Bluegrass Bios H

THE HACKENSAW BOYS

From Charlottesville, Virginia.
Formed in 1999, playing at the Blue Moon Diner in Charlottesville.
A young jamgrass band that performs all-original bluegrass/country/folk music with a cast of players that sometime runs a dozen strong.
2001, started touring in a 1964 GMC touring bus called the Dirty Bird. There were 12 people in the group at that time.
2002, toured with rockers Modest Mouse.
Served as Charlie Louvin's backup band for 18 shows.
2003, opened the Bonnaroo Music and Arts Festival (Manchester, Tennessee).
2004, toured the Netherlands.
Regular members: Pee Paw, Shiner, Mahlon, the Kooky-eyed Fox, Dante J. and Salvage.

HAGAR'S MOUNTAIN BOYS

From Roxboro, North Carolina.
Formed in 2006.
Members: Ricky Stroud (mandolin), Blake Johnson (bass), Mike Johnson (guitar), Cliff Smith (banjo), David Nance (Dobro™). Nance formerly played with Jimmy Martin's Sunny Mountain Boys.
2010, released "Forever Yours" CD.
2011, released "Where's the Lonesome" CD.

MERLE HAGGARD

From Bakersfield, California.
Not primarily known as a bluegrass artist, but recorded a bluegrass album in 2007. Ronnie Reno was a member of his band in the mid-1970's. Bluegrass bands such as the Osborne Brothers and Brush Arbor often toured with him.
Has had 40 number one country hits, including "Okie from Muskogie", "If We Make It Through December" and "Daddy Frank."
1970, won CMA award for Album of the Year, Entertainer of the Year, Male Vocalist of the Year and Single of the Year. Has won dozens of CMA and ACM awards, three Grammies including the Lifetime Achievement Award.
1994, was inducted into the Country Music Hall of Fame.

ANDY HALL (See also THE INFAMOUS STRINGDUSTERS)

From Binghamton, New York. Lives now in Nashville.
One of the top Dobro™ players in bluegrass music.
Early musical career, was a member of several New England bands: the Bag Boys, the Too High String Band, Boston City Limits.
A graduate of the Berklee School of Music in Boston. It was there that he met Chris Eldridge and Chris Pandolfi (who later joined him in the Infamous Stringdusters).
Moved to Nashville, arriving on September 10, 2001, the day before the terrorist attacks. First break was landing a job with Harley Allen.
2003, joined Ronnie Bowman's band with Wyatt Rice (guitar) and Jesse Cobb (mandolin).
2004-5, toured and recorded with Dolly Parton, Earl Scruggs Charlie Daniels, Ronnie Bowman, Moody Bluegrass, Rebecca Lynn Howard, Alecia Nugent and his own band Short Life of Trouble.
2005, a founding member of the Infamous Stringdusters.

TOM T. HALL

From Olive Hill, Kentucky. Lives in Nashville.
Nickname: "The Storyteller." He is a member of the Songwriter's Hall of Fame.
Began playing guitar at age 4; wrote his first song at age 9.
Age 17, formed his first band The Kentucky Travelers.
1967, had his first #1 record "I Washed My Face in the Morning Dew."
1968, his "Harper Valley PTA," recorded by Jeannie C. Riley, became a huge international hit on both pop and country charts, selling nearly 2 million records in two weeks.
Other notable Tom T. Hall hits: "The Ballad of Forty Dollars" (1968), "The Day that Clayton Delaney Died" (1971), "Me and Jesus" (1972), "Old Dogs, Children and Watermelon Wine" (1972).
First bluegrass hit: "Fox on the Run" (1976, from the album "The Magnificent Music Machine" with musicians Bill Monroe, J. D. Crowe, Jimmy Martin, Kenny Baker and others.)
1971, became a member of the Grand Old Opry.
1982, recorded an album with Earl Scruggs: "The Storyteller and the Banjo Man."
1982, ran for Governor of Tennessee (lost.)
1998, released second bluegrass album "Home Grown" which included song "Bill Monroe for Breakfast," a final nominee for "Song of the Year" (1998 IBMA awards).
2001, his song "Follow Me Back to the Fold" was performed on the IBMA Awards Show as a tribute to Hall of Honor inductees, The Carter Family.
2005, he and his wife Dixie formed their own record company "Blue Circle Records" to promote young, emerging bluegrass talent.
2006, he and his wife Dixie donated future income from their "Good Home Grown Music" song catalog to the IBMA.
2008, inducted into the Country Music Hall of Fame.

ARTHUR HANCOCK

From Paris, Kentucky.
Breeds and raises race horses in Kentucky. His "Stone Farm" produced Sunday Silence, winner of the 1989 Kentucky Derby, the Preakness and the Breeder's Cup Races.
Has played bluegrass since age 11.
A prolific songwriter, his songs have been recorded by such artists as Ray Price and Grandpa Jones.
A friend of Peter Rowan since 1965, who produced his solo album of original songs in 2001.

TOM HANWAY

From Larchmont, New York. Lives in Ireland.
Began performing at Hampshire College in Amherst, MA in the early 1980's. He was studying law and labor history at the time.
1984, busked in Europe, was a street musician in Amsterdam, Brussels, and Paris.
1985, returned to New York and studied banjo under Tony Trischka and Bill Keith.
1986, formed band called Cumberland Gap.
1988-1990, played banjo with the John Herald Band. Also appeared in the Off-Broadway bluegrass musical "Feast Here Tonight" (1989).
1990-1991, recorded Bucket of Bees with 32 top bluegrass musicians in Nashville and New York City.
1993, formed Grass Menagerie, later called Blue Horizon.
1995, joined Burnt Toast.
1997, co-designed Tom Hanway SwallowTail Deluxe banjo with Geoff Stelling, which becomes a production model (1998) with Standard and Deluxe options. (2006, actor/comedian Steve Martin bought this model banjo for himself).
1998, Mel Bay published his book/CD "Complete Book of Irish and Celtic 5-String Banjo." Hanway is originator of a unique style called "Celtic Fingerstyle" banjo.
1997-2002, co-founded Big Apple Bluegrass Society with his first wife, Kathleen Low Hanway (deceased), and promoted the annual Big Apple Bluegrass & Folk Festival in Greenwich Village, NYC.
2003, married Denise Conroy and moved to Ireland
2004-2006, worked with Carmel Sheerin & The Ravens, voted #1 European Bluegrass Band 2005-2006 by EBMA.
2006, promotes Americana music at the United Arts Club in Dublin. Performs with the Badbelly Project and Tennessee Hob.

