One very distinct style of clawhammer banjo that is well represented in SW Virginia is the “Round Peak” approach.  This is a very rhythmic and “thumb heavy” style in which the drone is very prominent.  Of all the current proponents of this style, Joey Burris of Hillsville stands out.  Joey may well have been genetically endowed with his musical abilities, being the grandson of the late great fiddler, Otis Burris. Otis was a primary figure in Elk Creek music tradition and his take on older tunes such as “Fortune” have become  standards.

            Joey grew up learning music in his family that included a long line of traditional musicians. He and his brother, James, both learned to play multiple instruments early in their lives and Joey is adept at banjo, guitar and mandolin.  Although Joey is not formally trained, he learned sitting knee to knee with the likes of Paul Sutphin, Verlen Clifton and Kirk Sutphin, all of whom were members or associates of the legendary local band “The Camp Creek Boys.”

            In the 1980’s Joey and his brother James formed the band “Southern Pride” that quickly became one of the most respected, multiple contest winning bands in the Galax region.  Here he began to collaborate with another young master of Round Peak style banjo, Kevin Fore, and the two traded responsibilities on banjo and guitar.

            Joey’s wife, Gin Burris, who is a bassist, dulcimer champion and renowned singer also performs with the band and insures that Joey’s off-stage hours are music filled.  The two perform regularly together at conventions and community events. Music is a pillar of both of their social and domestic lives.

            Joey is known as a competent collaborator and thus is featured as a performer with a variety of legendary regional musicians.  Among those he has recorded and performed with include legendary fiddler Benton Flippen, Kyle Creed’s former musical partner Bobby Patterson, and fiddler Eddie Bond and his band, “The New Ballard’s Branch Bogtrotters.  His multi instrumentalism is also featured on many prominent field recordings such as “The Field Behind the Stage” collection.

            Although Joey is well respected as a go-to musician for sessions and jams, he has also amassed a large collection of trophies for his banjo playing, placing him squarely in the running for one of the leading contemporary Round Peak style clawhammer masters.  He placed 2nd in the 1994 Galax Old Fiddler’s Competition, 6th in 1998, 1st Place in 1999, 6th Place in 2000 and in 2002 he took home 4th place at the Alleghany County Fiddler’s Convention.

            In 2025, Joey continues both his collaborations and his competition appearances. Multi-instrumentalist Lucas Pasley recruited Joey’s help with his highly regarded release “Chilly Winds.”  Through his dedication and persistence to remaining true to the sounds of his grandfather and the Round Peak sound, Joey continues to carry on the tradition that he was born into.