The Crooked Road: A Treasury of American Music

This 2-CD compilation album features songs and tunes by 50 current artists from The Crooked Road region of Southwest Virginia. Some of these singers and musicians are professionals; but many are not. These are musicians who keep a rich legacy of music in families and in community, and assure that The Crooked Road remains a place rich in music and history.

A Treasury of American Music

The Crooked Road: A Treasury of American Music

Big-Eyed Rabbit(The New Ballard's Branch Bogtrotters)This noted Galax group performs a dance tune kept here for many generations. 'Bogtrotter' is a derisive term for an Irishman, and was bestowed upon the original group some 80 years ago by Eck Dunford, himself.
Pinnacle Mountain(Olen and Frances Gardner)This sparkling banjo style is one of several Olen Gardner has played, and reflects his origins near Galax and Hillsville, where one could hear pre-Scruggs players such as Raymond Swinney and Larry Richardson. The great fiddling is by Buddy Pendleton, and the hotshot guitarist is Wayne Henderson. The Gardners now live near Riner in Montgomery County. Olen Gardner (Banjo), Buddy Pendleton (Fiddle), Wayne Henderson (Lead Guitar), Marvin Cockram (Bass), Ollan Horton (Rhythm Guitar).
All God’s Children Gonna Take A Ride(The Good Shepherd Quartet)This group from Virginia's far west is from Pennington Gap in Lee County, near Cumberland Gap, and is beloved for its decades of musical service to that region. Donnie Sizemore (Lead Vocal), James Hartsock (Tenor Vocal), Jim Clark (BaritonernVocal), David Fannon (Bass Vocal).
Sailor On The Deep Blue Sea(Mac and Jenny Traynham)Southern Mountain Melody Makers. Mac and Jenny Traynham of tiny Willis in Floyd County deliver this Carter Family gem in classic old-time country duet style. Mac's tenor guitar lead is classic. Mac Traynham (Harmony Vocal, Lead Guitar), Jenny Traynham (Lead Vocal, Rhythm Guitar).
Calico(Erynn Marshall)Fiddler Erynn Marshall lives a few miles south of Galax. A musicologist and collector, she grew up in western Canada and now manages the Blue Ridge Music Center on the Blue Ridge Parkway. This tune was once common among older players. Erynnu2019s version came from Kentucky fiddler Jim Bowles. Erynn Marshall (Fiddle, Vocal), Doug Paisley (Vocal), Arnie Naiman (Banjo), Chris Coole (Guitar), Joe Phillips (Bass).
Three Little Babes(Elizabeth LaPrelle)This ancient ballad is done in the oldest traditional style by a young singer from a singing family. Elizabeth is from Cedar Springs in Wythe County. That area has produced legendary a cappella singers for generations, including Texas Gladden of Saltville, and u201cSailor Dadu201d Hunt and Horton Barker of Marion. Elizabeth LaPrelle (Vocal).
Love Me Darling Just Tonight(Shawn Lane)Shawn Lane, a native of Gate City in Scott County delivers this powerful dose of early bluegrass 'Stanley Sound' with full force. In addition to his distinctive singing, this song displays Shawn's wide-ranging instrumental capabilities. Shawn Lane (Lead Vocal, Tenor Vocal, Guitar, Mandolin, Fiddle), Tom Adams (Banjo), Rob Ickes (Dobro), Barry Bales (Bass).
Buckdancer’s Choice(Wayne Henderson)Among the best-known guitar makers in the nation, Wayne learned this classic tune from Opry oldtimer Sam McGee, when he worked for a time in a Nashville guitar shop. Wayne and 'Mr. Sam' became warm friends, and Wayne brought some of his tunes home with him when he returned to Rugby (pop. 7), in Grayson County. Wayne Henderson (Lead Guitar), Gerald Anderson (Rhythm Guitar), Herb Key (Bass).
Saro O Saro(The Black Twig Pickers)Rendered with jaw harp, mouth harp, and banjo, this tune was a favorite of the old-timers who held forth every Sunday at Mabry Mill on the Blue Ridge Parkway for a generation. The Twig Pickers keep the irreverence of those old guys, their sense of fun, and their determination to entertain themselves and those who stomp on boards and sometimes sing along. They are from Montgomery County. Nathan Bowles (Banjo), Isak Howell (Mouth Harp), Mike Gangloff (Vocal, Jaw Harp).
