“A true country singer who knows how to pick great country songs. 
I predict Caleb will be a huge country star if that’s what he chooses to do.” – Lorrie Morgan 

Who is this Caleb that has earned Lorrie Morgan’s high praises? Meet Caleb Daugherty, a 28 year old from Connersville, Indiana, who grew up in a musical family and was picking guitars by the age of 7. Leader and namesake of the up-and-coming bluegrass band The Caleb Daugherty Band, Daugherty has always been a fan of Lorrie Morgan’s late husband, the great Keith Whitley. But Lorrie’s praise isn’t the only shinning star on this young musician’s resume. In June 2016, Daugherty was not only invited by the Queen of Bluegrass Rhonda Vincent to join her and her band on stage at the Grand Ole Opry, but was also asked to honor his idol at the 1st Annual “Keith Whitley Tribute Show,” sharing the stage with Lorrie Morgan, Darryl Worley, Kevin Denney and others. 

Last year The Caleb Daugherty Band released their first album Burnt the Sawmill Down, which featured Rhonda Vincent on the track “Going Through the Motions.” Now, as we approach the end of 2020, this group of remarkably talented friends from Indiana – Daugherty (guitar), Zion Napier (mandolin and vocals), Kyle Clerkin (banjo and vocals), Zach Collier (bass and vocals) and Kyle Ramey (fiddle) – is back with a new single and today they are exclusively premiering “Daylight’s Burning” with The Country Note. 

“Back in February (2020), Zion and I were sitting around the fire listening to music way into the early hours of the morning,” explains Daugherty. “We were listening to old country and bluegrass trying to find some old gems that we could cut on our new project and I decided to play an album from The Boys from Indiana. That album led to us talking about the late Aubrey Holt (of TBFI) and eventually his son Tony Holt. It was not long into our conversation when “Daylight’s Burning” came on and we both looked at each other and knew instantly that we wanted to record the song. We listened to it again and then at least another half dozen times! The song caused a flood of childhood memories for both of us and we really feel like it will do that to other folks, too. Our goal with recording “Daylight’s Burning” is for everyone to experience the same nostalgia and happiness that we did and also enjoy the simplistic but genius writing of Aubrey Holt.” Watch Caleb Daugherty talk about the single here. 

That happiness comes through immediately as the banjo picking and fiddle playing gets one’s toes tapping, instantly bringing a smile to one’s face.  But then CDB’s impeccable harmonies come in and that smile turns into a “woah.” 

Daugherty said their goal was for all who hear this song to experience the nostalgia and happiness that they remember from their childhoods. Not only did they achieve that, but even those who may not have grown up with Aubrey Holt’s classic on rotation, will feel that euphoria. And after the year we’ve all had, we could definitely use it (and the biscuits, butter and blackberry jam too). 

“Daylight’s Burning” will be released on Friday, October 30th and is available for pre-order/pre-save here. 

For more information on The Caleb Daugherty Band, visit their website at calebdaugherty.com and follow them on Facebook and Instagram.

https://www.thecountrynote.com/in-the-news/exclusive-premiere-the-caleb-daugherty-band-daylights-burning/

The 30th Annual Keith Whitley Memorial Ride was held this past weekend in Goodlettsville, Tennessee. The tradition started in 1990, one year after Keith’s passing, when a group of Keith’s friends and fans decided to ride their motorcycles from Keith’s home place of Sandy Hook, Kentucky to Nashville, Tennessee, where Keith is laid to rest in Spring Hill Cemetery. The annual tradition has taken place from various locations throughout the years, but has settled for the last 28 years at the Red Roof Inn at Goodlettsville. Event organizers Chris and Becky Keefe, began helping Keith’s son Jesse, with the event in 2013, and this year saw record attendance. 

