Sam McMahan thought he would spend his weekends coaching his kids’ basketball teams. When they decided to pick up instruments, a family band was formed.

Known in the community as Mountain Faith Band, the McMahans and other band members would practice in between helping customers at the family tire shop in Sylva, NC. Weekend performances at local churches turned into invitations to bluegrass festivals across North America; the McMahan’s hobby had turned into a career.

In 2015, Mountain Faith Band auditioned for America’s Got Talent. Their cover of OneRepublic’s “Counting Stars” earned them four “yes” votes from the judges, kicking off the journey that brought Mountain Faith to the semifinals.

Photo of Sam McMahan by Oliver Eisenbeis