Band Bios

Meet the band

Read a quick bio of each of the members of our band.

Curtis bLACKWELL- gUITAR, lEAD AND tENOR VOCALS

Curtis is a member of the Atlanta Country & Bluegrass Music Hall Of Fame and a former member of Bill Monroe’s Bluegrass Boys, replacing Peter Rowan. He has performed on the Grand Ole Opry and traveled extensively throughout the eastern U.S. performing at many of the historic Bluegrass festivals during the 1960's and ‘70's.

In 1970 he and the Dixie Bluegrass Boys received first place in the band contest at the prestigious Union Grove Fiddler's Convention. They recorded in New York City on the County label. Curtis’ authentic and distinctive blend of powerful, pure vocals and solid guitar instrumentation forms the foundation for this influential band.

His expansive repertoire of songs seems endless, and when it comes to Bluegrass, as many have said, this is the real deal.

Sam Cobb- Bass fiddle, Baritone Vocals

Sam has been a member of the Dixie Bluegrass Boys since their inception in 1965, but he and Curtis were musical partners even before then. His musical roots are deep and, along with Curtis, he has played every major Bluegrass music venue throughout the eastern U.S.

Sam brings his own unique blend of warmth and humor to the band. You just have to hear him sing “The Rooster Song” and tell his latest favorite joke.

He blends his great baritone harmony singing with a precision seasoned over many years, and provides rock-solid bass picking that draws from a lifetime of music experience.

Vic Blackwell- Mandolin, Lead and tenor Vocals

Vic grew up in a musical family as the second born of Curtis’ three sons and has been a member of the Dixie Bluegrass Boys since 2003. He is a talented songwriter and musician, and exemplifies that famous "high lonesome" Bluegrass sound with his crystal clear lead and tenor vocals.

Vic is personality-plus onstage and communicates to the audience with a warmth and sincerity that delights and entertains fans of all ages.

Charles wood- Banjo

Charles has won banjo contests from Maine to Colorado and all points between. He is a two-time Winfield National Banjo Champion(1999 and 2006), Colorado Rockygrass Banjo Champion, Renofest S.C. State Banjo Champion, Merlefest Banjo Champion , Georgia State Banjo Champion, and more.

In 2005 he performed with Steve Martin, Earl Scruggs, Peter Wernick and Tony Ellis in concert in New York City and on The David Letterman Show—“Men With Banjos Who Know How to Use Them”. He has performed on Garrison Keillor’s Praire Home Companion show and has toured extensively in Europe.

Charles is a consumate musician whose playing style encompasses musical genres from traditional Bluegrass to Classical.

www.charleswoodbanjo.com/

chuck nation- fiddle, baritone and Bass vocals

Chuck is a past Louisiana State Fiddle Champion. He also can play mandolin, guitar, banjo, and bass equally well and has won numerous awards and contests throughout the South with all instruments.

He was a member of Louisville, Ky.’s legendary Bluegrass Alliance from 1972-74, whose alumni include Vince Gill and Tony Rice. Chuck has played across the U.S., Alaska, Canada, Japan, throughout Eastern & Western Europe, and has been on the stage of the Grand Ole Opry, New Orleans World’s Fair, TV, radio, etc.

Chuck has worked as a studio musician, traveled extensively with various professional groups and opened shows for a diverse list of folks from Ernest Tubb to Mother Maybelle Carter to Mac Davis to John Hartford. He has shared the stage and played with the likes of Bluegrass luminaries Bill Monroe, Mac Wiseman, Sam Bush, Vassar Clements, the Whites, Dan Crary, Byron Berline, Allen Shelton, and many others.

www.chucknation.net/