Kentucky Colonels (band)

The Kentucky Colonels were a popular bluegrass band in the 1960s. They included Clarence White, later with The Byrds.

History

The White brothers started out as the Country Boys in 1954, with their brother Eric. With the addition of Latham, Mack and Sloane, and Roger Bush replacing Eric, they changed their name to the Kentucky Colonels in 1961. They soon became well-known on the bluegrass scene, performing at folk and country festivals. They appeared on Andy Griffith's television show twice. In 1964, they released their most popular album to date, "Appalachian Swing!". But shortly after that, the band was shaken by the departures of Clarence White and Bobby Sloane. They went on hiatus until 1973, after the breakup of the Byrds, when they reunited with Clarence White and performed a few shows. Clarence was killed by a drunken van driver in 1973. They continued to perform, with Scotty Stoneman, who joined in 1975, but the band soon fizzled out.

Members

*Clarence White - guitar, vocals (born 7 Jun 1944, Lewiston, Maine, died 14 Jul 1973, Palmdale, California)
*Roland White - mandolin, vocals (born 23 Apr 1938, Madawaska, Maine)
*Billy Ray Latham - banjo (born 12 Jan 1938, California)
*LeRoy Mack - Dobro
*Roger Bush - bass
*Bobby Sloane - fiddle

Discography

*"New Sounds of Bluegrass America" (1963, Briar)
*"Appalachian Swing!" (1964, World Pacific)
*"Kentucky Colonels" (1973, Rounder)
*"Livin' In The Past" (1975, Rounder)
*"The Kentucky Colonels with Scotty Stoneman" (1975, Rounder)