Jay Patrick Best was born in Warner Robbins, GA. Though he spent a short time living in Florida, he has lived most of life in Valdosta, GA. He recalls fond memories of his parents doing work around the house while listening to artists such as Don Williams, Charley Pride, Elvis Presley, Conway Twitty, and Willie Nelson. Though obviously having a strong country influence, Patrick would later begin to diversify his musical listening with artists such as The Eagles, The Steve Miller Band, Van Halen, Rush and Prince. He even became a fan of early hip-hop such as Run D.M.C. and MC Hammer. However, he never lost interest in country muisc. Travis Tritt, Garth Brooks, Tim McGraw and Alabama are among his all-time favorites. Patrick states, "These artists represents a style that, I believe, is similar to that of The River; one which gives the audience a kickin', partyin' good-time songs, followed by a "rip your heart out", real and believeable, heart-felt ballad."

Patrick's parents gave him his first drum set at the age of eleven. At thirteen, he broke his back and both his legs in an accident, which left him homebound from school for months. Though he was in a back brace and cast on one leg, he found a way to get behind the drums. The long hours at home allowed plenty of practice time, playing along with many of his favorite artists through headphones. He made a full recovery and went on to play in percussion ensembles, concert, symphonic, marching and jazz bands. His junior and senior years in high school he served as percussion section leader and band president. He received top honors for drums and percussion in regional and Georgia All-State competitions. Upon graduation, he was awarded the "John Phillip Sousa Award" for outstanding performance and leadership in music.

Though offered a scholarship in music, Patrick received a B.B.A. in Marketing from Valdosta State University. Throughout high school and college, he played with several Rock, R&B, and Country bands. Immediately following college, he became a sales representatives with Unisource Worldwide. Not letting go of his love of playing, Patrick served as a regular "on-call" drummer for many bands in the area. Shortly after forming, the guys of Whiskey River (later to be named The River) approached Patrick to be the drummer for the band. He accepted and immediately realized a strong chemistry and amazing potential with the guys. He knew he had found his home with The River.

As the band developed, so did his passion and belief in the band. Patrick has written, co-written and arranged all of The River's original material. "I depend heavily on Henry (lead guitarist) to help arrange the chord progressions and tweak the melodies. We work extremely well together. We have a genuine mutual respect and an extreme patience for exploring one another's creative ideas.

Though there have been a couple member changes, the core of The River has stuck together and remained. Through the years, Patrick's passion and drive gained a mutual respect among his band mates, which has evolved into his position as band-leader. Patrick is known as the "communicator, business liaison, and go to guy" of the group. He states, "I am flattered by the trust, confidence, faith and respect the guys have shown in me. It is an honor to do what I do with The River. Second only to God and my family, I love and care for this band with all my heart." He adds, "I can't imagine not playing with The River. This is what making music is all about!! I am doing what I love most with guys who are truly my best friends. We have a genuine care and respect for each other, on and off the stage. We have shared some extreme highs and lows, which I feel have brought us closer together. The River is definitely the sum of all parts." The band has adopted a motto, "We fly together or we die together" ( o.k. not literally). Patrick concludes, "No matter where this road may lead, the unified bond The River shares has been, and always will be, one of the major highlights of my life. We have been Blessed.

I, of course, must mention two other major highlights of my life, which have been: marrying my high school sweetheart, Shannon; and the birth of our two beautiful, healthy daughters, Logan and Landen. To everyone who has supported us or had any part whatsoever in allowing The River to do what we do- THANK YOU!!!!!!!! WE SINCERELY APPRECIATE YOU!!!!!!"