SLAVEK HANSLIK

From Prague, Czechoslavakia (now Czech Republic). Lives in Chicago.
Learned guitar as a child listening to smuggled Doc Watson albums.
Defected to the United States in 1982; lived in Canada for several years.
Won the Canadian National Guitar Championship in Prince Albert, Saskatchewan.
1998, worked with Chris Jones and the Night Drivers.

HARD RYDE

From Ontario, Canada
Formed in 1997.
Members: Doug deBoer (guitar), Sally Ryba (banjo), Nick McDonald (mandolin), Nancy MacLellan (bass), Wayne Ferguson (fiddle).
Have won numerous Central Canadian Bluegrass Awards including "Best Overall Group of the Year" for five years in a row (1999-2003) and "Vocal Group of the Year" (1999, 2000, 2001, 2004, 2007).
2008, inducted into the Central Canadian Bluegrass Hall of Fame.

TATIANA HARGREAVES

From Corvallis, Oregon.
2008, won first place at the Oregon State Old Time Fiddler's contest, the youngest winner in the contest's history (age 13).
Her brother Alex is also an accomplished fiddler and mandolin player.
2009, released first CD "Started Out to Ramble" at age 14. Produced by Bruce Molsky.

BULL HARMAN

From Florissant, Missouri. (Originally from Alton, Illinois.)
Began playing guitar at age 12. With his brother and sister formed "The Harman Trio," recording first album in 1977.
1982, wife Tammy joined the group which was by this time called "The Harman Family."
1996-1998, worked with Rhonda Vincent and the Rage.
1999, released solo album with guests Alison Krauss, Rhonda Vincent and others.
2000, formed his own band, "Bull's Eye."
2004, 2006, won SPBGMA Midwest Guitar Player of the Year.
For 15 years, he worked as a welder.
2009, won Silver Dollar City's Single Microphone Championship.
2010, released CD "Aiming to Please."

BILL HARRELL (AND THE VIRGINIANS)

From Marion, Virginia. Lives in Davidsonville, MD.
Began performing in the 1950's.
Formed his band "The Virginians" in the early 60's.
Performed often on the "The Jimmy Dean Show" on CBS-TV.
1966, teamed up with Don Reno and the Tennessee Cutups, singing lead in place of the late Red Smiley.
1977, was involved in a traffic accident that left him with two broken legs. Reno and Harrell officially called it quits in September of that year
1978, re-organized "The Virginians," and continues to perform with this group which has endured numerous personnel changes.
Was a good friend of the late singer Jim Reeves. Bill wrote several songs for him.
Once considered changing his name to "Morgan Atkins" and going country. (Name is a combination of his wife's and his mother's maiden names.
Has performed for presidents Nixon, Reagan and Bush.
Retired in the 1990's.
Son Mitch Harrell performed for many years with the Virginians and now has his own band.
2008, recieved a "Distinguished Achievement Award" from the IBMA.
2009 (June 24), died after suffering a stroke.

MICHAEL RENO HARRELL

From East Tennessee (lives in North Carolina)
A successful songwriter: has had songs recorded by Doug Stone, Perfect Stranger, others.
Founding member of the Charlotte Americana Showcase.
Has a band called "No Angels.'

MITCH HARRELL

Lives in Annapolis, Maryland.
Son of bluegrass pioneer Bill Harrell.
For many years, he played guitar and sang tenor in his father's band, the Virginians.
Was first artist signed by Pinecastle Records. According to Pinecastle "Mitch is the reason for Pinecastle's existence." In 1990, Tom Riggs, a bluegrass radio personality and promoter from Florida, was so impressed with Mitch's talent that he decided to start a record company.
2000, formed his own band (South River Express) and his own record label.

BOB HARRIS

Originally from Illinois. Lives in Bridgewater, New Jersey.
Was member of New Jersey band "Rank Strangers."
Fronts his own band "Razin' Cane."
1993, Guitar Player magazine gave Bob the award for "Acoustic Pickstyle" Guitar Player of the Year.

EMMYLOU HARRIS

From Birmingham, Alabama. Lives in Nashville.
Was a "hippie-hillbilly" singer and waitress, working in Washington D.C. when she was discovered by Chris Hillman, who introduced her to Gram Parsons (Byrds, Flying Burrito Brothers). That encounter launched her career.
Musical heroes: Joan Baez, Judy Collins and Bob Dylan.
Studied acting on a scholarship at University of North Carolina in Greensboro.
Until 1991, band was known as the "Hot Band" and included such musicians as Rodney Crowell, Ricky Skaggs and Carl Jackson.
1991, Emmylou formed an acoustic band "The Nash Ramblers" with Sam Bush, Roy Huskey Jr., Al Perkins, Jon Randall Stewart and Larry Atamanuik.
1992, became a member of the Grand Ole Opry.
1994, re-formed her "Hot Band."
2001, appeared on the movie soundtrack "O Brother Where Art Thou" and the "Down from the Mountain" CD and tour.
As of 2008, she has won 12 Grammy Awards.
2008, inducted into the Country Music Hall of Fame.

GREG HARRIS

From Los Angeles, California.
Former member of Byron Berline's "LA Fiddle Band" and The Flying Burrito Brothers.
Plays all the bluegrass instruments (guitar, banjo, mandolin and fiddle). Best known as a guitarist who plays bluegrass, country and jazz.

MICKEY HARRIS

From Leanna, Tennessee.
Plays the upright bass.
Grew up in a musical family. As a child, he performed on his uncle's TV Show "The Carl Tipton Show."
First band "High Lonesome" with Cody Kilby and Brian Blaylock.
Has also worked with Tim Graves and Cherokee, Larry Stephenson, Sally Jones and the Sidewinders.
2002, joined Rhonda Vincent and the Rage.