I talked to some of the attendees, who had been on the ride since 1990, and heard many great stories about Keith during his Bluegrass and Country years. A forty foot tent was set up outside in the middle of the hotel, and a sound system was set up for anyone who wanted to perform a couple songs in honor of Keith. He was honored in his Country years by The Hampton Family, Randy Hayes, Kevin Moon, Cory and Dustin Keefe, Chris Keefe, Tom Buller, Jesse Keith Whitley and many others, who all did a fantastic job. He was honored in his Bluegrass years by Caleb Daugherty, Billy Droze and Jaelee Roberts.Everyone did a phenomenal job honoring Keith through their music. I met attendees from as far away as Texas and Idaho. 

The big surprise came Friday when Lorrie Morgan and her husband Randy came to the event. They were so gracious and appreciative for all who came out to honor Keith, and mingled with everyone. There were many pictures taken with attendees, without hesitation. 

Saturday was the day of the Memorial Ride. Everyone lined their bikes and cars up at the hotel. The first stop was the house of Keith and Lorrie in Goodlettsville, where Keith passed away. The next stop was at Spring Hill Cemetery at Keith’s grave, where everyone gathered around his headstone, reminisced, and sang Whitley songs. From there, everyone headed to The Roadside Bar and Grill for lunch, with live music. There was a special performance by Lorrie Morgan of Don’t Close Your Eyes. 

Saturday was also Lorrie Morgan’s birthday. A surprise celebration was had that evening at The Red Roof Inn. More music and entertainment continued throughout the evening, and into the night. Jesse Keith Whitley had a surprise for the attendees, he debuted his new song and video, Try To Change My Ways. Keith’s grandchildren Preston, Parker and Kimber were also in attendance as well as Keith’s daughter Morgan and her husband. 

Joe Diffie was also honored at The Ride with a remembrance T Shirt, and his widow was in attendance. 

On a side note, Chris Keefe had a yard sign made up saying Home of Keith Whitley. He wanted the sign in the yard so new attendees joining the ride knew where to pay their tribute as they rode by. Chris and I share a deep passion for Keith’s music, but also for the history of his life. We had been to the house in Goodlettsville many times, but never got past the end of the driveway to snap a few pictures. On Friday evening, we decided to go to the house and knock on the door to ask permission to put the sign in the yard the following morning. A young man opened the door, and graciously gave us permission. He even invited us into the house, where we got to see the living room, kitchen, and den. If I could only put into words, what both of us felt, walking into the home where our hero lived! 

In 2013 when Chris and Becky started helping with the ride, there were 7 motorcycles and 10 people that attended. This year there were 70 motorcycles and The Red Roof Inn was completely sold out. It was great to see Keith Whitley remembered and honored 31 years after his passing, with so much support. 

T shirts were sold throughout the weekend, with proceeds going to get Keith a new headstone. Shirts from the Ride will be available to the public at a later date. You can find out more information at The Keith Whitley Memorial Ride Facebook page. 

If I missed mentioning anyone, I apologize. My wife and I met so many new faces, it was hard to keep track of everyone. 

Great job by everyone involved, and especially to Chris, Becky, Jesse, and Lorrie!

https://bluegrasstoday.com/30th-annual-keith-whitley-memorial-ride-happy-birthday-keith/

What a memorable weekend in Lexington! The first annual Bluegrass in the Bluegrass, held at the Clarion Hotel and hosted by SamJam and Rudyfest, left everyone who attended in complete shock. Sammy Karr, Rick Greene, Leroy Walker, Vic Adams, Rudy Burchett, Tom Carper, and every one involved made certain it was a stellar weekend. A sold out venue, coupled with stage shows that were as historic, and as high energy as you could ever see at a bluegrass show, made for a great weekend. Jamming was everywhere throughout the hotel. For those of you that read my article on the Red Slipper Lounge, my wife and I were able to take J.D. Crowe back to the original spot where the old stage stood. But more on that later. 

Friday kicked off with Charlie Woods and Deep Hollow followed by Hammertowne, Larry Cordle & Lonesome Standard Time featuring Don Rigsby, Doyle Lawson & Quicksilver, with Balsam Range closing out the night. 

