Jim Belk, originally from Joplin, Missouri, and Kathy Belk, originally from Minneapolis, Minnesota, met in Kansas City in the early 1970's. Jim, a self-taught guitar player, was performing a solo folk act in the Kansas City area. He then became interested in bluegrass and played in several bluegrass and country groups for the next several years. The groups included Millcreek Express, The Red Bandana Band, Cedar Ridge, and the original Misty Mountain Band. As a member of these groups, he played guitar and bass in various nightclubs in the Kansas City area including The Merry Go Round, Nashville Replay, and the Ozark Inn, among others.

During this time, Jim and Kathy also performed together as a duet at private parties and weddings. With three kids, family responsibilities became a priority and music was put on the back burner. In the late 1990's, Jim received a mandolin as a gift, and the spark was re-ignited. Jim and Kathy started attending bluegrass festivals and decided in early 2005 to start their own bluegrass band.

Jim plays rhythm and lead guitar, mandolin, and sings lead and harmony vocals. Kathy also sings lead and harmony vocals. Together, they're the nucleus of the new Misty Mountain Revival band.