R. C. HARRIS (AND BLUE DENIM)

From Statesville, North Carolina. Lives in Gallatin, Tennessee.
Began musical career at age 13 (Ole Mountain Opry).
1971, played banjo with Bill Monroe's Blue Grass Boys.
1973, formed group called Blue Denim (recorded several albums for Old Homestead Records).
1978, recorded an album with Bobby Hicks, Del McCoury and Herschel Sizemore.
2000, recorded an album with the original Seldom Scene (titled "Scenic Route").
2006, released "Comin' Back to Bluegrass" (after working for several years in country music.)

THE HART BROTHERS

From Guysville, Ohio.
A family band formed in 1979 by Myron "Pete" Hart (mandolin), Heamon "Tib" Hart (banjo) and Arman "Sam" Hart (guitar). Prior to that, they performed as Lester Young and the Hart Brothers (Young played fiddle.)
1983, Sam passed away. Pete and Tib have continued to perform together.
2003, added guitar player Randy Glenn (formerly of the Idaho-based Grasshoppers and the ex-husband of Honi Deaton.)
They host an annual bluegrass festival at Poston Lake, Ohio (near Athens).

JOHN HARTFORD

From St. Louis, Missouri.
Began his career with several bluegrass bands around the Missouri-Illinois area, including the Ozark Mountain Trio, the Missouri Ridgerunners, and the Dixie Ramblers (with Rodney and Doug Dillard.)
Recorded several albums for RCA records in the sixties (RCA thought John might be their "Bob Dylan"), and then signed with Warner Brothers, recording for them until 1971.
Worked primarily as a solo artist during much of his career, accompanying himself on banjo, fiddle and guitar. Also danced while performing, shuffling his feet on a sheet of plywood covered with sand.
Wrote "Gentle on My Mind," which became Glen Campbell's first #1 song and one of the most popular songs of all time (according to BMI).
Was a regular on the Glen Campbell Goodtime Hour.
He and Steve Martin were comedy writers for the Smothers Brothers Comedy Hour.
A licensed river boat captain. His passion is the river and big paddle-wheel steamboats (inspiration for many of his songs). Has piloted the Delta Queen and for many years worked at least ten days per year aboard the Julia Belle Swain out of Peoria, Illinois.
Real name: John Harford, without the "t." Changed it to Hartford because "people invariably spelled it that way anyhow."
Early 1990's, toured and recorded with his son Jamie, who sings and plays mandolin. Jamie has since established his own career in music.
1993, founded his own record label called "Small Dog a' Barkin'."
2000, performed on the soundtrack album for "O Brother Where Art Thou" and hosted a concert at the Ryman Auditorium featuring artists appearing in the movie.
Died of non-hodgkins lymphoma in 2001.
2010, was inducted into the IBMA's Bluegrass Hall of Fame

THE JOHN HARTFORD STRING BAND

A band formed in 2009 to preserve and perform the music of John Hartford. Some of the band members worked with John before his death in 2001.
Members: Chris Sharp (guitar), Bob Carlin (banjo), Mike Compton (mandolin), Matt Combs (fiddle), Mark Schatz (bass).
2010, recorded "Memories of John" CD and performed at the IBMA Awards Show to commemorate Hartford's induction into the Bluegrass Music Hall of Fame.

HARVEST WIND

From Statesville, North Carolina.
Perform bluegrass gospel music.
Features lead vocals and fiddling of Revonda Roberts. Other band members: Lonnie Roberts (mandolin), Justin Bowles (guitar & banjo), Robert Quisenberry (bass), Brandon Rowe (banjo), James Torrence (Resonator Guitar).
2004, released first CD on MasterShield Records.
2005, released second CD on Lamon Records.
2006, released third CD on Lamon Records.

CARRIE HASSLER (AND HARD RAIN)

From Pikeville, Tennessee.
Grew up singing in church. She was heavily influence by Southern Gospel music.
2003, began performing bluegrass music for the first time.
2006, formed her band Hard Rain, with Josh Miller (banjo), Kevin and Keith McKinnon (identical twins, mandolin and guitar respectively), Travis Anderson (bass) and Jamie Harper (fiddle).
2006, recorded first album for Rural Rythm Records, produced by Jim Van Cleve.
2009, released second album "CHHR2," debuted at #3 on the BU National Bluegrass Survey.
2009, performed at the International Bluegrass Festival in La Roche-sur-Foron, France.

AUBREY HAYNIE

From Florida. Lives in Nashville.
One of Nashville's most sought-after studio musicians.
Started playing fiddle and mandolin at age nine. Two years later, joined a Florida group called the Bluegrass Parlor Band.
At age 17, landed a job with country music star Aaron Tippen. At age 19, joined Clint Black's touring band.
1996, briefly joined David Parmley, Scott Vestal and Continental Divide.
1997, recorded first solo album.
1998, toured with Randy Travis.
2003, won IBMA award for Instrumental Album of the Year ("The Bluegrass Fiddle Album").
2009, won Academy of Country Music (ACM) Award for Top Fiddle Player of the Year.

HAYSEED DIXIE

From "Deer Lick Holler" (or, Nashville, Tennessee).
Formed by Barley Scotch and Enus and Talcum, the Younger Brothers (Dale and Don Wayne Reno in real life).
2001, recorded a bluegrass album of AC/DC songs.
Original name of the group was AC Dixie, but decided to change it for legal reasons.
2002, released "A Hillbilly Tribute to Mountain Love," featuring covers of other rock artists (from Ted Nugent to Aerosmith).
2003, released "Kiss My Grass"–a hillbilly tribute to KISS.
While Hayseed Dixie converts rock to bluegrass, they also perform as "The Kerosene Brothers," doing precisely the opposite–converting bluegrass songs to rock.

THE HAZEL RIVER BAND

From Culpeper, Virginia (near Washington, D.C.).
Formed in 1990.
1992, won the band contest at the Gettysburg Bluegrass Festival.
Features original songs and lead singing of Curt Gausman.

