Leonard Hollifield CD release at Madison County Arts Council, Nov. 28

From a press release:

Leonard Hollifield CD release at Madison County Arts Council, Nov. 28

The Madison County Arts Council Presents
Leonard Hollifield CD release for A Gentle Southern Wind
Friday, Nov. 28, 2014 7:30 p.m.
Tickets $20 available at (828) 649-1301
www.madisoncountyarts.com

At the age of 88, most musicians are resting on their laurels and reviewing their life’s work. They might sit in the recliner and listen to old recordings of themselves or they might entertain younger musicians with stories of life on the road. Someone forgot to tell Leonard Hollifield he was to be slowing down at this age. Instead, this old chunk of coal is emerging as the sparkling diamond he is with a brand new CD. The Madison County Arts Council is proud to host a CD release concert featuring Leonard Hollifield at the Madison County Arts Center in downtown Marshall. The new cd “A Gentle Southern Wind” was produced by eight time IBMA Guitarist of the Year, Bryan Sutton. “I grew up with Leonard’s voice and strong rhythm guitar playing as the soundtrack to many of the local jams I attended as a kid. Leonard’s voice in my memories was warm, clear and engaging. I could always hear every word he sang. Leonard and I talked more about music and careers once mine got going. He saw that I was trying to make a go of a musical career and his words and supportive attitude never stopped, said Byran.” Bryan not only produced the CD but added, lead guitar, mandolin, banjo, bass and vocals to the tracks. For a number of years Leonard has been one of the staple players at Zuma Coffee in downtown Marshall on Thursday nights where Bobby Hicks hosts an open jam session. Bryan and Bobby played together as part of Ricky Skagg’s Kentucky Thunder and Bryan saw Bobby’s fiddle playing as a natural fit for the varied material on this CD, from country classics to swing and gospel.

Leonard’s lifelong musical journey began around the age of 10 when his father arranged guitar lessons for him. His first well known trio, The Herron Valley Boys, included fiddler, Paul Crouch. They were headed for the big time but the third member of the trio didn’t want to travel. There were other calls from shows like Knoxville’s popular Mid-Day Merry Go Round where Chet Atkins and Don Gibson gained fame. Leonard traveled off and on for over five years with the popular “Kingsman Quartet” playing guitar and occasionally stepping out for a solo spot. “We had matching tailored suits, a bus, sponsorships and played in coliseums that held 10,000. We were in the big-time and you had to work hard in gospel music” recalled Leonard. Leonard came off the road, raised a family and taught brick laying at AB-Tech. He joined the Stoney Creek Boys nearly 40 years ago and played with them until just recently. “God has blessed me with a little bit of musical talent that I have enjoyed sharing. This CD has been one of the most enjoyable musical projects that I have ever been involved with.”

“The band on this album is stellar. Even George Strait’s band members can’t claim as many Grammy’s as Bryan and Bobby have (18). And how many local artists can boast the IBMA Vocal Group of the Year (Balsam Range) singing southern gospel harmonies with them?” remarked Laura Boosinger, Executive Director of the Madison County Arts Council. “Regionally, Leonard has been known as the rhythm man for the Stoney Creek Boys, a favorite square dance band and house band of The Shindig on the Green. This evening that will showcase the many styles he sings. He’ll have the support of great players like Bryan and Bobby. Bryan McDowell, of The Claire Lynch Band, Jerry Sutton and Lennie Holllifield, Jr will fill out the band. Just imagine being able to hear Ray Price, Don Gibson or Chet Atkins at their CD release at the age of 88? Why would you miss this landmark evening?” Tickets are available at www.madisoncountyarts.com or by calling (828)649-1301