Goose Creek Symphony found its roots in the Phoenix, AZ, area originally as a countrified side project for Richie Hart and the Heart Beats. Vocalist and guitarist Charles Gearheart (aka Richie Hart) spent his childhood "up Goose Creek Hollow" in Floyd County, KY, and when he put together his good-time country-rock group, he drew upon his home's rich musical heritage as well as its name. In 1970, Gearheart and a group of local studio musicians assembled a handful of songs and presented them to Capitol Records. Capitol signed his project, forcing Gearheart to assemble a touring group. Banjo player and fiddler Fred Wise was brought in to compliment existing guitarists Paul Spradlin (listed as "Paul Howard" on the album), Bob Henke ("Williard"), Mike McFadden (following the breakup of his psychedelic group Superfine Dandelion), as well as a rotating cast of bassists and drummers.
With a sound very similar to what the Band was doing at the same time, Goose Creek Symphony were rock & rollers who played a very faithful brand of country music, all the while layering rhythms and harmonies along the same lines as Buffalo Springfield and the Grateful Dead. They released albums through the mid-'70s, with that streak ending in a long hiatus from 1976 to 1990, when the group decided to re-form and record again.
Their marriage of earthy instrumentation and easygoing vibes have been able to give the group a longevity. Into their third decade, Goose Creek Symphony is drawing strong groups of fans to their summer festival appearances, similar to what the Dead and Jimmy Buffett have known. ~ Zac Johnson, All Music Guide
Thank you so much for making one hillbilly very happy last night! The lady in the front row at the stage went home full of love for the world and everything in it. Even bugs.
Thanks so much for the add!! I also wanted to make sure you had a chance to check out my friend Nycole Valentina's page. She just added some new songs and pics, let me know what you think, Thanks!
Do me a favor, please checkout and add Nycole Valentina at www.myspace.com/nycolevalentina, or Just click on the banner below:
Report from the Road: GCS @ The Basement in Nashvegas...simply WONDERFUL! The crowd was a mixture of both the young and the ol..ok, the well aged, more mature Gooseheads from back when. My son refered to GCS as "The Grateful Dead of Kentucky"..I found that most fitting. GCS twice in a month was fantastic and way worth the drive! Thanks bunches GUYS...ya'll are awesome!
Please read this it is so very important. President Obama will come to the event to address our issues if we can get one hundred thousand plays on our video for advertisement. Please help us out. Too many children have had to suffer. Comment the video as well to let him know how important this issue is.
Hi Ya'll, Hope your well and doing great! I ask all to please pray for Willie, & Billy She is Billy Wayne's wife who had a massive heart attack two nights ago. Billy is who is the one responsiple for me being able to be going to Nashville to do my album! All Peace & Love Lee
GREAT SHOW at The Dame in Lexington, KY Friday night.Incredibly hot in that room, but the band was on fire. I noticed the audience was singing almost as loud as the boys a couple of times. Charlie was whoopin' it and the guitar(s) and fiddle solos wailed over the best rhythm team in the land.Definitely worth the drive from Ashland.
I wish I could get down to see ya all. I have listened to Goose Creek since the mid 70's but never once have seen a live show. Keep it going, you sound as good as ever.