Little Satchel(Acoustic Heritage)Tim and Debbie Yates are the husband and wife duet singing this song Round Peaker Fred Cockerham borrowed from black tradition. They live close to Damascus in Washington County, near the most crooked stretch of The Crooked Road. Tim Yates (Lead Vocal, Guitar, Bass), Debbie Yates (Harmony Vocal, Banjo).
When I Am Welcomed Inside(Virginia Cross Ties)Bluegrass gospel is a warm and welcoming voice in the Virginia coalfields. The Cross Ties are from Coeburn in Wise County, and sing many original songs. Banjoist and composer Millard Edwards got his inspiration for this song from a Sunday sermon. Millard Edwards (Lead Vocal, Banjo), Josh Jessee (Bass Vocal, Mandolin), Al Domingue (Tenor Vocal, Bass), Mark Baker (Baritone Vocal, Lead Guitar), Robert Edwards (Rhythm Guitar).
Between The Rows(Blue Highway)Blue Highway is one of the most respected groups in modern bluegrass but their music is firmly rooted in tradition. Lead singer Shawn Lane and his brother Chad wrote this lovely reminiscence culled from their grandfather's memories of growing up in Southwest Virginia. Shawn Lane (Lead Vocal, Tenor Vocal chorus), Wayne Taylor (Lead Vocal chorus, Bass), Tim Stafford (Baritone Vocal, Guitar), Jason Burleson (Mandolin), Rob Ickes (Dobro).
Billy In The Lowground(Buddy Pendleton and Friends)This well-known tune came on the boat many generations ago and is a commemorative honoring William of Orange and his victory over King James at the Battle of the Boyne in 1690. Buddy is from Patrick County and as a young man performed on the road with Bill Monroe, the Greenbrier Boys, and others. Buddy Pendleton (Fiddle), George Smith (Banjo), Herschel Sizemore (Mandolin), Larry Kirkland (Bass), Jack Hinshelwood (Guitar).
Democratic Donkey(Wolfe Bros. String Band)Songsmith Billy Cox wrote this for the 1936 re election campaign of Franklin Roosevelt. The Wolfe Bros. are from the stunningly beautiful Elk Creek Valley in Grayson County. Dale Morris (Tenor Vocal, Lead Vocal chorus, Banjo), Donna Correll (Bass), Jerry Correll (Fiddle), Casey Hash (Lead Vocal, Tenor Vocal chorus, Guitar).
The Cyclone Of Rye Cove(Dale Jett and Hello Stranger)This Carter Family group from Scott County is composed of Dale Jett, son of Janette Carter and grandson of A.P. and Sara Carter of the original family, his wife Teresa, and friend Oscar Harris who sang for a generation with Janette and Joe Carter. A.P. Carter composed and recorded the song in 1929 about a tornado that killed 13 children that year at the Rye Cove School in Scott County. A.P. helped with rescue efforts. Dale Jett (Lead Vocal, Autoharp), Teresa Jett (Harmony Vocals, Bass), Oscar Harris (Harmony Vocals, Guitar), Todd Meade (Banjo).
You Don't Have Far To Go(Big Country Bluegrass)Composed by lead singer Johnny Williams, this song shows the fire, force and originality this Grayson County band brings to straight ahead bluegrass. They're from Mouth of Wilson, where Wilson Creek ceases dancing down the mountains and joins the New River. Johnny Williams (Lead Vocal, Guitar), Teresa Sells (Tenor Vocal, Guitar), Jeff Michael (Baritone Vocal, Fiddle), Lynwood Lundsford (Banjo), Tommy Sells (Mandolin), Alan Mastin (Bass).
Rye Straw(Susan Brown and Friends)Coal Town (Mike Brown) by Susan Brown and Friends on Susan Brown and Friends, 0001. Mike Brown wrote this song of the bittersweet feelings of mining family children, living now in improved circumstances, but recalling dinner buckets, fathers that washed coal dust away on back porches, and of a love that united hearts and family. Susan Brown (Lead Vocal), Mike Brown (Baritone Vocal, Mandolin), Claiborne Woodall (Tenor Vocal, Guitar), Dave Reimer (Bass), Joe Dinkins (Dobro).
Grandma's Gate(Sandy Shortridge)This song by Sandy shows the power of u201cthree chords and the truth.u201d It may give you chills or make you cry, but you automatically know it is true. Sandy is from Grundy in Buchanan County, in the coalfields, where truth is handled respectfully. Sandy Shortridge (Lead Vocal), Debbie Price (Tenor Vocal), Jim Price (Harmony Vocal, Bass), Glen Harlow (Harmonica, Percussion), Kevin Jackson (Fiddle), Jason Crawford (Dobro), David Yates (Guitar).
