Guitarist Nate Salyers joined Dobro player Ron Price and upright bassist Tim Morris with Collier on a banjo he built himself and the group formed a circle in Collier's recording studio.
The jam session was attended by a small handful of family and friends who enjoyed pizza and sweet treats while the music played.
Collier's granddaughter, Lacey Jackson, presented him with a gift box filled with handmade gifts.], followed by an extra-happy hug.
As the surprise guests arrived, Tony's wife, Julia, proudly pointed out a pair of peonies originally planted by her late father-in-law, Arnold Collier, more than a dozen years ago which bloomed for her her husband's birthday.
Story and Photos by TIM PRESTON
Carter County Post