance. There will also be occupational therapy sessions to help strengthen his muscles.

“He can do everything that he could do before. He has full mental capacity with just some balance issues,” shared his father. “He is limited with weight (lifting) so he hasn’t played his banjo yet.”

But he is picking.

In a phone interview on Monday morning, Tyler stressed, “I played guitar Saturday and Sunday. I may start playing some mandolin.”

The Buies Creek resident was visited by some of his bluegrass friends and band mates on Sunday afternoon.

“It was nice to talk bluegrass and see my friends,” Tyler relayed.

One guest was Austyn Howell, Drive Time’s guitarist. “It was a good visit. He was in great spirits, joking and laughing. He has good dexterity in his hands and feet. In fact, he was playing some guitar Saturday. He was able to walk unassisted. He has some minor things to work through with physical therapy, but overall it was a testament to his will and God’s grace. He heard the prayers from every corner of the country and beyond.”

Another visitor was close friend, Bailey Coe. “It was great to see Tyler and his family. Seeing Tyler laugh seemed to uplift everyone’s spirits. We all know that he still has a ways to go, but it was great to see him interacting with everyone. Tyler is a strong person and will persevere. We love him and are so glad to see him heading in a positive direction.”

Drive Time band mate, Grayson Tuttle, agreed. “Tyler is one of my best friends and I am always proud to call him this! After the aneurysm, I was shaken but knew Tyler had the strength to pull through. I’m so proud of him and know there is still a road to recovery, but with his courage he will prevail. We will all be here to support and encourage him along the way. The band simply could not function without him, and I can’t wait to be back on the stage beside my right hand man!”

Tyler was moved by the response to his ordeal. “I appreciate the overwhelming support from friends, family, and the bluegrass community all over.”

The young musician is truly a miracle, beating the odds.

Ronnie explained the numbers. “Tyler is in the top 30%! We were told that (of individuals who experience aneurysms) 30% never make it to the hospital and 40% never make it out of a long term care facility.”

“I hope our testimony during the single scariest thing in my life touched someone in a special way. The Holy Spirit was surely with all of us, and we thank God for that. Lastly, Tyler’s faith has impressed me. He wanted the chaplains to come by every day. This will make all of us more faithful to the good Lord. Thanks everyone! Love you all!”

Tyler concluded, “I still have a ways to go. 2020 has not been my favorite year, but I am thankful for God’s healing grace and mercy.”

Looking ahead, Drive Time hopes to eventually resume performing with Tyler on banjo. There is much to celebrate this Thanksgiving season.

Drive Time’s Tyler Jackson suffers brain aneurysm

Tyler Jackson, 24 year old banjoist with North Carolina-based bluegrass band, Drive Time, was stricken with a brain aneurysm over the weekend. The tragic news spread quickly over social media and rocked the bluegrass community.

The Buies Creek resident became ill Saturday evening, experiencing severe headache, nausea, and dizziness. EMS was dispatched and Tyler was transferred to Central Harnett Medical Center where he was diagnosed with a brain bleed.

Air lifted to the Trauma Center at UNC Chapel Hill, Tyler was diagnosed with an aneurysm at the base of his brain. On Sunday, surgeons were able to insert a drain to relieve pressure, and attempted a catheter procedure to stop bleeding. Then on Monday, the young musician underwent successful surgery to eliminate the aneurysm.

Following surgery, Ronnie Jackson, Tyler’s father, relayed. “Tyler has been back to his room and down to CT and back. Now they will do a neurological exam and resedate him. The risks, according to Dr. Sasaki-Adams, are stroke and swelling of the cerebellum. She said the cerebellum looked relaxed during surgery which was good.”

“He is still in critical condition. Side effects include the possibility of stroke, swelling of the cerebellum, and other factors. Bluegrass fans from across the country and abroad have reached out with support. We, his parents, are most grateful for them, the skilled medical team, and an almighty God that has blessed us and Tyler in so many ways since Saturday. Prayer requests are still needed and very much appreciated. Prayer chains will need to be in place for days to come. We can’t thank everyone enough for the support, and like I said before, thank God for his grace and goodness and mercy. All things are possible through him.”

Drive Time’s mandolinist, Austin Koerner, stressed. “He is still critical. They will be watching him closely for any complications. He will be in Neuro ICU for 10 to 14 days. Continue to pray for Tyler that he may have a smooth and complete recovery.”

Former Sideline member, Bailey Coe, shared, “Tyler is one of my best friends, and like a brother to me. He and I have been playing music together for about eight years now. Not only is he one of the most talented banjo players I know, he is also one of the best men that I know as well.”

Attendees at this year’s Doyle Lawson and Quicksilver Bluegrass Festival held in Denton, NC in September, may remember this powerhouse band and the drive of Tyler’s banjo during their Saturday performance.

“Music may have introduced me to Tyler, but it’s definitely not the reason we became friends. He and his family are such loving, caring people who would do anything for anybody. I have never been anywhere with them, whether it be just Tyler or his whole family, that I didn’t feel welcomed and loved,” stated Katie Springer, Drive Time fiddler. “Tyler has told me multiple times that Philippians 4:13 is his favorite Bible verse. ‘I can do all things through Christ who strengthens me.’ That has been very important to me these last few days. I believe his strength from Christ will see him through this.”

Drive Time band mate, Austyn Howell, concluded, “Something I always say on stage when I’m introducing Tyler is ‘he’s a fine banjo player and an even better man.’ I know that is sort of cliché sounding, but I’ve always meant it and I’ve never introduced anyone else that way. It doesn’t mean I haven’t played with other great humans, but Tyler has a big heart, and he loves to see people happy. He’d literally give you the shirt off his back, and really cares about how other people feel. He and his family are like family to me, and if you know Tyler or his folks….you’re pulling for them.”

Pray for Tyler Jackson.