Will You Be Loving Another Man(The Cana Ramblers)Will You Be Loving Another Man (Bill Monroe ' Lester Flatt) by the Cana Ramblers on No Expectations, CR-09. This family band with explosive force in delivering country standards is from Cana, u201cunder the mountainu201d in Carroll County. Will Jones and sisters Laura Leigh and Ashley have been terrorizing adults with instruments since they were tykes. Now they do it with vocals, and Will, singing lead, is a teenaged force. Listen to him burn down the studio with his guitar break. Will Jones (Lead Vocal, Lead Guitar, Rhythm Guitar), Laura Leigh Jones (Mandolin), Phillip Jones (Tenor Vocal, Rhythm Guitar), Ashley Jones (Bass), Rick Allred (Banjo).
Dori's Waltz(Scott Freeman)Scott wrote this melody for his daughter when she was small, and played mandolin. Doriu2019s grandpa played guitar, and her uncle played bass. Small wonder that Dori, now 20, is a rising singer and musician in the Blue Ridge. Her grandpa is the musician and famed yellow pencil artist, Willard Gayheart. They live in Woodlawn in Carroll County, where Willard has a framing shop, music lessons, and cheerful grin. Often thereu2019s a Friday night show at the shop, and the house band may outshine the visitors. Scott Freeman (Mandolin), Scott Manning (Dobro), Willard Gayheart (Guitar), Mike Gayheart (Bass).
You Can't Grow An Onion Upside Down(Jim Lloyd and the Skyliners)You Canu2019t Grow An Onion Upside Down (Tom T. Hall u2013 Dixie Hall) by Jim Lloyd and the Skyliners on Songs From My Attic, Mountain Roads Recordings 1008. Jim Lloydu2019s barbershop in Rural Retreat in Wythe County is a museum of rustic instruments and tonsorial improvements, as well as a community-gathering place. The owner of a gleeful sense of humor and a respected teacher of several instruments, Jim is also a collector of rare tunes. Here he shares a real gem of a song and some fine banjo work. Jim Lloyd (Lead Vocal, Banjo), Trevor McKenzie (Harmony Vocal, Guitar), Mark Rose (Bass).
The Wolf Is At The Door(Junior Sisk & Ramblers Choice)The Wolf Is At The Door (Benny & Vallie Cain) by Junior Sisk and Rambleru2019s Choice on Blue Side of the Blue Ridge, Rebel Records 1825. Among the most respected vocalists in bluegrass is Junior Sisk, who tours the nation from tiny Ferrum, in Franklin County, famous for fast cars and artfully made moonshine. His song is from bluegrass pioneers Benny and Vallie Cain who kept the wolf from the door by playing pizza parlors in northern Virginia, and could thus speak with authority. Junior Sisk (Lead Vocal, Guitar), Tim Massey (Tenor Vocal, Bass), Chris Harris (Mandolin), Billy Hawks (Fiddle), Darrell Wilkerson (Banjo).
Lonesome Scene of Winter(Sammy Shelor)From Leading Roll, Sugar Hill 3865. Sammy is a banjoist and bandleader of the Lonesome River Band, a group treasured among bluegrass fans. He is from an idyllic spot, the Meadows of Dan in Patrick County, where the Dan River begins its tumble toward the Piedmont and sea. Seven families have controlled music there since colonial times, and Sammy is related to three of them. This ancient song is found in many variations, and has Ulster Irish roots. Sammy Shelor (Banjo), Randy Howard (Fiddle), Alan Ou2019Bryant (Vocal).
Fishers Hornpipe(The Wright Kids)These kids really are kids, wonderful youngsters from Rocky Mount in Franklin County. Their melody comes from a J. Fishar who put it into a printed tune collection in Scotland in 1786. Mason Wright (Fiddle), Sage Wright (Mandolin, Fiddle), Baruch Wright (Guitar), Gregg Stump (Banjo), Mark Ramsey (Banjo).
What Kind Of Man(Ralph Stanley)What Kind Of Man (Ralph Stanley u2013 Larry Sparks) by Ralph Stanley on A Motheru2019s Prayer, Rebel Records 1840. Ralph has sung songs like this with string band accompaniment since he stopped at a radio station on his way home to Dickenson County from Europe at the end of World War II. The band is still u201cThe Clinch Mountain Boysu201d: and towering and very talented grandson Nathan is one of them, a soulful singer turning 18, standing beside his grandpa. Ralph Stanley (Lead Vocal), Dewey Brown (Baritone Vocal, Fiddle), Jimmy Cameron (Bass), James Alan Shelton (Lead Guitar), Steve Sparkman (Banjo), Ralph Stanley II (Rhythm Guitar), Shelton Feazell (Bass Vocal).
