Bluegrass Tyme Travelers

About Us 

 

 

 

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Donnie Lott – Banjo

My connection to music began in the early sixties. My father was working with the Stanley Brothers at the Suwannee River Jamboree sponsored by Jim Walter Homes, so my first bluegrass influence was the Stanley Brothers.

I began playing the banjo in 1966 with my father’s band which included the great fiddler Chubby Anthony. In 1973, I had the privilege of playing banjo with the Sullivan Family who also influenced Marty Stuart and Carl Jackson. In 1976, I took a hiatus from bluegrass to play Southern Rock, but quickly returned in 1980 to play banjo with the Peach Mountain Boys out of Ohio.

From 1982-1989, I’ve had the privilege of playing with Hickory Nut Ridge, Jerry and Tammy Sullivan, Josh Graves, Chubby Wise, Bill Grant and Delia Bell, Andy Griggs and a few others. In 1990 I surrendered to the ministry and pastured for 15 years only playing occasionally with my father’s bluegrass gospel group and Jerry and Tammy Sullivan. I’m excited to be a part of the Tyme Travelers Bluegrass Band and our efforts to carry on good traditional bluegrass music. The greatest influence in my life at this time is the Lord Jesus Christ.

Have Banjo and Bible, Will Travel!

 

Ralph Murphy – Fiddle

I have mastered many instruments and am most known for my fiddle playing. I have played all over with notable Country and Bluegrass Music stars including Jim Eans and Earl Taylor. I have travelled widely and performed with the Legendary Carl Story. My roots came from Gospel Music and I continue to love the Gospel Music as much today as ever.

I was born in the 30’s in Amigo, West Virginia around the coal camps in Eastern Kentucky and West Virginia. From there I evolved from a rich musical heritage of musicians like my brothers. I first learned to play the fiddle as a child from a fiddle that my grandfather had left when he passed. I had no lessons and the fiddle was off limits to me as a child but I somehow got my hands on it enough to learn and become the knowledgeable fiddle player that I am today.

 

Charlie Hoskins - Guitar

 

Jim Dearing - Mandolin

 

David Reed - Bass