Bluegrass Bios C

CACHE VALLEY DRIFTERS

From Santa Barbara, California.
Formed 1972, broke up 1983. Re-united 1992.
Original members: Wally Barnick (bass), Bill Griffin (mandolin), David West (guitar, banjo).
Were regulars at the Cold Springs Tavern in San Marcos (near Santa Barbara).

CADILLAC SKY

From Fort Worth, TX
Formed in 2002 by Bryan Simpson (mandolin, fiddle, lead vocals), Matt Menefee (banjo), Mike Jump (guitar), Clint Sturgeon (bass), and Ross Holmes (fiddle).
2005, Andy Moritz replaced Sturgeon on bass.
Simpson has written songs recorded by artists such as George Strait, Gretchen Wilson, Diamond Rio, Jo Dee Messina, Neal McCoy, Brad Martin and Kenny Rogers.
Banjo player Matt Menefee won the Winfield Banjo Championship at age 17.
2006, signed with Skaggs Family Records.

GREG CAHILL (See SPECIAL CONSENSUS)

CHRIS CAIRNS

From Santa Barbara, California (originally from Long Island,New York)
Began playing banjo at age 8.
Graduated from Cornell University and moved to Santa Barbara, California to work for a telecommunications company.
1998, played with a California band called Wild Sage.
2002, formed the Chris Cairns Band and recorded first solo album on his own label, FireHeart Productions.

CALIFORNIA (See also BYRON BERLINE, DAN CRARY, JOHN HICKMAN, STEVE SPURGIN, JOHN MOORE)

Southern California-based band featuring Byron Berline, Dan Crary, John Moore, John Hickman and Steve Spurgin.
Formerly called B-C-H (Berline, Crary, Hickman). Changed name to California when Spurgin and Moore were added to the group.
While the group was called California, John Moore was the only California native.
1992, 1993, won IBMA award for "Instrumental Group of the Year."
Broke up in 1996. Crary and Spurgin left to pursue solo careers. Moore performs with "Bluegrass Etc." and Berline fronts "The Byron Berline Band" with John Hickman on banjo. Berline and Hickman now live in Oklahoma.
2003, re-united to record and perform again on a part-time basis.

SHAWN CAMP

From Arkansas.
A songwriter whose songs have been recorded by Garth Brooks ("Two Pina Coladas"), Brooks and Dunn ("How Long Gone"), George Strait, Kenny Chesney, Patty Loveless, Randy Travis, Del McCoury, Ricky Skaggs, others.
Has co-written with Guy Clark, Jim Lauderdale, Cowboy Jack Clement.
2004, recorded live bluegrass album at the Station Inn in Nashville.
2007, he and rockabilly singer Billy Burnette released an album called "The Bluegrass Elvises" featuring bluegrass covers of Elvis Presley hits.

MO CANADA

From Courtland, Virginia. Lives in Windsor, Virginia.
Began playing guitar at age 13.
Born, 1980.
Primary influences: Tony Rice, Jimmy Herring, Scott Miller, Bela Fleck, Sam Bush.
Has performed with Lou Reid, the Lonesome River Band, Randy Kohrs, others.
Released solo project in 2006.

CANDLEWYCK

From Charlotte, North Carolina.
A newgrass group featuring Ty Bennett (guitar) and Chris Emerson (mandolin).
Candlewyck is the name of the neighborhood where Bennett and Emerson grew up. They lived down the street from each other.
Bennett is a songwriter, producer and music instructor in Charlotte. Originally from Hampton, South Carolina.
Emerson is originally from Lansing, Michigan, but has lived in NC since the early 80's. Taught himself mandolin.
First album featured Don Rigsby, John Cowan, Terry Baucom, Shawn Lane, other guest musicians.
2002, won an "Indy" award for best bluegrass song of the year for "Firemen."

MELONIE CANNON

From Nashville. Born in Jackson, Tennessee.
Daughter of legendary country music songwriter & producer Buddy Cannon (Kenny Chesney, Reba McIntyre, Mel Tillis, George Jones, etc).
Her sister Maria Cannon-Goodman is also a successful songwriter ("Ten Rounds with Jose Cuervo," etc.)
Started recording at age 14 (with Dean Dillon). Also worked as a teenager with Vern Gosdin, Bill Anderson. Recorded duet "Cry Cry Darlin'" with Sammy Kershaw at age 16.
Did a stint in the U.S. Army. In her own words "I had a wild streak that needed to be tamed." The Army helped her learn self-discipline and self-respect. She was discharged for medical reasons, but the experience changed her life.
2004, recorded debut bluegrass album, produced by Ronnie Bowman. Signed by Ricky Skaggs to his record label.

THE CANTRELLS

Husband-wife folk duo from Helena, Montana.
Have sung together since 1983. Had a band called "The Tractors."
Emily is originally from Nankipoo, Tennessee; Al is from Seattle, Washington.
Before moving to Montana, they lived and worked in Nashville as songwriters.
Performed in the movie "A River Runs Through It" starring Robert Redford. When they performed for a cast party prior to the shooting of the movie, Redford liked them so much, he worked them into the movie. They appeared in the picnic scene.

DENNIS CAPLINGER (See also BLUEGRASS ETC.)

From Vista, California (near San Diego).
Since 1980, plays banjo and fiddle with John Moore as "Bluegrass Etc."
A busy sideman and studio musician in San Diego. Has performed on numerous TV commercials, films & TV shows. Credits include Back to the Future III & all of Kenny Roger's "Gambler" movies. He has also appeared on the Martha Stewart TV Show, Cingular Wireless commercials and is a member of the Academy of Country Music's house band.
Performs regularly with Tim Flannery (former San Diego Padres ballplayer).
Also produces many of CMH Records' "Pickin' On" series.

JUSTIN CARBONE

From Willow Grove, Pennsylvania. Lives in Nashville.
Plays both banjo and guitar. Got a banjo on his 12th birthday.
1998, formed a band in Pennsylvania called 2nd Edition.
2004, joined the Special Consensus.
2005, released a solo project on Pinecastle Records.