Lafayette(Crooked Road Ramblers)From Lost Train Blues, No Bull Music 01. Fiddler Kilby Spencer, son of Thornton and Emily Spencer, of the famed Whitetop Mountain Band, performs this complex tune honoring the Revolutionary hero. His wife Amanda is on banjo, and is a relative of the musical Potter family of Ashe County. Guitarist John Perry was a member of the now disappeared but once uproarious and untamable New River Ramblers. Guitarist Don Hill is from yet another musical family, the Hill family of Fries. Bassist Karen Carr of Galax holds them together, and is a fine singer. Kilby Spencer (Fiddle), Amanda Spencer (Banjo), John Perry (Guitar), Donald Hill (Guitar), Karen Carr (Bass).
Fiddlin' Down In Galax(Willard Gayheart & Bobby Patterson)From Welcome To The Blue Ridge, Heritage Records 660. Bobby is among the Moose Lodge producers of the famous Old Fiddleru2019s Convention in Galax, and owns a music store in Woodlawn in Carroll County. It is next door to Willardu2019s framing shop, and during the summer months they perform on Tuesdays as volunteers at the noonday music concerts at the Blue Ridge Music Center. Willard is best known for his pencil drawings, done in exquisite detail with nothing more than a yellow pencil. Willard Gayheart (Lead Vocal, Tenor Vocal chorus, Lead Guitar, Rhythm Guitar), Bobby Patterson (Lead Vocal chorus, Banjo, Mandolin).
Shootin Creek(Mac Traynham & Shay Garriock)Done with just fiddle and banjo in the old Virginia way, this tune honors the liquor-making center of the earth. It is a narrow valley with a sparkling stream where revenuers and citizens continuing the Whiskey Rebellion shot it out for generations. It is in western Franklin County on The Crooked Road, now peaceable and gorgeous. Shayu2019s fiddling will make you smell the peach brandy. Mac Traynham (Vocal, Banjo), Shay Garriock (Fiddle).
Poor Sinner Fare Ye Well(The Whitetop Mountaineers)From Go Away With Me, Heritage Records 001. Lead singer and banjoist Martha Spencer is the effervescent and lovely dancing daughter of famed musicians Thornton and Emily Spencer. Her boyfriend Jackson Cunningham is the guitarist and harmony singer. Martha Spencer (Lead Vocal, Banjo), Jackson Cunningham (Tenor Vocal, Guitar).
I've Done It All(The Bluegrass Kinsmen)Iu2019ve Done It All (Wayne Taylor) by the Bluegrass Kinsmen on Back In Action, TBK-2007- 01. This song honors Virginiau2019s flower-blessed springtime and the experiences a fully lived life provides. It is done by a veteran bluegrass band of fine singers from Buchanan County. Shelby Jewell (Guitar), Ebby Jewell (Harmony Vocal, Banjo), Wayne Taylor (Lead Vocal, Bass), Darrell Webb (Harmony Vocal, Mandolin).
Sail Away Ladies(Leigh Beamer)Leigh is age 15, and belts out this gem from Uncle Dave Macon with her teacher, Jim Lloyd, and a bevy of rapscallions who hang out at Lloydu2019s Barber Shop in Rural Retreat. Never try to save this old music. Leigh and other youngsters have already done that, and are headed for the bank. Leigh Beamer (Lead Vocal, Guitar), Sam Gleaves (Tenor Vocal, Baritone Vocal, Banjo), Jim Lloyd (Bass).
No Longer A Sweetheart(Lost & Found)No Longer A Sweetheart (Don Reno u2013 Red Smiley) by the Lost & Found on Classic Bluegrass, Rebel Records 1112. This band from Franklin County travels the nation and has richly contributed to the development of bluegrass. The singer is bandleader and composer Allen Mills, a founder of the group. The cut is chosen from a noted collection of L&F gems. Allen Mills (Lead Vocal, Tenor Vocal chorus, Bass), Dempsey Young (Mandolin), Gene Parker (Banjo), Bubba Chandler (Lead Vocal chorus, Guitar).