HEARTSTRINGS

All-female band from Nashville.
Formed in 2001
Members: Bo Jamison (guitar), Marilyn Barclay (bass), Karen Pendley (fiddle), Chris Lewis (mandolin), Sally Wingate (banjo).
Jamison writes much of the group's material. She has won several Chris Austin songwriting awards at Merlefest.
Fiddler Pendley has toured with many country acts including Ricky Van Shelton and for several years worked as an entertainer at Opryland USA.

IRL HEES

From Tuscumbia, Missouri.
Pronounced "Earl Hess."
1976, began playing bass in a regional bluegrass band.
1984, joined Lost Highway (California).
1985, formed Missouri band called Down the Road.
1992, worked with Rhonda Vincent. Was an original member of her bluegrass band "the Rage."
1996, joined Chris Jones and the Night Drivers.
2001, joined the Lonesome River Band.
2003, released solo album "I'm Just a Bass Player."
2005, worked with Cedar Hill.

THE HEIGHTS OF GRASS

From Richmond, Virginia.
Formed in mid-seventies; broke up in the early eighties.
Featured lead singing and guitar-playing of Don Grubb. Other band members included Rickie Simpkins and Sammy Shelor.
Eventually evolved into The Virginia Squires.

WAYNE HENDERSON

From Sugar Grove, Virginia.
A legendary luthier and guitarist. Has recorded albums with Doc Watkins, Butch Robins, Steve Kaufman and others.
As a guitar maker, he has made guitars for Peter Rowan, Gillian Welch, Doc Watson and Eric Clapton.
1995, was presented with the Folk Endowment for the Arts award by President Bill Clinton at the White House.
Sometimes performs as "W.C. Henderson and Co."
2000, toured and recorded with the "Masters of the Steel Stringed Guitar."
2007, performed as part of the "Music from the Crooked Road" tour.

THE HENHOUSE PROWLERS

From Chicago, Illinois
Formed in 2004, went full-time in 2007.
Members: Eric Lambert (guitar), Jon Goldfine (bass), Ben Wright (banjo), Grant Ziolkowski (mandolin). Some of them previously worked with another Chicago-based band called "the Back Porch Ramblers."
2008, composed and performed the soundtrack to a PBS documentary “The Ride Of Our Lives," produced by NBC Today Show features correspondent Mike Leonard.
2009, released "A Dark Rumor" produced by Don Stiernberg and Greg Cahill. Stiernberg also played mandolin on the CD.
2010, won the Rockygrass band contest.
2010 and 2011, won Chicago Music Award for "Best Country/Western Entertainer"
2011, released "Verses, Chapters and Thymes," produced by Sally Van Meter.

BILL HENRY (See also NORTHERN LIGHTS)

From North Stonington, Connecticut.
Plays guitar with Northern Lights (since 1981).
Attended the Berklee College of Music.
2002, recorded solo album.

CASEY HENRY (CASEY & CHRIS AND THE TWO-STRINGERS)

From Frederick County, Virginia. Lives in Nashville.
Grew up playing bass with her family group Red and Murphy and their Excellent Children. Casey's mother Murphy is a well-known producer of banjo instructional videos, and a columnist for Bluegrass Unlimited Magazine. Casey writes for Banjo Newsletter.
2000, graduated from the University of Virginia.
2001, recorded a banjo album called "Real Women Drive Trucks."
2001, joined Tim Graves and Cherokee, playing bass. Also worked with Uncle Earl and Jim Hurst.
2004, recorded with a group called The Tennessee Heartstrings.
2005, formed "Casey & Chris and the Two-Stringers," a band with her brother Chris (mandolin), who previously worked with Dave Peterson and 1946 and Audie Blaylock and Redline. Disbanded in 2007.
2009, Casey joined the Dixie Bee-Liners, playing banjo.

RED HENRY

From Winchester, Virginia.
Began playing mandolin in 1967.
Married to Murphy Henry, well-known for her banjo-instruction books and videos, also a columnist for Bluegrass Unlimited Magazine.
Children Casey and Christopher are also professional bluegrass musicians.
1977-1995, performed with his family band "Red and Murphy & Co." Recorded 10 CD's with this group.
Plays a mandolin (Randy Wood #3) which was previously owned and played by Bill Monroe.
Hobbies: astronomy, sound electronics, old English literature.

RICHARD D. HENRY

From Houston, Texas (grew up in South Carolina).
Began performing with a family band on the radio at age 14.
A prolific songwriter and mandolin player with the Texas-based band Bluegrass Solution.
2001, won the Chris Austin songwriting contest at Merlefest.
2009, released two CD's of original songs.

TIM HENSLEY

From Cincinnatti, Ohio. Lives in Nashville.
A guitarist and vocalist, he has worked as a sideman in many bands, including stints with Ricky Skaggs and Patty Loveless. Currently working with Kenny Chesney.
2007, recorded a bluegrass album for Rural Rhythm Records, produced by Kenny Chesney and Buddy Cannon.
2008, made first appearance as a solo act on the Grand Ole Opry (Chesney and Cannon appeared with him, singing harmony).

WALTER HENSLEY (See also JAMES REAMS AND THE BARNSTORMERS)

From Baltimore, Maryland (Born in Grundy, Virginia).
Called "The Banjo Baron of Baltimore.
1952, worked with Hobo Jack Adkins and the Kentucky Pals and filled in with the Lonesome Pine Fiddlers.
1956, played in a rockabilly band The Black Mountain Boys.
1957, joined Earl Taylor and the Stoney Mountain Boys.
1961, joined the Country Gentlemen.
1962, re-joined Earl Taylor.
1963, recorded an influential banjo album for Capitol Records "Five String Banjo Today."
1980, formed his own band The Dukes of Bluegrass.
1990, worked with Vernon McIntyre's Appalachian Grass.
1999, joined James Reams and the Barnstormers, which became "James Reams, Walter Hensley and the Barons of Bluegrass" in 2002.

