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...

PAMELA DALE

There are many things you can say about Pamela Dale, she loved her friends, loved and respected the people she made music with, loved her hometown and state. But the one truth that stands out as the best part of her is this, she loved music.

The road Pam walked was not always easy but there were defined moments of accomplishments, her voice was heard and recognized and her songs did make a difference to those who were willing to listen or needed to hear them. South Carolina has lost a brightly colored thread from her tapestry of music but the work has been laid down for us to hear and remember her by...

BONA LISA

I have known Donna Milikin for a long time, I don’t think we ever actually met but in my circle of musician friends she has been a fixture forever. I remember she always came out and supported local artists performing, her love for music and the people who make it is well known and highly respected. Somewhere along the way she met and married Andrew Milikin and together they have forged their own sound in Bona Lisa. Considering most bands often find it hard to get along and hold it together, the fact that this husband and wife team have not only thrived but grown stronger and consistently put out better material with each release is amazing...