JOHN CARLINI

From Summit, New Jersey
Banjo player who was at the forefront of the new acoustic music movement in California during the 1970's.
Graduate of Boston's Berklee College of Music.
1979-87, was music director for the Ice Capades.
1987, was a member of the David Grisman Quintet, playing guitar.
1992, did the orchestration for the off-Broadway production "The Song of Singapore."
1994, recorded a guitar duet album with Tony Rice.
1994, Formed band "Over the Edge."
1997, worked with the Nashville Mandolin Ensemble.
2000, formed the John Carlini Trio

CAROLINA (See LOU REID, TERRY BAUCOM AND CAROLINA)

CAROLINA ROAD (See LORRAINE JORDAN)

JOE CARR

From Dallas, Texas. Lives in Levelland, Texas.
1974, formed Texas band called "Roanoke."
1977-1982, was a member of The Country Gazette.
1984, joined faculty of South Plains College (Levelland, TX) as guitar instructor.
1994, formed duo with Alan Munde.
Has produced numerous instruction books for guitar and mandolin for Mel Bay Publishing.

THE CARROLL COUNTY RAMBLERS

Formed in 1961 by Leroy and Dottie Eyler.
Carroll County is in north central Maryland, where the Eyler's reside.
Recorded several albums on Zap, Adelphi and Alear Records.
Band included Leroy and Dottie's son Dale on fiddle and their daughter Bonnie on string bass.
Leroy died in 1995.

THE CARTER FAMILY

From Bristol, Tennessee.
Original group: A.P. (Alvin Pleasant), Sara and Maybelle Carter.
Inducted into the Country Music Hall of Fame in 1970. From the inscription:
A.P. Carter, his wife, Sara, and his sister-in-law Maybelle, played in one of the first commercial country recording sessions at Bristol, Tennesee ... Their songs became country standards, and some of A.P.'s original compositions are among the all-time greats ... the epitome of country greatness and originators of a much copied style."
Original group recorded and performed from 1927 to 1942, when A.P. and Sara divorced.
Wrote and recorded hundreds of country and bluegrass standards: Jimmy Brown the Newsboy, The Wildwood Flower, Keep on the Sunnyside, etc.
After 1942, Maybelle led the group, with daughters Helen, June and Anita. In 1950, the group became regulars on the Grand Ole Opry.
June Carter had several hit records as a solo artist. Married Johnny Cash.
Performed as regulars on the Johnny Cash show until Mother Maybelle's death in 1978.
Maybelle (Mother Maybelle) was famous for her autoharp playing, but rose to fame as a guitarist. She was among the first to play with finger-picks and to play guitar solos. Her style is still copied by many guitarists today.
2001, The Carter Family was inducted into the IBMA's Hall of Honor by Bill Clifton.

JASON CARTER

From Greenup County, Kentucky. Lives in Nashville.
1992, joined the Del McCoury Band at age 19, playing fiddle. Had only been playing fiddle for two years at that time.
1997, 1998, 2003, won IBMA award for "Fiddle Player of the Year."
While in high school, played guitar with a group called "Idle Times."
After high school, played with the Goins Brothers.
Biggest influences: Benny Martin, Sonny Miller, Scotty Stoneman.
2002, formed a part-time band with David Parmley called "White House."

TIM CARTER (THE CARTER BROTHERS)

From North Carolina; lives in Nashville.
Started taking piano lessons at the age of 9 and switched to banjo at 15.
1980, formed "The Carter Brothers" with his brother Danny, blending electric/acoustic, folk, rock, bluegrass and blues. He continues to perform with this band.
1992, the Carter Brothers signed with Capitol Records.
1997-2004, toured with the Alison Brown Quartet as her sound engineer. Also toured with Newgrange and Tim O'Brien.
Has his own recording studio in Nashville called Treehouse. Has worked with such bluegrass artists as Alison Brown, Tim O'Brien, Darol Anger, Mike Marshall, Vassar Clements and many others.
2004-2006, the Carter Brothers toured with Vassar Clements until his passing.
2007, Tim released his first solo project "Bang Bang" featuring original banjo tunes.

CASEY AND CHRIS AND THE TWO STRINGERS (See CASEY HENRY)

CEDAR HILL

From Hillboro, Missouri.
Formed in 1967 by Frank Ray and his uncle Richard Orchard.
Winner of several SPBGMA awards and in 2000, won first place at the Gibson National Bluegrass Band Showcase.
2004 lineup: Frank Ray (mandolin), Mel Besher (guitar), Kenny Cantrell (banjo), Lisa Ray (fiddle) and Ali Keisler (bass).
Guitarist Besher returned to Missouri in 2001 after working in Nashville for 17 years as a successful singer/songwriter. He worked with Josh Graves, Jimmy Martin, others, and recorded several solo projects. He wrote hit songs for such artists as Alan Jackson ("Who I Am"), Reba McIntyre, Aaron Tippin, many others. He now has his own music publishing company in Mount Freedom, Missouri.

THE CHAPMANS

From Springfield, Missouri. (Originally from Denver, Colorado)
Formed in 1989 by Bill and Patti Chapman (dad and mom) and three sons, John, Jeremy and Jason.
1994, moved to Missouri and were regulars at Silver Dollar City, near Branson.
1998, won the SPBGMA International Bluegrass Band Championship in Nashville.
1998, performed in Vienna, Austria.
2002, won IBMA award for Emerging Artist of the Year.

CHATHAM COUNTY LINE

From Raleigh, North Carolina.
Formed in 1996 by guitarist/songwriter Dave Wilson. Other members: John Teer (fiddle/mandolin), Chandler Holt (banjo), and Greg Reading (bass).
Call themselves "new traditionalists."
Wilson and Reading also have performed with a country band, the Carbines. Reading also plays pedal steel guitar.
2004, won "best new bluegrass band" contest at Rockygrass (Colorado).