JOHN HERALD (THE JOHN HERALD BAND; See also THE GREENBRIAR BOYS)

From New York City, but for mosf of his life, he lived iin Woodstock,NY.
1958-1966, was founder and lead singer of The Greenbriar Boys.
Real name: John Whittier Sirabian. He is Armenian. His father was a poet in Greenwich Village.
1976, formed with The John Herald Band with another Greenbriar Boy, Bob Yellin.
Among John Herald's fans: Linda Rondstadt, who heard John's version of "A Different Drum" in the sixties and recorded the song almost note for note with her group The Stone Ponies. It turned out to be a gold record.
1992, he and Yellin' reunited briefly to perform as the New Greenbriar Boys.
Died, 2005.

HERE TODAY

A "project band" featuring Vince Gill, Herb Pederson, David Grisman, Jim Buchanan and Emory Gordy, Jr.
Formed in January, 1982 and recorded one album.

CLAY HESS

From Blue Creek, Ohio.
At age 12, had a band called Orange Mountain Special.
Age 19, joined True Blue, performing at Dollywood in Pigeon Forge, Tennessee.
1995, won the Ohio State Guitar Championship.
1999-2001, played lead guitar for Ricky Skaggs and Kentucky Thunder.
2002, released solo album "Red Haired Boy."
2003, formed his own band "Crossfire."
2005, joined the Mark Newton Band.
2007, joined Mountain Heart.
2008, joined Sierra Hull and Highway 111.
2011, formed his own band.

RAY HESSON

A banjo player from Bowie, Maryland.
Performs extensively around the Washington, D.C. area.
Has taught music since he was in high school. One of his students was actress Goldie Hawn.
Retired from the Federal Government (21 years with NASA, 6 years with U.S. Navy).
Played with a D.C. group for 20 years called Foggy Bottom.
Performs in a duo with his son Michael, and with other children in a group called Pointer Ridge. Ray and Michael performed at Bill Clinton's first Inaugural Dinner.
1994, won the Winfield banjo contest.
1996, recorded his first banjo instrumental album.
1996, on the way to register for the banjo contest at Merle Fest, he suffered a heart attack. He recovered and began performing again.
2004, released new album "Sunrise."

JOHN HICKMAN (See also CALIFORNIA)

From Columbus, Ohio. Lives in Guthrie, Oklahoma.
An influential banjo player. Spent most of his career in California working with Byron Berline and Dan Crary.
Early sixties, played with an Ohio group called Sid Campbell and the Country Cut-ups.
1969, moved to California to form a group with his brother George called "The Hickman Brothers."
1976, formed an informal partnership with fiddler Byron Berline, working with him in several bands including Sundance, The L.A. Fiddle Band, BCH (Berline, Crary, Hickman), California and the Byron Berline Band.
Gave banjo lessons to Alison Brown.
1995, moved to Guthrie, Oklahoma with Byron Berline. Does repair work in "Byron's Double-Stop Fiddle Shop."
2001, added steel guitar to his repertoire (with the Byron Berline Band).

HICKORY HILL

From Avinger, Texas (east Texas).
Formed in 1978.
Members: Ronny Singley (mandolin), Bob Stegall (bass), Don Eaves (banjo), John Early (lead guitar).
Founding member Rolan Foster died of cancer in 1996. Replaced by Jimmy Godwin (guitar/fiddle).
1993, won "Band of the Year" honors from the Arts and Entertainment Council of East Texas.
Founders John Early and Rolan Foster began playing music together while in junior high school. They lived across the street from each other in Avinger, Texas.
Major influence: The Eagles (Don Henley is also from East Texas).

BOBBY HICKS

From Newton, North Carolina. Lives in Asheville, North Carolina.
Began playing the fiddle at age nine.
Hero: fiddler Dale Potter.
1954-1960, played fiddle for Bill Monroe's Blue Grass Boys, recording such classics as "Cheyenne," "Big Mon," "Scotland," "Wheel Hoss," and "Brown County Breakdown."
Also worked and toured with Porter Wagoner, Mel Tillis, other country acts. Had his own dance band.
1963-1970, lived and worked in Las Vegas, performing with singer Judy Lynn.
A member of the "Bluegrass Album Band" with Tony Rice, J.D. Crowe, Doyle Lawson, Todd Phillips and Jerry Douglas.
1980-2002, a member of Ricky Skaggs' band (Kentucky Thunder).
Played fiddle on several Skaggs #1 hits, including "Uncle Pen," "Country Boy," "Cryin' My Heart Out Over You," and "I Wouldn't Change You If I Could."
1978, released first solo project "Texas Crapshooter."
1980, recorded fiddle duet album with Kenny Baker called "Darkness on the Delta."
1998, his second solo project "Fiddle Patch" won the IBMA award for "Instrumental Album of the Year."
2003, played dates with Jesse McReynolds and the Virginia Boys.
2004, joined the North Carolina band "Hazel Creek."
Bobby and his wife Cathy operate a Wild Bird Center in a shopping center in Asheville where they sell "bird feeders and all kinds of birdseed."
2008, fell and broke one of his fingers in April, requiring surgery. By July was back playing again. He is making appearances with Earl Scruggs.

HIGH COUNTRY

From San Francisco, California.
Formed in 1968.
Only remaining original member: mandolinist Butch Waller, who founded the group.
1971, they were the first west coast band to be invited to Bill Monroe's Bean Blossom festival.
Butch Waller and the late Charlie Waller (of the Country Gentlemen) are not related but they share the same birthdate: January 19.
1982, Waller married Kathy Kallick (then of the Good Ole Persons).
Waller first band was a group that included Herb Pederson, who at the time was a classmate of Waller's at St. Augustine's grammer school in Berkeley, California.
1999, Waller released a solo album of mandolin instrumentals called "Golden Gate Promenade."
Butch Waller also has performed and recorded with his brother Bob as "The Waller Brothers" (classic country duets).
2009, released "Perfect Companions."

HIGH PLAINS TRADITION

From Denver, Colorado.
Formed in 1988.
1995, won first place at Denver's Mile-High Bluegrass Band Contest.
1997, recorded first album, produced by Pete Wernick.