East Tennessee Blues(Butch Robins)From Grounded. Centered. Focused, Hay Holler Records 108. Said to be a composition of the legendary Charlie Bowman, this mu00e9lange of hotshot picking is offered by banjoist and bandleader Robins. A favorite of the late Bill Monroe, Butch was founder of the original super-picker band, The Bluegrass Band. He lives in Pulaski County. Butch Robins (Banjo), Mike Compton (Mandolin), David Grier (Guitar), Randy Howard (Fiddle), Mike Bub (Bass).
Don't Let Your Deal Go Down(Mountain Fling)Charlie Poole, the Grateful Dead, and scores of others have recorded this song from a presidential election held generations before anyone ever recorded anything. But we feel this session reveals it as tailgate material, and thank the Fling gang for taking it back in the direction of partisan turmoil. Theyu2019re from Montgomery County. John Hollandsworth (Autoharp), Kathie Hollandsworth (Tenor Vocal, Bass), Ed Ogle (Guitar), Jim Lloyd (Lead Vocal, Banjo).
Cotton-Eyed Joe(Larry Sigmon & Barbara Poole)Uncle Dave and Grandpa Jones and many other great banjo balladeers are gone. Thereu2019s a near miss or two still hanging around, and one real gem. He is Larry Sigmon, and heu2019d have been here for Lomax if that worthy had arrived a bit later and paid close attention. Larry lives in Franklin County, and has a giant song bag. The late slap bassist Barbara Poole worked with Larry for many years. Larry Sigmon (Vocal, Banjo), Barbara Poole (Bass).
Gray Eagle(Slate Mountain Ramblers)Ace fiddler Richard Bowman and his bassist wife Barbara and banjo-playing daughter Marsha Todd, are one of the finest dance bands in the Blue Ridge. Composed by Scottish fiddler Niel Gow (1727-1807) this tune is common in the Blue Ridge. The store in Floyd serves many purposes: flatfoot dancing, fine eats, good beer, and Carhartt britches. Richard Bowman (Fiddle), Marsha Bowman (Banjo), Barbara Bowman (Bass), Ted Ashe (Guitar).
Work Song(Dori Freeman)Work Song (Nathaniel Adderley u2013 Oscar Brown Jr.) by Dori Freeman on Porchlight. With Scott Freeman as a father and Willard Gayheart as her granddad, 20 year old Dori is carrying a very bright torch. Dori has true intonation, a great gift for a singer and a pleasure for the listener. Her musical roots in Southwest Virginia and penchant for jazz stylings combine to produce a wonderful rendition of this song from two jazz greats. Dori Freeman (Vocal), Steve Lewis (Lead Guitar, Rhythm Guitar), Scott Freeman (Bass).
One Step More(The New Harvest Boys)Jim Scott Mullins and Mike Mullins provide this shining example of u201cbrother styleu201d singing. It is a style that goes back to before the Civil War. Theyu2019re from near Clintwood in Dickenson County, and related to the legendary Mullins family of singers. Jim Scott Mullinsu2019 grandpa, Hie Mullins, u201cthe voice of the Cumberlands,u201d provided repertoire and style to singers such as Ralph Stanley. His father, the late Billy Gene Mullins, is a beloved figure among coalfields singers. By the way, that wouldnu2019t be Fiddlinu2019 Ted Poweru2019s great-grandson Jason playing his great granddadu2019s fiddle, would it? Why yes, it would. Mike Mullins (Tenor Vocal, Guitar, Mandolin), Jim Scott Mullins (Lead Vocal), Jason Blankenship (Fiddle).
Shelvin' Rock(Reed Island Rounders)From Hand Me Downs, Burning Wolf 004. Reed Island is in the New River in Carroll County, but the Shelvinu2019 Rock must be in West Virginia. Several tunes there are named for it, including this one that fiddler Betty Vornbrock got from Ernie Carpenter of that state. Betty Vornbrock (Fiddle), Diane Jones (Banjo), Billy Cornette (Guitar).
Tale Of The Airl'y Days(James Bryan & Carl Jones)From Two Pictures, Martin 2001. Carl Jones lives south of Galax, and is a songwriter who can raise chill bumps or make you recall grannyu2019s dumplings. Here he sets to music Indiana poet James Whitcomb Rileyu2019s poem about stories the old-timers told. Carl Jones (Vocal, Banjo)
Wrong Road Again(Anderson-Strickland)Wrong Road Again (Allen Reynolds) by Anderson u2013 Strickland on Headinu2019 South. So what do Crooked Road luthiers do when not building instruments? Gerald Anderson of Grayson County and Spencer Strickland of Carroll County make high-end guitars and mandolins. Here they show some musical chops. Gerald sings lead and plays guitar, Spencer is on mandolin and second vocal. Billy Hawks plays fiddle, and knob jockey Wes Easter, zookeeper at the beloved Eastwood Studio in Cana, jumps out of the control room and plays banjo. Spencer Strickland (Tenor Vocal, Mandolin), Gerald Anderson (Lead Vocal, Lead Guitar), Gary Davis (Bass), Brandon Davis (Rhythm Guitar), Wesley Easter (Banjo), Billy Hawks (Fiddle).