CHERRYHOLMES

From Northeastern Arizona. Originally from Southern California (Bell, CA).
The Cherryholmes family: Jere (Pop) plays bass. Sandy Lee (Mom) plays mandolin. The kids: Daughters Cia Leigh (banjo) and Molly Kate (fiddle). Sons B.J. (fiddle/mandolin) and Skip (guitar.)
1999, attended a bluegrass festival in Southern California (Norco, CA) and decided to begin playing bluegrass music.
Originally called themselves "Spirit High Ridge." They lived on a high ridge in the Arizona desert at the time.
2002, became a full-time touring band.
2003, won their first of several "Entertaining Band of the Year" at the SPBGMA Awards in Nashville.
2003, Molly (age 10) played fiddle on Rhonda Vincent's album and performed with her on the Grand Ole Opry.
2005, signed with Skaggs Family Records.
2005, won the IBMA Award for Entertainer of the Year.

CHESAPEAKE

From the Washington, DC area.
Formed in 1993 by Mike Auldridge, Moondi Klein and T. Michael Coleman (with the Seldom Scene at the time) and Jimmy Gaudreau (of the Tony Rice Unit). Went full-time in 1995.
Style: Acoustic contemporary folk-rock.
Disbanded in 1999. Auldridge and Gaudreau formed a new band with Richard Bennett, "Auldridge, Bennett and Gaudreau."

CHESTNUT GROVE (See JOHN ROSSBACH)

THE CHESTNUT GROVE QUARTET

From Washington County (southwestern), Virginia.
A very influential acapella gospel quartet.
Formed shortly after World War II at the Chestnut Grove Methodist Church.
Original members: Archie Reynolds, Jim Nunley, Gale Webb, Bill Nunley. Reynolds died in 1962 and was replaced by Ray Roe.
For 30 years, they had a radio show on WBBI, Abingdon, Virginia (mid 50's to the mid 80's).
Influenced many bluegrass gospel groups, most notably Ralph Stanley and Doyle Lawson.

KATHY CHIAVOLA (THE KATHY CHIAVOLA BAND)

From Nashville, Tennessee.
Pronounced Kee-a -vola
Has a master's degree in voice from Oberlin Conservatory of Music.
Former member of the Doug Dillard Band.
Toured with Vassar Clements, Country Gazette, Jerry Douglas and Mark O'Connor.
Has performed on recordings by Ricky Skaggs, Kathy Mattea, Tony Rice, Bill Monroe, John Hartford, Garth Brooks, Vince Gill, Tammy Wynette, Don Williams and Emmylou Harris.
Formed own band in 1991 which at the time included Randy Howard, Brent Truitt and Wayne Southards.
Full time job: Teaches voice at Belmont University.
1998, sang with the Nashville Chamber Orchestra.

THE CHIEFTAINS

From Ireland.
Formed in 1963 by Paddy Maloney, an uillean piper. Went full-time in 1975.
Became Ireland's best known performers of traditional Irish/Celtic music.
Members: Paddy Moloney, Sean Keane, Kevin Conneff, Matt Molloy, Martin Fay, Michael Tubridy, Sean Potts, Derek Bell. Bell died in 2002.
1975, won an Academy Award for the soundtrack to the movie "Barry Lyndon." They have written and performed soundtracks for several other films as well.
Have won numerous Grammy Awards.
2002, released "the Nashville Sessions" with many bluegrass artists (their 39th album).
2003, Paddy Moloney performed on the IBMA Awards show with the Del McCoury Band.

RAMONA CHURCH

From North Wilkesboro, North Carolina
Formerly played banjo with the New Coon Creek Girls.
Won the Kentucky State Banjo Championship three years in a row.
1999-2001, performed with Carolina Road.
2001, joined Jeannette Williams and Clearwater.
2002, retired to stay home and raise her children.
2004, joined Big Country Bluegrass.
2006, joined Dale Ann Bradley's band.

THE CHURCHMEN

A gospel bluegrass band from Collinsville, Virginia.
Formed in 1989.
Members have previously worked with the Easter Brothers, the Lewis Family and Dixieland Express.
2003, their CD "On the Journey Home" was nominated for a Dove Award for Bluegrass Gospel Album of the Year.

CIRCUIT RIDERS

From North Carolina.
Formed in 2004 by Darin Aldridge, Greg Corbett, Billy Gee, Jaret Carter and Greg Luck.
Several members of this band (all but Greg Luck) were members of the last Country Gentlemen band before Charlie Waller's death.
Greg Luck came to this band from Third Tyme Out. He is also a former member of J.D. Crowe and the New South, the Lost and Found and several other bands.

THE CLARK BROTHERS / THE CLARK FAMILY (EXPERIENCE)

From Rocky Mount, Virginia
Originally a gospel group formed by Freddy and Sylvia Clark and their nine children (all boys). Freddy Clark is an evangelist. For several years, they toured in two Silver Eagle buses, holding revivals all over the Southeast.
The nine boys are called "the A-team": Alan, Aaron, Adam, Andrew, Ashley, Andrew, Austin, Abraham, and Alexander.
1998, changed name to the Clark Family Experience, featuring six of the boys–Alan, Andrew, Austin, Adam, Ashley and Aaron.
1998, began performing on weekly "Live from Las Vegas" show (TNN) hosted by the Oak Ridge Boys. They also appeared on "Prime Time Country" and opened several shows for Tim McGraw and Faith Hill. They also toured with George Strait.
2000, recorded album on Curb Records produced by Tim McGraw. Their single "Meanwhile Back at the Ranch" became a top 10 country single and CMT video.
2003, changed their name to "Clark."
2007, "The Clark Brothers" (Adam, Ashley, and Austin) won Fox TV's "The Next Great American Band" as a trio. The prize: a recording deal and a lot of fame.

BOBBY CLARK (See also THE WILLIAMS AND CLARK EXPEDITION)

From Oklahoma.
Won the national mandolin championship in Winfield, Kansas.
Early bands: The Bluegrass Revue with Vince Gill. Also worked with Vassar Clements, Peter Rowan, Larry McNeeley, Jim Lauderdale and the Bluegrass Cardinals.
1985-2001, a member of The Mike Snider Trio.
2002, formed (with banjo player Blake Williams) the Williams and Clark Expedition.

