 Originally from North Carolina , Mainer 's main influences came from the mountain music of his family . In a career that began in 1934 and spanned almost six decades , Mainer transitioned from being a member of his brother 's band into the founder of his own ensemble , the Sons of the Mountaineers , with whom he performed until 1953 , when he became more deeply involved with his Christianity and left the music industry . After working at a General Motors factory and attending gospel revivals , Mainer was convinced that he should restart his career as a Christian gospel musician and began to tour with his wife in this capacity . He continued to release albums until 1993 . 