Saturday brought in Charlie Woods & Deep Hollow, The Caleb Daugherty Band, Turning Ground, the original Quicksilver band featuring Doyle Lawson, Lou Reid, Jimmy Haley, and Terry Baucom with Stephen Burwell on fiddle, and Sideline. A very special surprise for everyone included an appearance by J.D. Crowe. 

All the bands did a phenomenal job! There were some highlights worth noting. Saturday, Caleb Daugherty performed a Marvin Davis song called Black Dust Fever that brought a standing ovation. A great tune written about a coal miner who had gotten black lung disease. For those of you unfamiliar with Marvin, he has penned such great songs as Bootleg John and Rain. 

The Quicksilver reunion was just unbelievable. Their performance of I’ll Be With You was the highlight for me. Jimmy Haley broke down in tears when he told the crowd after the song that he and Lou’s dear friend Jeff Hooker, who wrote the song, had recently passed away. He told the crowd that Jeff would be pleased to know the audience’s response after the song received a standing ovation. Crowe got up during the reunion and reminisced about his time there, and let the crowd know how he was doing. One would think after a reunion performance of that caliber most of the crowd would disperse. Not this time. Sideline took the stage and brought the goods. I call Sideline the Metallica of bluegrass. Skip Cherryholmes left the stage, strolling through the crowd, while playing an instrumental. It was bluegrass at full throttle. 

The manager of the Clarion had given me access to the place where the Red Slipper was once located, where J.D. Crowe & The New South had played 7 nights a week back in the 1970s. It is now under construction, and soon to be the Sedona Taphouse. I had spoken to J.D. on the phone a few months ago about the Red Slipper, and was hoping to get a few words with him, but he was so rushed by the crowd after the Quicksilver reunion I felt bad asking him for a minute.

Then I remembered, while he was on stage talking with Doyle, he had mentioned that he came out with a couple friends and was hoping to see the old Red Slipper. I politely went up to JD and told him I could take him and his friends back to the old place where he had spent so much time on stage. He interlocked arms with my wife Missy and said “Great get me out of here!” We took J.D. and his friends into the old Red Slipper Lounge. I wish that I could have caught the look on his face when he walked in. Almost like a hundred years of memories flooded his mind. It had been almost 40 years since he stepped foot in that room. 

It was something very special… almost indescribable, to talk to him in the very place that history was made. 

Emcee’s Rita Small and Daniel Mullins did a great job, as did sound man Keith “Pokus” Keeran. 

The staff at The Clarion was extremely nice and helpful to all attendees, and provided two hamburger bars in the lobby. If you love bluegrass, you don’t want to miss this one. 

Next years line up will include Doyle Lawson, Russell Moore, Scott Vestal and Curtis Vestal in a The News is Out reunion show, a tribute to the ’80s version of the iconic Quicksilver line up. Follow Rudyfest and SamJam on Facebook or visit the websites for updates on next years show. 

Special thanks to Allen “Styx” Hicks. #whywouldntya

https://bluegrasstoday.com/bluegrass-in-the-bluegrass-and-red-slipper-lounge-j-d-crowe-follow-up/

Another bluegrass baby! 

Zion Napier, mandolinist with the Caleb Daughtery Band, and his wife, Kim, are celebrating the birth of their second child. Adam Willard Napier was born on January 16 at 10:48 p.m. at Columbus (Indiana) Regional hospital. He checked in at 6 lb 9.6oz, stretching out to 20”. 

Zion says that mom and son are doing great, and that big sister, Abigail, is delighted with her baby brother. 

Many congratulations to the Napiers, and a big Bluegrass Today howdy to little Adam!

https://bluegrasstoday.com/welcome-adam-napier/

The first bluegrass baby of 2020! 

Kyle Clerkin, banjo player with The Caleb Daugherty Band, and his wife Katie, are celebrating the arrival of their second child. Ian William Clerkin was born at King’s Daughters’ Hospital in Madison, Indiana at 6:43 p.m. on January 1, 2020, the first baby born there this year. 

Mom and baby are doing well, and big brother Kade is happy to bring home a new playmate. He is 2 years old. 