HIGHSTRUNG

From Orlando, Florida.
Formed in 1989 by Jerry Nettuno as a trio, playing primarily at Disney World, Florida.
1993, won the Southeast Regional Pizza Hut International Bluegrass Showdown.
1997, broke up.
Guitarist and lead singer Keith Tew formed "the Tews" with his wife Danelle, and also performs with Rhonda Vincent and the Rage.
1998, Nettuno moved to Montana, forming a new band with John Lowell and Julie Elkins called "Deep River" (now "Kane's River").
1999, Nettuno won IBMA award as writer of song of the year "Three Rusty Nails" (recorded by Ronnie Bowman).

HIGH WINDY

From Asheville, North Carolina.
Formed in 2004.
Named for a sweeping ridgeline near Asheville.
Members: Patrick McDougall (banjo), Shane Lail (guitar), Ty Gilpin (mandolin), Tim Gardner (fiddle), Mark Davis (bass). Much of the band's material is written by McDougall and Lail.
2008, released first CD for Mountain Home Records. Gilpin does radio promotion for the label.

THE HILLBENDERS

From Springfield, Missouri.
Formed in 2008.
Band members include Mark Cassidy (banjo), Gary Rea (bass), Jim Rea (guitar), Nolan Lawrence (mandolin), Chad Graves (Dobro™). Graves previously worked with Valerie Smith and Liberty Pike.
2009, won the Telluride Bluegrass Festival band contest.
2010, won the "National Single Mike Championship" at Silver Dollar City.
2010, released first CD "Down to My Last Dollar."

CHRIS HILLMAN

From La Jolla (San Diego) California. Lives in the Los Angeles area.
Early-sixties, played mandolin in the San Diego-based bluegrass group, The Scottsville Squirrel Barkers. Also included banjo player Kenny Wertz, an original member of the Country Gazette and Bernie Leadon, who later was a member of the Eagles. Recorded a now-classic supermarket LP in just five hours. Each member of the band was paid $50 for their work on the album.
Mid-sixties, played with The Blue Diamond Boys (later called The Hillmen) an L.A.-based band with Don Parmley (Bluegrass Cardinals), Vern Gosdin, and Vern's late brother Rex Gosdin.
1965, an original member of The Byrds. Played bass.
1969, formed The Flying Burrito Brothers with Gram Parsons and Al Perkins.
1971-1973, he and Al Perkins joined Stephen Stills' band Manassas.
Next, the Souther-Hillman-Furay band with songwriter John David Souther and ex-Poco member Richie Furay.
1976, embarked on solo career.
Also worked with bluegrass gospel band "Ever Call Ready" with old friends Bernie Leadon and Al Perkins.
1982, recorded album with Vince Gill, David Grisman, Herb Pederson, Emory Gordy, Jr., and Jim Buchanon called "Here Today."
1984, formed the Desert Rose Band with Herb Pederson, John Jorgensen, Bill Bryson and J.D. Maness. They started out as a back-up group for Dan Fogelberg. Broke up in 1995 but did a reunion tour in 2008.
1996, recorded and performed as a duo with Herb Pederson, doing mostly country and cowboy music.
1997, 1999, recorded with Tony Rice, Larry Rice and Herb Pederson as "Rice, Rice, Hillman and Pederson."

THE HILLMEN (See also CHRIS HILLMAN)

From Los Angeles, California.
Formed in the early 1960's by Chris Hillman, mandolin; Don Parmley, banjo; Vern Gosdin, guitar; and Rex Gosdin, bass.
Original name: The Blue Diamond Boys. (The Hillmen name was only used on the re-issue of the group's album, several years after the group broke up.)
Parmley and the Gosdin brothers had previously worked with a Los Angeles group called The Golden State Boys.
Performed on a Los Angeles TV show called Country Music Time.

HIT AND RUN BLUEGRASS

From Boulder, Colorado
Formed in 2001 by Rebecca (guitar) and John Frazier (mandolin). Other members of the band: Andy Thorn (banjo), Todd Livingston (Dobro™), Steve Roy (bass.) Gene Libbea (formerly with Nashville Bluegrass Band) played bass in 2003.
2002, won band contest at Rockygrass Bluegrass Festival (Lyons, Colorado).
2003, won band contest at Telluride Music Festival.
2004, released first CD (recorded at Doobie Shea Studios).
2005, won band contest at International SPBGMA band competition (Nashville).
2006, Rebecca Frazier the first woman on the cover of Flatpicking Guitar magazine.
2006, recorded CMH project "Pickin' on the 80's"
2007, John Frazier joined John Cowan's band full-time and will play limited dates with Hit and Run Bluegrass.
2007, recorded another CMH project "Songs from the Simpson's TV Show."

RYAN HOLLADAY

From Camden, Tennessee
A child prodigy who made his first appearance on the Grand Ole Opry at age five. By age six, had recorded with Earl Scruggs, Tom T. Hall and the Del McCoury Band.
Has appeared on numerous TV shows, including Oprah Winfrey, Nickelodeon and PBS.
Plays banjo, guitar, mandolin and Dobro™.
2004, co-hosted the video curriculum "Discover Bluegrass" with Sierra Hull (produced by IBMA's Bluegrass in the Schools committee.)
2005, signed with Skaggs Family Records.
2005, toured Japan with country group Trick Pony.

DAVID HOLT

From Garland, Texas.
Former host of the Nashville Network's "Fire on the Mountain" TV show, which was the network's highest-rated show in 1985. Cancelled due to production costs and lack of sponsorship in 1986.
Calls himself "A One Man Celebration of Stories and Songs."
Plays banjo, guitar, hammered dulcimer, fiddle, bones, autoharp, squeeze box, and jaw harp. Sings, dances, tells folk tales and does a little "hollering."
Has a one man show called "From Here to Kingdom Come" (Kingdom Come is a community in the hills of Eastern Kentucky.)
A former elementary schoolteacher and a graduate of the University of California at Santa Barbara.
Established The Appalachian Music Program at Warren Wilson College (North Carolina).
First television exposure: "Folkways" on PBS (1982).
Host of "Riverwalk: Classic Jazz from the Landing" broadcast on the American Public Radio Network live from San Antonio, Texas.
Plays a 125-year-old banjo.
1984, Esquire Magazine selected him as one its first "Annual Register of Men and Women Who Are Changing America" (along with Steven Spielberg, Sally Ride, and Meryl Streep, among others.)
1992 album "Grandfather's Greatest Hits" nominated for a Grammy Award in "Best Folk Recording" category.
2000, appeared in the movie "O Brother, Where Art Thou" starring George Clooney. He played one of the village idiots.