ROY CLARK

From Meherrin, Virginia.
As a boy, played bluegrass with his father, Hester Clark, and other members of his family in a group called the Southside Virginians.
Mid-1970's, recorded two albums of bluegrass music with the Southside Virginians and other family friends.
By his own admission, a mediocre banjo player, but "I love to play." Recorded two albums of banjo duets with his longtime friend Buck Trent.
Won both CMA and ACM awards for "Entertainer of the Year."
Hosted "Hee-Haw" for 25 years.
1987, inducted into the Grand Ole Opry.

VASSAR CLEMENTS

From Kissimmee, Florida.
Began playing the fiddle when he was five years old.
Called "The Father of Hillbilly Jazz."
1949, began playing professionally with Bill Monroe and the Blue Grass Boys at age 14. Stayed with Monroe until 1956.
1957-1961, worked with Jim and Jesse.
1962, retired from music due to alcohol problems. During that time, he worked as a switchman for the Atlantic Coast Railroad, as an insurance salesman, in a paper mill, and he even had a potato-chip franchise in Tallahassee.
1968, un-retired when offered job with Faron Young's band. Also worked with Jimmy Martin, John Hartford and the Earl Scruggs Revue before beginning his solo career in 1973.
1971, performed on the Nitty Gritty Dirt Band's "Will the Circle Be Unbroken" album, which won a Grammy award.
1973, was a member of "Old and In the Way" with Jerry Garcia, David Grisman & Peter Rowan.
As a studio musician, he has played on more than 2000 records, including albums by The Grateful Dead, Paul McCartney and the Boston Pops Orchestra.
2002, recorded and played dates with "Old and In the Gray" a reunion with Grisman and Rowan.
Died in 2005.

MICHAEL CLEVELAND

From Louisville, Kentucky.
Blind from birth, he began playing fiddle at age 4.
1993, gained national attention at age 12 when he appeared at the IBMA Awards Show with Chris Thile, Josh Williams and other youngsters. There he met Alison Krauss, who invited him to perform on the Grand Ole Opry that same year.
Also at the 1993 IBMA events, he jammed with another blind performer, Doc Watson, which became a highlight of the documentary film "Gather at the River."
Hobby: he collects pocket knives.
1999, graduated from high school and began performing with Dale Ann Bradley and Coon Creek.
2000, joined Rhonda Vincent and the Rage.
2001, 2002, won IBMA award for Fiddle Player of the Year.
2001-2006, re-joined Dale Ann Bradley and Coon Creek.
2002, won IBMA award for Instrumental Recording of the Year ("Flame Keeper")
2004, 2006, 2007, won IBMA Award for Fiddle Player of the Year
2004, won IBMA award for Instrumental Album of the Year ("Live at the Ragged Edge" with Tom Adams).
2006, formed his own band "Michael Cleveland and Flamekeeper featuring Audie Blaylock." In 2007, Audie departed, making the name a bit shorter.
2006, won IBMA award for Instrumental Album of the Year ("Let 'Er Go, Boys!")
2007, won IBMA award for Instrumental Group of the Year.

BILL CLIFTON

Native of Baltimore (Lutherville), Maryland. Lives in Mendota, Virginia.
Real name: William Marburg. Changed his name in 1950 to avoid embarrassing his family.
One of bluegrass music's true "international" stars. His albums have been released by record companies in the U.S., Canada, Great Britain, Japan, Switzerland, the Netherlands, Germany, South Africa, France, Australia and New Zealand.
Called the first "citybilly" in bluegrass music.
1952, formed his first band, The Dixie Mountain Boys. Played the Wheeling (WV) Jamboree for several years.
Was backed by the Country Gentlemen on many recordings.
Plays bluegrass but prefers to be known as a folk singer. By embracing folk music, he has had more exposure and a wider appeal outside the bluegrass mainstream.
His early recordings were on the Starday and Mercury labels.
1959, worked as a stock broker on the New York Stock Exchange.1961, organized the first bluegrass festival-type event. A one-day affair on July 4th that brought together most of the nation's top acts, except for Flatt and Scruggs (who would not appear on the same stage as Bill Monroe.) It drew 2200 people, and inspired Carlton Haney (who was there) to organize the first three-day festival a few years later.
Was one of the organizers of the Newport Folk Festival, giving birth to the revival of folk music in the 1960's.
1963, visited England and liked it so much that he stayed for 15 years. He appeared regularly on the BBC. His program was called "Cellar Full of Folk."
Did much to promote bluegrass and folk music in Europe and in other countries.
Was a close friend of A.P. Carter.
Was a member of the Peace Corps and traveled extensively.
1973, began touring and recording with mandolinist Red Rector.
1992, received an IBMA Certificate of Merit for his lifelong contributions to bluegrass music.
2001, gave speech inducting the Carter Family into the IBMA's Hall of Honor.

CHARLIE CLINE

From West Virginia.
Early 40's, formed the Lonesome Pine Fiddlers with brothers Curly Ray and Ezra.
1952, joined Bill Monroe's Blue Grass Boys, replacing Gordon Terry on fiddle.
Also an ordained minister and evangelist.
Died in 2004.

CURLY RAY CLINE

Best known as the long-tme fiddler with Ralph Stanley and the Clinch Mountain Boys.
Nickname: The Old Kentucky Fox Hunter.
Died in 1997.

THE CLUMSY LOVERS

From Vancouver, B.C., Canada
Formed in 2001. Began playing pubs in the Vancouver area.
Play "raging bluegrass Celtic rock."
Members: Jason Homey (banjo, mandolin), Chris Jonat (bass), Andrea Lewis (fiddle), Trevor Rogers (guitar), Gord Robert (drums).