Up In The Air(Brandon Davis)From Up In The Air, Windy Oaks Records. Guitarist Brandon Davis is a triple threat, a player of stunning ability who is also a fine composer and innovative arranger. A musician since childhood, Brandon grew up in the Galax area and is now raising his own family in nearby Independence. He brought together a group of some of the genreu2019s finest musicians to deliver this set. Brandon Davis (Guitar), Sammy Shelor (Banjo), Andy Leftwich (Fiddle, Mandolin), Gary Davis (Bass), Rob Ickes (Dobro).
Thirty Inch Coal(Rich & the Po' Folk)Thirty Inch Coal (Mike Paxton) by Rich & The Pou2019 Folk on When The Whistle Blew, June Appal Recordings 0086D. An old-time band from the coalfields, the Pou2019 Folks here deliver the truth about working u201cwhere the coal is lowu201d, literally thirty inches from top of the seam to bottom. Kneepads were among the very important gear. Rich Kirby (Baritone Vocal, Mandolin), John Hayward (Tenor Vocal, Banjo), Brett Ratliff (Guitar), Nate Polly (Lead Vocal, Bass).
Keep My Skillet Good And Greasy(Whitetop Mountain Band)From Loaferu2019s Dream, Mountain Roads Recordings WM-001. This family and friends band from near the crest of Virginiau2019s highest mountains is among the busiest on the Crooked Road, playing an endless array of dances and festivals, and traveling to distant places. Thornton and Emily Spencer have headed it for over thirty years, rearing their children in it. The song is from minstrelsy via Uncle Dave Macon. Thornton Spencer (Fiddle), Emily Spencer (Lead Vocal, Banjo), Jackson Cunningham (Baritone Vocal, Mandolin), Martha Spencer (Tenor Vocal, Guitar), Debbie Bramer (Bass).
My God Has Not Failed Me Yet(Ardetta and Tommy)My God Has Not Failed Me Yet (Marvin Morrow). Ardetta is a soulful singer from Coeburn in the coalfields, here evoking the faith-based resilience that lifts and carries those with troubles. Ardetta Meade (Vocal), Paul Johnson (Guitar, Fiddle, Mandolin, Dobro).
Sugar In My Coffee(Ron Mullennex)Sugar In My Coffee by Ron Mullennex on Sugar In My Coffee, Roane Records 127. This tune must be very old as it is widespread in Upland South, the deep South, and Midwest. Ron got this very fine version from Currance Hammonds in Huttonsville, West Virginia. Ron lives in Bluefield in Tazewell County. Ron Mullennex (Banjo), Mark Payne (Guitar).
Any Ole Time(Lonesome River Band)Any Ole Time (Kevin Denney - Tom Botkin u2013 Mike Rogers) by the Lonesome River Band on Still Learning, Rural Rhythm Records 1065. The Lonesome River Band, a nationally known group that works the nation from the Meadows of Dan in Patrick County, delivers this sterling example of modern bluegrass. Sammy Shelor is bass, as well as banjoist, arranger and driving force. Sammy Shelor (Banjo), Brandon Rickman (Lead Vocal, Guitar), Andy Ball (Tenor Vocal, Mandolin), Mike Anglin (Bass), Mike Hartgrove (Fiddle).
Nobody's Darling(Buck Mountain Band)Noonday performers at the Blue Ridge Music Center on the Parkway on Mondays during the warm months, this Grayson County band continues a band name active here for 81 years. Fiddler Bob Taylor comes from a family steeped, even basted, in politics and fiddling, the Taylor family of northeastern Tennessee. His uncles were the fiddling governors. The singer of this 1935 Jimmie Davis hit is Larry McPeak, composer of many good songs, and a member of a Wythe County family as musically storied as the Taylors. Bob Taylor (Fiddle), Dan Peck (Banjo), Sue Taylor (Guitar), Larry McPeak (Vocal, Guitar), Debbie Larson (Bass).
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