Grammy-winning Durham bluegrass artist dies unexpectedly at 57

A Grammy-winning bluegrass artist from Durham died unexpectedly on Friday at the age of 57, according to family members.

An online obituary for James Robert Mills (Jim) reads: "Jim’s unexpected passing comes as a shock to his family, friends, and loved ones who are still reeling at the loss."

WRAL's Tar Heel Traveler interviewed Mills in 2019, who has worked with famous artists, including Jack Black, Ricky Skaggs and Vince Gill, among others. Mills told WRAL News he worked with Skaggs for 15 years and cut two records with Dolly Parton.

According to his profile on The Banjo Reserve, Mills played banjo in the three-finger style popularized by Earl Scruggs. He told WRAL News he was later asked to play banjo at Scruggs' funeral.

Mills was born in Raleigh and began touring with the band Doyle Lawson & Quicksilver right after high school.

Later in his career, he released solo work, including multiple albums, and was a member of the group Kentucky Thunder.

His obituary said Mills, a six-time Grammy winner, played on stage at the Grand Ole Opry and Carnegie Hall. According to his obituary, Mills won the International Bluegrass Music Association (IBMA) banjo player of the year award six times and earned IBMA's Album of the Year for his album "Bound to Ride."

He is the author of a book on vintage Gibson banjos made prior to World War 2, which he also bought and sold out of his Durham home.

Mills' obituary reads, "Nicknamed 'Smilin' Jim in the Bluegrass world, he was a truly joyful soul with an infectious smile that he shared freely with friends, family, and stranger alike."

In the obituary, his family asked for privacy, calling his death tragic and unexpected.