Jeff White, born in Syracuse in 1957, grew up in Indiana where his introduction to bluegrass came through television rather than family tradition. Though his early musical influences leaned toward folk and pop artists like Simon & Garfunkel and Bob Dylan, his college years brought exposure to bluegrass pioneers such as Doc Watson and Bill Monroe, redirecting his musical focus entirely.

White built a career collaborating with prominent bluegrass and country performers, including recording albums with Alison Krauss's Union Station during the late 1980s and touring with Vince Gill alongside country legends George Jones and Conway Twitty. He currently performs mandolin for The Earls of Leicester, a Flatt & Scruggs tribute ensemble that won a Grammy for Best Bluegrass Album in 2015, and has contributed songwriting to various bluegrass artists throughout his four-decade career.