THE CLUSTER PLUCKERS

From Nashville, Tennessee.
Formed in 1988 by vocalists Margaret Archer Bailey and Kris Ballinger (who began singing together in 1979 in Vassar Clements' Hillbilly Jazz Band). Kris' husband Dale plays bass and also sings.
Are regulars at Nashville's "Station Inn."
Appeared with Chet Atkins on the PBS TV show, Austin City Limits.
Sang with Hoyt Axton in the Ken Burns TV special, "Songs of the Civil War."
1993, appeared at President Clinton's inauguration, representing the state of Tennessee.
Backing musicians include Richard Bailey (married to Margaret) on banjo, Brent Truitt (mandolin), Mark Howard (guitar) and Blaine Sprouse (fiddle).
Former "Pluckers": Jimmy Mattingly, the late Randy Howard, the late Roy Husky, Jr., David Grier, Andrea Zonn, Kathy Chiavola.
Name "Cluster Pluckers" was given to them by singer/songwriter Billy Edd Wheeler (of "Coward of the County" fame), because they stand in clusters while they pluck.
Day jobs: Dale is an evaluator for the special education program in Putnam County, Tennessee. Kris is a scrimshaw artist and mom. Margaret works for TNN.
Margaret co-wrote a song called "Would Jesus Wear a Rolex on His Television Show?" which was a hit for singer Ray Stevens.
Mandolinist Truitt is also a very successful record producer in Nashville. Owns his own recording studio (Monkey Finger Studios).
2000, Richard Bailey (banjo) worked with Roland White and the New Kentucky Colonels. 2003, recorded with Andy Leftwich.

THE COCKMAN FAMILY

A gospel group from Sherrills Ford, North Carolina.
John Cockman, Sr. and his five children (four brothers, one sister). Kids range in age from 15 to 24 (1997).
Have been performing since 1988.
Have performed at Dollywood and Opryland USA.
Named one of 12 "Most Creative Families in America" by American Greetings Cards and USA Weekend.

DAVID COFFEY

From Waynesboro, Virginia.
A multi-instrumentalist who plays all the bluegrass instruments.
Age 16, toured with a gospel group called The Crestmen.
Worked for three years in a band with Lew Dewitt of the original Statler Brothers.
2000, released first solo album and formed a new band called "Virginia Blend."
2002, formed a band called "Phoenix."

MIKE COMPTON

Native of Meridian, Missisippi (the homeplace of Jimmie Rodgers).
Plays Bill Monroe-style mandolin "better than just about anybody except for Monroe himself," (Bluegrass Unlimited).
1970, first professional job with Hubert Davis and the Season Travelers.
1984-1988, an original member of the Nashville Bluegrass Band. Left the band after a serious bus accident in which he was injured.
1990, left Nashville, worked in New York's Catskills Mountains as a cottage caretaker and bus driver.
1991, recorded and toured with guitarist David Grier.
1995, joined Chris Jones' band, the Night Drivers.
1996, joined John Hartford's touring "String Band"and worked with him until his death in 2001.
2000, performed on the soundtrack to the movie "O Brother, Where Art Thou?" and appeared on the Down from the Mountain tour and album. He was one of the "Soggy Bottom Boys."
2001, returned to the Nashville Bluegrass Band (replacing Roland White).

DUDLEY CONNELL (See also THE JOHNSON MOUNTAIN BOYS, SELDOM SCENE)

From the Washington, D.C. area.
1975, founded a band which eventually became the Johnson Mountain Boys. Led this group until the 1994.
1989-1998, worked as manager at the Smithsonian/Folkways record company office in Rockville, MD.
1992, toured with Hazel Dickens.
1993-4, toured with the "Masters of the 5-String Banjo" singing duets with Laurie Lewis.
1994, formed Longview with Don Rigsby, Marshall Wilborn, Joe Mullins, James King and Glen Duncan.
1996, joined the Seldom Scene.
2000, recorded first of two albums with Don Rigsby.
2000, won IBMA award for Male Vocalist of the Year.
2006, formed a new band called Seneca Rocks (with Tom Adams, David McLaughlin, Sally Love & Marshall Wilborn.)

CONNIE AND BABE (AND THE BACKWOODS BOYS)

From middle Tennessee.
Nucleus of the group: Connie Gately, Babe Lofton, Thayer Washer and Joe Drumright.
Recorded in the 1950's for Starday.
Also recorded as "Connie and Joe and the Backwoods Boys."
Drumright and Gately both worked for a short time with Bill Monroe and the Blue Grass Boys.
Babe Lofton was given his nickname while he was a baby.
The group's sound is continuing with the music of Jody Drumright (son of Joe) and Fred Lofton (son of Babe) and their group "The Sons of the Backwoods."

CONTINENTAL DIVIDE (See DAVID PARMLEY)

JACK COOKE

From Norton, Virginia. (In 1963, he served a half-term as Mayor.)
1955, joined the Stanley Brothers, playing bass.
1956-1960, joined Bill Monroe and the Blue Grass Boys, playing guitar, singing lead.
1960, formed his own band, the Virginia Mountain Boys.
1965, worked with Earl Taylor and the Stoneman Family.
1970-present, bass player with Ralph Stanley and the Clinch Mountain Boys.
2006, released solo album, produced by Jim Lauderdale.

WILMA LEE (AND STONEY) COOPER

From Valley Head, West Virginia.
Wilma Lee, her parents and two sisters had a gospel group in the 1930's called the Leary Family. Stoney was hired as their fiddle player, and he married Wilma Lee in 1940.
Wilma Lee and Stoney performed together for 38 years.
Became members of the Grand Ole Opry on January 12, 1957.
Stoney died in 1977.
Their band, The Clinch Mountain Clan, was one of the first to feature the Dobro™.
Wilma Lee began performing at the age of five.
Wilma Lee has been known for her powerful and energetic lead singing. She said her style came about because when she started out as a singer—there were no sound systems. "Back in those days, you were good if you were loud. It was the only way you could be heard!"
Wilma Lee was Hank Williams' favorite female singer. She recorded duets with him in 1951.After Stoney's death, Wilma Lee kept their legacy alive with The Clinch Mountain Clan. She still performs at the Grand Ole Opry and bluegrass and country music festivals.
Daughter Carol Lee has her own group "The Carol Lee Singers"—regulars on the Grand Ole Opry, providing background vocals for Opry stars.

