Melvin (right) and Ray Goins were brothers from Mercer County who grew up in a musical family and initially learned by listening to radio shows while working on their farm. With help from a cousin, they became solid guitar and banjo players and began performing in the early 1950s.

They played together and with famous bluegrass groups, including the Stanley Brothers. Since bluegrass was not very popular at the time, they also worked other jobs to support themselves. In 1969, they formed the Goins Brothers Band and played for decades.

The brothers recorded many albums, performed at major events, and shared bluegrass music with students and communities. They were honored with inductions into several music halls of fame for their lasting impact on bluegrass music.