MARK HOLT

From Seattle, Washington. Lives in Weippe, Idaho.
Plays guitar, banjo, mandolin and performs with his sister Kimberly as an "acoustic duo" doing mostly western songs with a bluegrass flavor.
Hobbies: professional rodeo, native American art.
2000, appeared on PBS series "Cowboy Corral."
2002, recorded first studio album backed by top bluegrass session players.
2006, appointed to the Roots Music Association Advisory Council.

TONY HOLT AND THE WILDWOOD VALLEY BOYS (See THE WILDWOOD VALLEY BOYS)

WES HOMNER

From New Castle, Pennsylvania.
Mandolinist and composer of gospel songs. He is the son of a preacher.
Several of his songs have been recorded by Doyle Lawson and Quicksilver, The Lewis Family, Southern Rail and others.
1995, 1999, voted "Bluegrass Artist of the Year" by the International Country Gospel Music Association.
1990-2004, performed with a group called Mountain Therapy.

PAUL HOPKINS

From Kentucky. Grew up in southwest Virginia. Lives in Shelbyville, Tennessee.
Began playing banjo at age 5.
While a teenager, he performed and recorded with this father as "Wibby Lee and Paul Allen."
Has a degree in electronics from the Coyne Electronics Institute in Chicago.
Has performed with several bands including The Rolling Firestones, Messa Grass and the Virginia Pardners.
Owns two radio stations in Tennessee (WLIJ and WZNG) which broadcast bluegrass music.
2001, released a solo album of banjo tunes with special guests Norman Blake, Roland White, Stuart Duncan, others.

LONNIE HOPPERS (AND NEW UNION)

From Urbana, Missouri (Kansas City area).
Began playing banjo professionally at age 17 with the "Ozark Opry" at Lake of the Ozarks.
Early sixties, played banjo with Bill Monroe's Blue Grass Boys.
Had a band in the sixties with guitarist Dan Crary.
Performed at Silver Dollar City in Branson, Missouri for six seasons.
He and his wife Charlene host a bluegrass radio program in Bolivar, Missouri.
1998, formed "New Union."
2000, recorded an album with Dan Crary called "Lonnie Hoppers, Dan Crary and their All-American Band."

BRUCE HORNSBY

From Williamsburg, Virginia.
While not a bluegrass performer per se, he has recorded several bluegrass-flavored songs and won the 2nd-ever Bluegrass Grammy.
A popular singer and songwriter who plays piano and accordian. His unique piano style is easily recognized.
1986, released debut album with his band, The Range, which won Grammy for Best New Artist. Had a #1 song with "Mandolin Rain."
1988, began collaborating with the Grateful Dead. Worked with them frequently from 1990 to 1992.
1989, won Grammy for Best Bluegrass Recording (for the song "Valley Road" from the Nitty Gritty Dirt Band's "Will the Circle Be Unbroken, Vol. 2" album.)
1995, recorded album "Hot House" which featured bluegrass-tinged jazz with Bela Fleck on banjo.
Has recorded many other albums with such artists as Sting, Chaka Khan, Branford Marsalis, Elton John, Eric Clapton, Bob Dylan, etc.
2007, recorded album "Ricky Skaggs and Bruce Hornsby" on Skaggs Family Records.

KENNY RAY HORTON

From Rocky Comfort, Missouri.
2008, joined the U.S. Navy Band Country Current as lead vocalist, guitarist and emcee.
Worked in Nashville as a staff songwriter. Among his credits: "A Soldier's King" for Kenny Rogers.

HOT BUTTERED RUM

From the San Francisco Bay Area.
A string band (or jam band) playing music dubbed "high altitude California bluegrass."
Members: Nat Keefe on guitar, Bryan Horne on the string bass, Erik Yates on the flute, clarinet, banjo and accordion, Zac Matthews and Aaron Redner doubling on mandolin and fiddle.
2005 album produced by Mike Marshall (featuring guests Peter Rowan and Darol Anger).

THE HOTMUD FAMILY

From Spring Valley, Ohio.
Popular string band of the 1970's; broke up in 1984.
Vocalist Suzanne Edmondson (now Thomas) continued her musical career with the Dry Branch Fire Squad and as a solo performer.

HOT RIZE

Based for most of their career in in Boulder, Colorado.
Formed in 1978 by Pete Wernick (banjo), Tim O'Brien (mandolin/fiddle), Mike Scap (guitar) and Charles Sawtelle (bass). Three months after the band's formation, Scap departed and was replaced by Nick Forster (bass). Sawtelle then switched from bass to guitar.
Prior to the formation of Hot Rize (1976), Wernick and Sawtelle had formed a Colorado band called the Drifting Ramblers or the Rambling Drifters (they couldn't make up their mind.)
The name "Hot Rize" is the "secret ingredient" in Martha White flour, a long-time advertiser on the Grand Ole Opry, and for many years sponsor of the Flatt and Scruggs radio show on WSM, Nashville.
The Hot Rize show usually featured an appearance by their alter-ego band, "Red Knuckles and the Trailblazers", a western-swing group supposedly from Wyoming that traveled with Hot Rize in the back of the bus. Even though Red Knuckles and the Trailblazers was actually Hot Rize in disguise, the group became very popular in their own right and recorded several albums. (Trailblazer fans were called "Knuckleheads").
1990, won IBMA Award for "Entertainer of the Year" and broke up. The played their last show together as a full time band at Merlefest.
1991, a year after they broke up, their recording of "Colleen Malone" won the IBMA award for "Song of the Year."
Following their break-up, each of the band members pursued their own musical careers: Pete Wernick (also known as "Dr. Banjo" performed with his own band "The Live Five" and served for several years as president of the IBMA. Tim O'Brien put together his own band called the "O'Boys" and had success as a songrwriter and solo artist. Nick Forster hosted a live PBS radio show called "E-Town." Charles Sawtelle built a recording studio and continued to do session work. In 1999, Sawtelle died from complications from a long battle with leukemia.
2001, Tim O'Brien became the second member of this band to become president of the IBMA, succeeding his bandmate Peter Wernick.
2007, re-united (with Bryan Sutton playing guitar) to perform at actor/comedian Steve Martin's wedding.
2009, recorded two songs with Bryan Sutton for his CD "Almost Live."
2009, co-hosted the IBMA Awards show with Kathy Mattea.
2010, performed at Bonnaroo Music Festival in Manchester, TN.
2010, (fall) went on their first tour of the 21st century.