TOM CORBETT

From Encino (San Fernando Valley), California (born and raised in Columbus, Ohio).
Was a member of the Acousticats and the Disneyland Bluegrass Band.
A mandolinist heavily influenced by David Grisman, Sam Bush, Frank Wakefield, Mike Marshall and Bill Monroe.
Teaches mandolin at the Blue Ridge Pickin' Parlor and Traditional Music stores in the LA area.
Performs with The Tom Corbett Band.
Has also worked with Cyrus Clarke, John McEwen and an Irish group called Buzzworld.
2001, taught Tom Sellick to play Ukelele for his role in the Broadway play "Send in the Clowns."
2001, recorded first solo album.
2005, toured with Robin and Linda Williams.

LARRY CORDLE (and LONESOME STANDARD TIME)

From Cordell, Kentucky (named after his ancestors). Ricky Skaggs is also from Cordell. They were neighbors. Lives in Nashville.
While in the service, played in a rock band called "Hot Lucy."
After getting out of the service, he became an accountant.
1990, with fiddler Glen Duncan, formed the band Lonesome Standard Time.
1993, won IBMA award for Song of the Year ("Lonesome Standard Time").
1995, disbanded the group.
1998, re-formed as "Larry Cordle and Lonesome Standard Time."
Songwriting credits: "Two Highways" (Alison Krauss), "Lonesome Standard Time" (Kathy Mattea), "Lonesome Dove" (Tisha Yearwood), "Highway 40 Blues" (Ricky Skaggs), "Against the Grain" (Garth Brooks) and "Murder on Music Row" (George Strait and Alan Jackson).
2000, won both the CMA and IBMA awards for Song of the Year ("Murder on Music Row"). He co-wrote the song with Larry Shell.
2001, won a second CMA award for "Murder on Music Row."

CORNERSTONE

From Ithaca, (upstate) New York.
Formed in 1990.
1991, won the Winterhawk Bluegrass Festival band contest.
Banjo player Chris Stuart has written songs recorded by Claire Lynch, Suzanne Thomas, Sally Jones, others.
1996, Stuart moved to San Diego, California, working as a computer consultant. Played with a band called "Highway 52." In 2003, formed his own band "Chris Stuart and BackCountry."

SHARON CORT (and NEW RIVER RANCH)

From Southern California. Lives in Nashville.
In California she performed regularly at The Venice Beach Sidewalk Cafe, the Palomino Club in North Hollywood, and other LA area venues.
Attended L.A. Valley College on a theater arts scholarship, won the school's "Best Actress" award.
1988, helped revive the Ash Grove folk club in L.A. (The club ultimately failed.)
1994, moved to Nashville and formed her band New River Ranch (which has included such musicians as Bill Keith, Butch Baldasari, Ernie Sykes.)
Has made several tours of Europe, England, Scotland.

PETE CORUM (AND RISING SUN)

From Burlington, North Carolina.
1975, played bass with Lester Flatt and the Nashville Grass.
Performed in the Off-Broadway play "Cotton Patch Gospel" and appeared in the motion picture based on the play.
Members of Rising Sun have worked with such groups as the Bass Mountain Boys and Jimmy Martin's Sunny Mountain Boys.

COUNTRY COOKING

From Ithaca, New York.
Formed in 1970, one of the first bands to push bluegrass to its limits, mixing jazz and rock stylings with traditional bluegrass.
Featured several instrumental virtuosos: Tony Trischka (banjo), Peter Wernick (guitar and banjo), Russ Barenberg (guitar), Andy Statman (mandolin), and Kenny Kosek (fiddle).
Broke up in 1976 when Peter Wernick moved to Colorado (where he formed his new band—Hot Rize.)

COUNTRY CURRENT

Based in Annapolis, Maryland.
Formed in 1973.
The U.S. Navy bluegrass and country music band.
Since 1978, has featured guitarist/lead singer Wayne Taylor; formerly included banjo great Bill Emerson (1973-1992).
Have been called the "musical equivalent to the Navy's Blue Angels."
2001, Taylor and banjo player Keith Arneson recorded an all-bluegrass album. They have also performed together under the name "Appaloosa."
2006, performed with Rhonda Vincent at the IBMA Awards Show in a controversial salute to veterans.

THE COUNTRY GAZETTE (See also ALAN MUNDE)

From Levelland, Texas.
Called themselves "America's Bluegrass Band."
Formed in 1970 in Los Angeles featuring Byron Berline (fiddle), Alan Munde (banjo), Kenny Wertz (guitar) and Roger Bush (bass).
Signed by United Artists records after touring Europe with The Flying Burrito Brothers.
Berline, Bush and Wertz left the band and it was led for twenty years by banjo player Alan Munde. Other band members have included Roland White, Joe Carr, Billy Joe Foster, Gene Wooten, David Grier, Dawn Watson.
Appeared frequently on Garrison Keillor's "Prairie Home Companion" radio broadcast.
Broke up for good in 1995.
2004, Alan Munde formed a new band called "The Alan Munde Gazette."

