American bluegrass and southern Gospel musician and composer, born March 27, 1934 in Mount Airy, North Carolina. Died January 30, 2019.
Edward Easter, along with brothers Russell and James, performed together as The Easter Brothers for more than 60 years, and recorded at least two dozen albums and that many singles over their career. The group started in 1953 in Mount Airy, NC. Edd played mandolin with Russel on banjo and James on guitar. The three often switched the various instruments they played, and in the early days, Allen Mills was their bass player. They continued recording until the last album, I’d Do It All Over Again was released in 2014.
Over their career, The Easter Brothers recorded for King Records, QCA, Lifeline Records, Rebel, County, and their own Commandment label. Many of their original songs are considered part of the bluegrass and southern Gospel canon, including They’re Holding Up the Ladder and Thank You Lord for Your Blessings on Me.