Red Clay Ramblers.

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The Red Clay Ramblers began in 1972 as a trio of musicians who had been playing in and around Chapel Hill, N.C. Personnel has included Tommy Thompson, banjo, guitar, vocals (1972-1994); Jim Watson, mandolin, guitar, vocals (1972-1986); Bill Hicks, fiddle, vocals (1972-1981); Clay Buckner, fiddle, vocals (1980- ); Mike Craver, piano, vocals (1973-1986); Bland Simpson, piano, vocals (1986- ); Jack Herrick, bass, horns, vocals (1976- ); and Chris Frank, piano, guitar, accordion, horns, vocals (1987- ).

In 1973, the Ramblers released their first album and joined forces with a band known as the Southern States Fidelity Choir to create the musical Diamond Studs: The Life of Jesse James, which, after a successful run in Chapel Hill, moved off-Broadway the following year. The Ramblers collaborated with the Southern States Fidelity Choir again in 1982 when they provided the music for Tommy Thompson and Choir member Bland Simpson's dramatization of Mark Twain's Life on the Mississippi .

The Ramblers returned to off-Broadway in 1985 when they provided the music for Sam Shepard's play A Lie of the Mind . The Ramblers collaborated two more times with Shepard, providing the score for his 1988 film, Far North, and playing a medicine show band in his 1993 film, Silent Tongue . When the Ramblers celebrated their 20th anniversary in 1992, they had released twelve albums, gone on three United States State Department-sponsored tours, and performed with critically-acclaimed artists Shawn Colvin and Michelle Shocked.

From the guide to the Red Clay Ramblers Papers, 1970s-1990s, (Southern Historical Collection)

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Ark ID: w66g0w1q

SNAC ID: 45193953