Celebrating their 28th anniversary in September, 2007, Hickory Hill has proven to be one of Texas' most
popular and enduring acoustic groups. Through the years, the band has received acclaim, winning third place in the "Best New Band" contest at the Bluegrass Festival of the United States in Louisville, KY in 1981, and being nominated by SPBGMA as "Entertaining Bluegrass Band of the Year" in 1985 and "Bluegrass Band of the Year, Contemporary" in 1986. In 1993, Hickory Hill was named "Band Of The Year" by the Arts and Entertainment Committee of East Texas, and in 1996 was selected for a showcase performance at the International Bluegrass Music Association's annual World of Bluegrass in Owensboro, Kentucky. Hickory Hill has been the host band of the Overton Bluegrass Music Festival (www.overtonbluegrass.com) since the festival's inception in 1989, as well as the prestigious Argyle Bluegrass Festival (www.argylebluegrassfestival.com) since its inception in 2004.
Hickory Hill includes John Early, guitar; Don Eaves, banjo; Bob Stegall, bass; and Wes Perry, mandolin. John and Wes sing most of the lead vocals, and sing harmony vocals when not singing lead. Don sings harmony and occasional leads, while Bob sings bass on the quartet numbers. The late Rolan Foster, who played rhythm guitar, sang lead and harmony vocals, and was the band’s hilarious emcee from 1979-1996, contributed hugely to the band's popularity. The late Jimmy Godwin, an outstanding musician, songwriter, and longtime friend of the band, who was a member of Hickory Hill from 1997-2000, composed many of Hickory Hill's most popular songs, including “The James Boys and Me,” “Cadillac,” “Pecos Wind”, “Simple Love Song,” “Lost and Found,” and many more. Ronny Singley, Hickory Hill’s original mandolin player and vocalist who retired from the group in 2005, remains a close friend of the band.
Hickory Hill's first four albums, Coyote Night (1982), Special Historical Edition (1983), It's About Time (1985), and Reminiscin' (1990) received both critical acclaim and widespread acceptance from fans. In reviewing It's About Time, Ted Miller of the Bluegrass Newsletter said "...If all the albums produced sounded like this, bluegrass would be at the top of the record charts." In 1994, Hickory Hill signed with Turquoise Records of Whitesburg, Kentucky, to release a compilation of its first four albums. The resulting CD, entitled The First Fifteen Years, received significant national and international attention and airplay. A Bluegrass, Canada reviewer described The First Fifteen Years as "...chock full of creative lyrics and instrumental high points." A review of the album in Dirty Linen magazine said "Hickory Hill is a cross between Poco gone grass and a Dirt Band that bathes, with a splash of Bill Monroe..."
Hickory Hill's fifth recording, Good Times Again, released in March, 1998, features original songs written by Jimmy Godwin, John Early, and Don Eaves. Two of the selections from Good Times Again, "Cadillac" and "Pecos Wind", which were released on Prime Cuts of Bluegrass, have received favorable reviews and frequent airplay by DJ's from coast to coast, as well as in Germany, France, The Netherlands, Australia, and other international markets.
In January, 2000 Hickory Hill released it's first all-gospel recording entitled Thank You Lord. This long awaited and often requested project featured more original songs by Jimmy Godwin ("Lost and Found", "Red Roses", and "The Rock") and John Early ("Sharecropper's Prayer"). The CD stands as a testament to the faith that strengthens the band and its will to persevere.
Freedom, the band's seventh recording, was released in the summer of 2002, and contains more of the heartfelt original material that has become the band's trademark. Two of the last songs Jimmy Godwin shared with the group are featured along with four contributions penned by John Early.
Hickory Hill’s latest recording, Old School, was released in January, 2007. It features two original songs written by band member Wes Perry, a unique rendition of Steve Earle’s Pilgrim, and many fine traditional bluegrass tunes. Six of the songs on Old School are complemented by the masterful fiddle playing of special guest Steve Auburn.
According to the Bluegrass Newsletter, "Selectivity and tasteful arrangement are characteristic of Hickory Hill's repertoire." Variety is an important ingredient in Hickory Hill's performances. The band emphasizes original material, seldom heard "gems", or songs adapted from other styles of music. Original and classic gospel songs are some of the band's favorites.
Hickory Hill has always been known for its warm personality and stage presence. Lee Kelly of the Longview Morning Journal wrote "...Together, they forge a sound like a drink of cold spring water, guaranteed to clear your head and wash away the taste of ashes." Bob Claypool of the Houston Chronicle said "...The next time Hickory Hill is in your town, go see them, you'll love them."
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Hello, it's me, Ruby Jane.To those who don't know me, I am a 14 year old fiddler, songwriter. I have some songs posted that are fresh out of the studio. Let me know if you like the new songs..be one of the first to hear, even before they are released!Thanks! new videos too! Ruby Jane