THE COUNTRY GENTLEMEN

From Washington, DC. (During their heydey, they established the Washington area as the "capitol" of bluegrass music.)
Formed on July 4, 1957. Guitarist and singer Charlie Waller had been working with Buzz Busby and the Bayou Boys—performing on the "Louisiana Hayride" in Shreveport, Louisiana. They were performing in Washington, DC when they were involved in an auto accident which put Buzz Busby and banjo player Eddie Adcock in the hospital. Charlie, who was not injured seriously, put together a pick-up band to fulfill some of the band's commitments—with Bill Emerson on banjo and John Duffey on mandolin. They were an instant success, so Charlie decided to keep the new band together. Their first performance was at the Crossroads Tavern in Washington, D.C. on the 4th of July, 1957.
John Duffey (who later founded the Seldom Scene) suggested the name "Country Gentlemen" to Waller. Interestingly enough, the name "Seldom Scene" was suggested to Duffey by Charlie Waller.
Former members of the band: Ricky Skaggs, John Duffey, Doyle Lawson, Eddie Adcock, Jerry Douglas, Jimmy Gaudreau, Mike Auldridge, Bill Emerson, Tom Gray, many others.
Were popular during the sixties folk music revival, performing on many college campuses, the Newport Folk Festival and Carnegie Hall.
1965, their song "Bringing Mary Home" climbed to #43 on Billboard Magazine's country music charts.
1993, began performing as "Charlie Waller and The Country Gentlemen."
1996, the "Classic" Country Gentlemen (Waller, Duffey, Adcock and Gray) were inducted into the IBMA's Hall of Honor.
2004, Waller died of a heart attack.
Randy Waller (son of Charlie) continues to perform with the Country Gentlemen.

COUNTRY HAM

An old-time string band from the Washington DC area.
Formed in 1975 by Carl and Judy Pagter.
The Pagters have homes in both Virginia and California. (Carl works in Walnut Creek, California and lives there much of the year while Judy lives on the Pagter Farm in Barboursville, Virginia.)
Band also features master fiddler Joe Meadows.

THE COUNTRY STORE

A notable but short-lived group featured Keith Whitley, Jimmy Gaudreau, Jimmy Arnold, and Bill Rawlings.
Only album: a live 1973 performance recorded at Bill Grant's Hugo, Oklahoma bluegrass festival with Alan Munde (of the Country Gazette) on banjo, subbing for an ailing Jimmy Arnold.

JOHN COWAN (JOHN COWAN BAND; See also THE NEW GRASS REVIVAL)

From Louisville. Lives in Nashville.
Often called "Johnny C."
Best known as the former bass player and lead vocalist with the New Grass Revival (1974-1990).
Had a rock band in high school called Everyday People.
1990-1997, played rock and blues with Rusty Young and Bill Lloyd in a band called The Sky Kings.
1990's, worked with the Sam Bush band and in two blues bands: Duckbutter and Grooveyard.
1998-present, has led the John Cowan Band featuring such musicians as Scott Vestal, Jim Hurst, Randy Kohrs, Jeff Autry, Luke Bulla, Noam Pikelny, others.

THE COX FAMILY

From Cotton Valley, (Northeast) Louisiana.
Father Willard Cox began his musical career in 1964 with a group called Dewey Keene and the Country Squires.
Started performing as a family band in 1974.
1992, won SPBGMA awards for Bluegrass Band of the Year, Songwriter of the Year, and Contemporary Female Vocalist of the Year.
Sidney Cox has written numerous songs for Alison Krauss, including "I've Got That Old Feeling", "Steel Rails" and "New Fool." In 1995, Sidney was inducted into the Songwriter's Guild Hall of Fame.
1995, signed with Asylum Records and subsequently recorded an album of country-oriented songs.
1995, won a Grammy award for Best Southern Gospel, Country Gospel or Bluegrass Gospel Recording (for "I Know Who Holds Tomorrow" by Alison Krauss and the Cox Family).
2000, appeared and sang in the movie "O Brother, Where Art Thou."
July 2000, Willard and Marie Cox were seriously injured when a logging truck hit their car from behind.
Toured with the "Great High Mountain" tour.
2004, were awarded Louisiana's Governor's Award for Lifetime Achievement in Music.

PAUL CRAFT

From Memphis, Tennessee. Lives in Nashville.
Best known as a songwriter. His songs have been recorded by many top artists, including Linda Ronstadt, the Eagles, Kenny Rogers, Mark Chesnutt, Randy Travis, Ray Stevens, the Osborne Brothers, the Lewis Family, etc.
Some of his best known hits: "Brother Jukebox," "Blue Heartache," "Dropkick Me Jesus," "Midnight Flyer," "Teardrops Will Kiss the Morning Dew."
1961, played banjo in Jimmy Martin's Sunny Mountain Boys.

DAN CRARY (See also CALIFORNIA)

Native of Kansas City, Missouri. Lives in Southern California.
One of the most highly-regarded flat-pick guitarists in bluegrass.
He is a professor of speech communications. Has two earned doctorates, the first in theology, the second in speech communications. Originally intended to enter the ministry.
1970, a founding member of the Bluegrass Alliance.
In 1974, moved to California to teach at Cal State Fullerton. There he met fiddler Byron Berline and together formed Sundance with John Hickman (banjo) and Jack Skinner (bass). Recorded for MCA records.
1975-1995 formed a partnership with fiddler Byron Berline and banjo player John Hickman. They performed as Sundance (MCA Records), B-C-H, and California.
1992, his "Thunderation" album won the NAIRD Indie Award for "Best String Music Recording."
1999, with banjo player Lonnie Hoppers formed new group "Crary, Hoppers and their American Band.."
2001, toured and recorded with guitarist Beppe Gambetta.
2003, won an IBMA Award for his writing. Best Liner Notes for BCH album, "Chambergrass."

THE CROOKED JADES

From the San Francisco Bay area.
Formed in 1994 by guitarist Jeff Kazor. Other members: Tom Lucas (fiddle/banjo), Stephanie Prausnitz (fiddle), Lisa Berman (banjo), Dave Bamberger (bass).
Perform pre-bluegrass music (1880 to 1930) "before the influence of radio."
Motto: "Old Time is Not a Crime."

CROOKED STILL

From Boston, Massachusetts.
2001, formed at the New England Conservatory of Music (Boston) at a jam session.
They play "alternative" bluegrass music.
Original members: Aoife O'Donovan (vocals), Rushad Eggleston (cello), Dr. Gregory Liszt (banjo, played four-finger style rather than three), Corey DiMario (bass).
They perform frequently in Ireland as well as the U.S.
2007, Eggleston left the band, was replaced by two new members: Tristan Clarridge on cello and Brittany Haas on fiddle.

