| Sourwood Mountain History / Bio |
| The group traces its beginnings to the Sourwood Mountain String Band, the musical complement to the famous Sourwood Mountain Cloggers from Franklinton,NC, in the 1960's. The band took its own form in 1995 when Gary Bray, Tommy Carter, Raymond Bragg, all from Franklinton, formed the Sourwood Mountain Band and began playing Bluegrass music in Franklin County and the surrounding North Carolina area. The group's first big breaks came when it landed bookings for the PreddyFest and Butterwood festivals in 1997. From there on they began regular appearances at Bluegrass events in the region. A very special event occurred in 2005 when they were booked to play at the homecoming reception for U.S. Army troops returning from Southwest Asia at Camp Mackall,NC. Many, many fine Bluegrass musicians have appeared as part of Sourwood Mountain over the years. Banjo players have included Steve Ijames, Doug Woodlief, Doug Meade, Bob Wilkinson (now with The Boys from Carolina),Kim Koskela(Chanmber Grass), and Stan Temple (Ted Jones & The Tarheel Boys). Harold Kearney and Al Strickland were the first guitar and mandolin players. Alan Ray (now with Cadillac Stepbacks) later came in on mandolin with his parents Robert Ray (guitar) and Peggy Ray (vocals) to make Sourwood Mountain true "family" entertainment. The current band lineup includes Gary Bray continuing as lead singer and guitar player as he has from day one. Tommy Carter, another original member, continues working the tenor vocals. Raymond Bragg, the third remaining original Sourwood Mountaineer continues on the bass and along with Gary and Tommy make up the core of what Sourwood Mountain is all about. Donnie Barham, from Bunn,NC (Lake Royale) on banjo and Carl Norgaard, from Creedmoor,NC on mandolin and harmony vocals joined in the group in late 2007 and together these five continue the Sourwood Mountain tradition. The group centers its music on Bluegrass and Bluegrass Gospel. From time to time they reach back in the classic country attic, pull out an old standard and arrange it as a Bluegrass number or throw in a progressive number but by and large their music is traditional. The group takes great pride in their fourteen consecutive appearnaces as the host band for the PreddyFest bluegrass festival held each summer at Franklinton,NC. |
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