Many congratulations to Katie and Kyle, and a big Bluegrass Today welcome to little Ian.

https://bluegrasstoday.com/welcome-ian-clerkin/

The Andrea Roberts Agency has announced the signing of the Caleb Daugherty Band to her roster of bluegrass artists. Roberts and her team will offer exclusive booking and management service to Caleb and the band. 

Daugherty is a young bluegrass singer with huge upside potential. His smooth, agile voice carries a taste of contemporary country music, but his current sound is all grass. Caleb’s first album took a shot at mainstream country, but he’s back now to his first love with an aggressive acoustic string band by his side. His recent release, Burnt The Sawmill Down, showcases both he and the group’s impressive chops as featured on a strong set of new and familiar songs. Rhonda Vincent duets with him on one. 

Based in Indianna, the band includes Caleb on guitar, Zion Napier on mandolin, Kyle Clerkin on banjo, Zach Collier on bass, and Kyle Ramey on fiddle. 

Andrea says that she has had her eye on Caleb, and that he is ready to make a move in the bluegrass world. 

“I’ve been following Caleb for a while now and I have to say that I am a really a big fan of the music he and the band are making. Caleb is ‘hungry’ – he’s ready to hit the road and travel anywhere that folks want to hear them, and I’m really looking forward to helping him accomplish his goals. The Caleb Daugherty Band has an outstanding debut CD, Burnt The Sawmill Down on KDM Records that is being met with great enthusiasm by bluegrass music DJs and fans, and their festival appearances are getting rave reviews. I can’t wait to see what the future holds and it’s an honor to be part of their team!” 

Daugherty is ready for that move. 

“The band and I are very excited to be working with The Andrea Roberts Agency! We are very focused on moving forward with dedication and hard work, and we are confident that ARA will help take us to the next level and beyond.”

https://bluegrasstoday.com/caleb-daugherty-band-to-andrea-roberts-agency/

Despite the fact he’s still a few years away from turning the big 3-0, Caleb Daugherty comes across with a genuinely knowing perspective. That’s evident enough with his new album, the ominously titled Burnt The Sawmill Down, and though it’s a collection of covers (song credits include Johnny Rodriguez, Lefty Frizzell, Waylon Jennings and his acknowledged hero, Keith Whitley), Daugherty brands each track with his own tangled tapestries. 

It comes as no surprise really. Daugherty picked up his first guitar at the tender age of seven, and soon after he went out on his own, he was recruited by Rhonda Vincent to join her band on the stage of the Grand Ole Opry. More recently, he was chosen to take part in a salute to the aforementioned Mr. Whitley, offering tribute alongside Lorrie Morgan, Darryl Worley, and various other artists who revered Whitley’s work. 

Not surprisingly then, Burnt The Sawmill Down reflects Daugherty’s devotion to vintage Americana conceits. Each song is a heartfelt statement, flush with sincere sentiment. That’s true whether it’s the wayfaring wanderlust found in such songs as Big Wheels Rollin’, She’s the Ramblin’ Kind, and Riding My Thumb to Mexico, the tender optimism of the traditional Gospel standard, Long, Long Journey, the sympathetic tones of Going Through the Motions (featuring Vincent on the shared vocals), or the resolute affirmation of Waylon’s truly tenacious, This Time. Each offering leaves a durable impression which resonates well after the final notes fade away. 

Taking full advantage of an instrumental ensemble that makes good use of banjos, mandolins and fiddles, Daugherty tows the divide between classic country and vintage bluegrass. The uptempo tunes are flush with rambling and rejoicing, so sunny they emit a luster and sheen. They sound both stoic and celebratory, all at the same time. 

In an era where posturing and pretence is all too prevalent, Caleb Daugherty represents the real deal, an artist whose efforts exude a confidence and clarity that extend well beyond his tender years. Don’t be surprised if he’s tapped for emerging artist of the year. After all, Burnt The Sawmill Down is the hottest thing to come down the pike in quite some time.

https://bluegrasstoday.com/burnt-the-sawmill-down-caleb-daugherty-band/