DAVID CROW

From Florida.
Began musical career at age seven on guitar.
Recorded first fiddle album at age 15.
First band: "Beachville Bluegrass" (while in high school).
1991, moved to Nashville to attend Vanderbilt University as a law student.
1992, formed a Nashville-based band called Freewheel Drive.
1992, joined Osborne Brothers' band (at age 18).
Has won the Florida State Fiddle Championship and the Florida State Mandolin Championship.
He is also an attorney.
1997, was elected to the IBMA Board of Directors.
2004, was elected president and chairman of the board of IBMA.
2005, joined Bobby Osborne and the Rocky Top Express.
2006, resigned as president and chairman of the board of IBMA following the IBMA Awards Show.
2007, formed his Milom, Joyce, Horsnell & Crow, a Nashville law firm specializing in entertainment law.

THE CROWE BROTHERS (See also JOSH CROWE AND DAVID McLAUGHLIN)

From North Georgia.
Featured brothers Josh (guitar) and Wayne (bass). Josh's real name is Wallace.
Early 1970's, performed as the Blue Ridge Mountain Boys.
1975-1991, worked with legendary banjo player Raymond Fairchild, known as "King of the Smoky Mountain Banjo."
1990, performed and recorded as The Crowe Brothers.
1993, Wayne retired from music and Josh formed a duo with David McLaughlin (formerly with the Johnson Mountain Boys).

J.D. CROWE (AND THE NEW SOUTH)

From Lexington, Kentucky.
1955, began his career as a member of Mac Wiseman's band.
1956, joined Jimmy Martin's band, The Sunny Mountain Boys and established himself as one of the top banjo players in the world
1968, formed his own group, The Kentucky Mountain Boys with Doyle Lawson and Red Allen.
1974, formed The New South with Tony Rice, Ricky Skaggs and Jerry Douglas.
Other New South alumni: Keith Whitley, Jimmy Gaudreau, Paul Adkins, Wendy Miller, Gene Johnson (of Diamond Rio), Tony King (of Brooks and Dunn), many others.
Was also a member of the legendary Bluegrass Album Band (with Doyle Lawson, Tony Rice, Jerry Douglas, Bobby Hicks and Todd Phillips).
Retired in 1990, but returned in 1992 with a new version of The New South.
2000, his band members left en masse to form a new group called Wildfire.
2003, was inducted into the IBMA's Hall of Honor.
1994, 2004, won IBMA Award for Banjo Player of the Year.
2007, won IBMA award for Album of the Year ("Lefty's Old Guitar")
2008, recorded and performed with Longview.

JOSH CROWE AND DAVID McLAUGHLIN (See also THE CROWE BROTHERS)

Duet formed in 1993.
Crowe formerly performed with his brother Wayne as The Crowe Brothers.
McLaughlin formerly played mandolin with The Johnson Mountain Boys.
Perform close-harmony duets in the style of the Monroe Brothers, the Louvins, the Blue Sky Boys and the Delmore Brothers.

CRUCIAL SMITH

From Nashville, Tennessee.
Original name of the band was "Sam Hill," but they discovered that the name was already in use. Michael McLain was playing banjo with this group.
The name "Crucial Smith" has a connection to bluegrass ... Smith is Bill Monroe's middle name.
1997, recorded first album, produced by former New Grass Revival guitarist Pat Flynn.
Mandolinist Kyle Wood is a graphic artist and a former member of Eddie Rabbitt's Hare Trigger Band. Also edits "Lost in Space," a science fiction magazine.
Bass player Dave Holladay has worked as band leader with Geraldo Rivera. He is also an optometrist.
Guitarist Tim May also worked with Eddie Rabbit and The Jim Buchanan System.
Banjo player Chris Joslin formerly performed with the Rutherford County Square Dancers, Free Wheelin', and The Neverly Brothers.
2001, added fiddle player Gretchen Priest.

THE CUMBERLAND HIGHLANDERS

From Rosine, Kentucky (Bill Monroe's birthplace).
Called "America's Mountain Music Show."
Formed in 1986 by Campbell Mercer (who now serves as Executive Director of the Jerusalem Ridge Bluegrass Music Association, overseeing Bill Monroe's restored homeplace in Rosine.)
Band includes four former members of Bill Monroe's Blue Grass Boys (Wayne Lewis, Tater Tate, Billy Rose, Jimmy Campbell).
Host a weekly TV show on the cable RFDTV Channel.

MICHELLE CUPIT

Born in De Queen, Arkansas, Raised in Texas.
Her father played fiddle for Mel Street, Mark Chesnutt, Little Jimmy Dickens, other country artists. Her grandfather played mandolin and lap steel guitar.
First performance at five years old. She started out singing at church fairs and festivals.
She received a paddling in the first grade for singing “Don’t Come Home A Drinking With Lovin’ On Your Mind”.
Besides her musical career, she is a hair stylist. You will always hear great music in her salon.
Nickname: "Bluegrass Baby.”

CURLY DAN AND WILMA ANN

Originally from Clay, West Virginia. Moved to Detroit, Michigan and performed there for most of their career.
Real names: Denslie and Wilma Ann Holcomb.
Formed their band in 1955.
One of the first bluegrass acts to perform and record in the Detroit area.
Dan worked for the Chrysler Corporation.
Carmen Flatt (second cousin of Lester Flatt) was a member of their band. (He died in 1993).
Retired from performing in the early 1980's.

DENNIS CYPORYN

Banjo virtuoso from Detroit, Michigan.
Pronounced Sigh-por-in.
A writer: his "Bluegrass Songbook" was published by MacMillan, the first of its kind for a major publisher (1992).
In the 60's and 70's, performed with Detroit-area bands Roy McGinnis and the Sunnysiders, the Acme Bluegrass Co., and Psychodrama.
1989, formed the Dennis Cyporyn band, performing primarily new acoustic music—jazz, swing, bluegrass fusion.
1997, formed "Lonesome and Blue" with mandolinist Pooh Stevenson.