THE HOT STRINGS

From Pagosa Springs, Colorado.
1995, began as a "kid band" featuring Josiah Payne (mandolin), Jared Payne (guitar) and Carson Park (fiddle). At the time, they were 11, 9 and 7 years old.
1997, won the Rockygrass Bluegrass Band contest.
1998, Carson won Colorado State fiddle championship.
1998, Josiah won Colorado State mandolin championship.
1999, won the Telluride band contest.
2000, Josiah won the National Mandolin Championship (Winfield).
2005, released CD produced by Pat Flynn (of New Grass Revival fame).

RANDY HOWARD

Originally from Milledgeville, Georgia. Lived in Nashville during most of his pro career.
1979, at age 18, won the World Fiddling Championship at Union Grove, NC (the youngest ever to win that contest).
Twelve time National Fiddle Champion. Won his 12th in 1998, surpassing Scotty Stoneman as the all-time national contest winner.
1985, won Grand Masters Fiddle Championship.
Performs with Kathy Chiavola Band and does session work in Nashville.
1991, recorded a duet album with John Hartford.
Has recorded with many country artists, including Steve Wariner, Faith Hill, Ricky Skaggs, Sweethearts of the Rodeo ...
1999, died of cancer.
1999, posthumously won IBMA award for "Fiddle Player of the Year."

STEVE HUBER

From Lancaster, Pennsylvania. Lives in Gallatin, Tennessee.
1985-1991, played banjo with Bob Paisley and Southern Grass.
1991-1992, Paul Adkins and Borderline.
1993-1995, Larry Cordle and Lonesome Standard Time
1995, performed with Bill Monroe on the Grand Ole Opry.
1996-2001, Chris Jones and the Night Drivers
1999, founded the Huber Banjo Company.
2001-2005, played banjo with the Kenny and Amanda Smith Band

DONNA HUGHES

From Trinity, North Carolina.
A singer/songwriter who began performing as a youngster at her church, Webster Baptist. She became the church pianist.
1999, made her first performance as a singer (in church.)
Has written more than a hundred songs
2000-2002, sang with two bands: Wildwood and Different Directions, both in North Carolina.
She is also a real estate broker and a gymnastics coach (she has coached several state and national champions).
2001, recorded first CD "Somewhere in Time."
2003, recorded second CD, "Same Old Me."
2003, her song "My Poor Old Heart" was recorded by Alison Krauss.
2006, recorded first CD for Rounder Records "Gaining Wisdom," produced by Tony Rice.

SIERRA HULL (AND HIGHWAY 111)

From Byrdtown, Tennessee.
Considered a prodigy on the mandolin, she recorded her first album at age 10 (2002).
2005, appeared on the IBMA Awards Show at age 12 with the "Young American Bluegrass Idols," a tribute to youth in bluegrass music.
2006, hosted a video documentary "Discover Bluegrass" for the IBMA's Bluegrass in the Schools initiative.
2006, made first appearance on the Grand Ole Opry.
2007, formed her own band "Sierra Hull and Highway 111." Signed with Rounder Records.
2007, appeared on Randy Kohr's hit video "Who's Going With Me?" as the preacher's daughter.
2007, played Carnegie Hall.
Hosts her own bluegrass festival in Byrdstown (her home town.)
2008, acted and sang in a feature film about the life of evangelist Billy Graham.
2008, released first CD for Rounder Records.

THE HUNGER MOUNTAIN BOYS

From the Great Barrington/Monterey, Massachusetts area.
An old-time country duet featuring Kip Beacco (mandolin/fiddle/guitar) and Ted Weber (guitar/dobro).
Weber is also a cornet player in a jazz band and plays pedal steel for a country band.
Beacco also plays with a band called the Beartown Mountain Ramblers.

JIM HURST (and MISSY RAINES)

Born in Middlesboro, Kentucky; grew up in Toledo, Ohio. Lives in Nashville.
Best known as a guitarist, but also plays banjo, mandolin, Dobro™, bass.
At age stood on a chair to play bass with Bill Monroe.
Drove a truck until breaking into the music business.
Early bands: Red River (with Tim Ellis), Old Hickory (with Vic Jordan and Gene Wooten).
Toured with Holly Dunn and Trisha Yearwood.
1995-1998, worked with Claire Lynch as a member of the Front Porch String Band.
1997, formed a duo with Missy Raines (which broke up in 2007).
1997-8, also worked with the John Cowan Band.
2001, 2002, won IBMA award for Guitar Player of the Year.
2005, he and Missy Raines re-joined Claire Lynch to form the Claire Lynch Band.
2009, left the Claire Lynch Band.
2011, joined David Grisman and his son Samson Grisman in a band called "The David Grisman FolkJazz Trio."

ROY HUSKEY, JR.

From Nashville, Tennessee.
A highly-regarded bass player, who was son of the Junior Huskey, who played bass with Flatt and Scruggs and many other Grand Ole Opry stars.
1992, 1993, won IBMA award for "Bass Player of the Year."
An original member of Emmy Lou Harris' Nash Ramblers.
Died in 1997 at age 40.

RANDALL HYLTON

From Old Hickory, Tennessee. Grew up in the Blue Ridge Mountains.
Learned to play guitar at age 5.
Best known as a songwriter. His songs have been recorded on more than 150 albums by such artists as Mac Wiseman, the Osborne Brothers, the Bluegrass Cardinals, the Lewis Family, Doyle Lawson, Larry Sparks, and many others.
As a performer, he is one of the few artists in bluegrass to work solo.
He has given his guitars names: Denise, Michelle the Blonde Bombshell, Sylvia, Henrietta and Lakeisha.
Died in 2001.