Wilborn was raised in Austin, Texas. He first played banjo, but because so many of his friends also preferred the banjo, Wilborn learned to play the bass.[2]
In 1981, Wilborn met Lynn Morris at a jam session in Austin. In 1982, when the bassist position opened in Morris's Pennsylvania band Whetstone Run, Wilborn took the job.[3] Besides Morris and Wilborn, the band included Lee Olsen (mandolin) and Mike Gorrell (guitar). Wilborn stayed with Whetstone Run until 1986.[4][5]
In 1986, Wilborn spent several months playing in Jimmy Martin's Sunny Mountain Boys.[3] Then he received an invitation to join the Johnson Mountain Boys, replacing bassist Larry Robbins.[1][6]
Lynn Morris Band
Wilborn co-founded the Lynn Morris band in 1988, and in 1989 Wilborn and Morris wed.[7] The group had to disband following Lynn Morris’ stroke in 2003. They released their first album Lynn Morris Band in 1990; Bramble and the Rose in 1992; Mama’s Hand in 1995, You’ll Never Be the Sun in 1999, and Shape of a Tear in 2003.[8] Morris suffered a stroke in 2003, effectively disbanding the group. Her recovery has been slow but steady, and she reunited with her band on stage in 2011.[9]
Wilborn, Dudley Connell, Tom Adams, David McLaughlin, and Sally Love Connell formed the band Seneca Rocks! in 2006. All members except Love Connell were previously members of the Johnson Mountain Boys.[12]
Flamekeeper
Wilborn joined Michael Cleveland and Flamekeeper in 2007, and performed with them until 2011.[13]
Springfield Exit
Wilborn currently performs with the band Springfield Exit, which also includes vocalist Linda Lay, guitarist David Lay, David McLaughlin on mandolin, and Tom Adams on banjo.[14] Their debut album, That Was Then was released in 2015.[15]
Chris Jones & The Night Drivers
Wilborn joined Chris Jones & The Night Drivers in late 2019 and is currently playing with them.
Music instruction
Wilborn has taught the Murphy Method of instruction on DVD for Mel Bay.[16]
Awards
1998, he was voted Bass Player of the Year by Bluegrass Now Magazine’s Fan’s Choice awards.[17]
Wilborn won the IBMA award for Bass Player of the Year in 2009, 2010, 2011, and 2012.[18]
