DON RENO

Don Reno secured his place in history as the world-renowned bluegrass banjo virtuoso of Reno and Smiley fame. Bluegrass experts and fans alike agree that Don's lightning-fast banjo riffs heavily influenced bluegrass music as we know it today. Don Reno's dexterity, timing, and wonderful musical talents set a standard for banjo pickin' that will last forever. Although known more for his banjo work, Reno was equally as talented on the guitar, hence the nickname "King of the Flat-Picking Guitarists." Reno died in 1984 at age 57, but today his three sons, Ronnie, Dale, and Don Wayne, continue the esteemed Reno musical tradition as successful bluegrass musicians...

BAD WEATHER STATES

I have always liked Bad Weather States, I was first introduced to them through a mutual contact who worked for a music management company in the southeast. Songs like “Little Man”,  “Mezzanine”, and “January” captured my ear and respect right out the gate. Not only a great South Carolina band and group of musicians but also some very nice guys who seem to genuinely love their hometown, community, and friends.

DAVID (DB) BRYANT

This showcase has taken over two years to complete and I must give special recognition to Drew Blanton and Willie Bryant without whom it would not have happened. D.B. Bryant’s career spanned over 4 decades and involved hundreds of other artists and friends from South Carolina to California and back again. Because D.B. was a proper “Southern Son” his legacy naturally contains the love and admiration of a lot of people, simply put, if he called you “friend”, you were family.

There will never be another D.B. Bryant but I’m sure young up and coming musicians will look to him as the best example of a fine showman and world class guitarist.

LINDA MARTELL

This is an incredible story of courage and the true definition of a “trail-blazer”. Linda Martell took the stage at the Grand Ole’ Opry in 1969 at a time when this country was in turmoil over issues such as race and she proceeded to carve out a place for herself in a history that up until that point had been an impenetrable piece of stone. Due to circumstances surrounding her she was too quickly removed from that stage and squeezed into remote corners of the music industry to be lost forever but thankfully in 2024, Beyoncé took note of this woman’s accomplishments and made sure she received the attention and respect she deserves.

HANK GARLAND

Fifteen years, that’s all Hank Garland had to show this world what he was capable of. The average person doesn’t even remember the last fifteen years of their life let alone what they did in that space of time. This world will never know what Hank would have went on to do with his craft but I can tell you most assuredly it would have been pioneering, exciting, and done with a dash of South Carolina pride.

Thank you to Laurel Lee, author of the book “Hot Guitar! Hank Garland's Working Years” who made critical timeline data available to me from the original research for her book.

Thank you to Rich Kienzle, author, country music critic, journalist, and historian who allowed me to use the Hank Garland biography below.

DIVIDE THE SEA

Researching Divide The Sea reminded me of the community that existed for the punk, metal, and hardcore scenes in those early days here in our state. There was a lot of comradery and support, bands had each other’s backs and it made for a very healthy scene. The fact that this showcases the Christian hardcore metal scene makes it that much more unique and special. These young men gave it their all and you can hear that in each track, you can see that in their live performances. The songs are very good and the musicianship is outstanding – a truly great band from our upstate region.

PEABO BRYSON

You cannot listen to Peabo Bryson sing without being moved, his voice is an incredible instrument unto itself proven by decades of hit songs and industry respect that has made him R&B royalty. A first class artist, he sets the standard for showmanship, integrity, and perfection in a time where we don’t see that kind of all around excellence in an artist anymore.

As a singer and entertainer I greatly respect this man but personally I’m drawn to his humility and his conviction to faith which he seems to make very clear when speaking on the subjects. ​Proud that he is from South Carolina, the world could use a lot more Peabo Bryson and be the better for it!

JONATHAN WYNDHAM

I have logged thousands of hours researching each artist and band I have had the privilege to build a showcase page for and I have learned in doing this there are certain facts and patterns that emerge. Some fall into their craft seemingly by mistake or sheer luck if you tend to believe in that sort of thing. Then there are those who have a clear understanding of their abilities and the opportunities available by applying tremendous work and devotion.

Jonathan Wyndham is a force to be recognized, singer, songwriter, producer/engineer, and a world-class guitarist. When you talk about paying your dues this young man has vested a fortune in the right to be recognized by both fans and peers for his dedication to craft, excellence in work, and sheer faith in...

DIXIANA

As the owner of this website, it has been a professional highlight for me to build this showcase for one of South Carolina’s finest offerings – the Dixiana band. As a musician it was a personal joy and honor to work so closely with Mark and Phil Lister while putting it all together, thank you gentlemen for the opportunity.

There is so much one can say about Dixiana, the talent, the songs, the look and feel of the band and how they presented themselves to the world in such a professional manner as to make our state so proud. One of my biggest take-aways as I worked on this showcase was discovering that not only were they a world class act, but they were also fans themselves as noted during their Nashville and Grand Ole’ Opry period. One more attribute that solidifies their place and value...

DON COVAY

Talk about your cult figures. This is a guy who the public knows almost nothing about, yet he has been worshiped and lionized by rock 'n' roll musicians on both sides of the Atlantic for decades. Known primarily as a facile and prolific songwriter - his tunes have been recorded by artists ranging from Aretha Franklin to Bonnie Raitt, from Lena Horne to Fabian - Don Covay was also an influential singer and performer.
I have just spent two weeks immersed in this mans 5 decade career and I am in awe. I love keeping this website because it constantly humbles me and reminds me in fact and historical truth how South Carolina has produced a wealth of world class talent and this man is a treasure, come on folks – he wrote...