And the band played on…

Bill Yates with The Country Gentlemen Tribute BandWe received a statement this afternoon from The Country Gentlemen Tribute Band, formerly led by Bill Yates. The rest of the guys have just decided that, following Bill’s recent passing, they will continue to perform together in his honor.

In their words…

“Bill Yates toured with and fronted the band for 9 years until he did tragically pass away the night of Monday, January 26, 2015, from complications due to cancer. He leaves behind a historic legacy of music, having the honor of previously performing with many bluegrass greats down through the years, such as Red Allen, Bill Monroe, Jimmy Martin, but most importantly the Country Gentlemen. Now, with a plethora of urging and support from friends, family, fellow musicians and promoters alike, the band has decided to continue on the legacy of the Country Gentlemen as The Country Gentlemen Tribute Band not only without Bill, but also in honor of Bill.

The current lineup that will be continuing to perform on stage will include: Mike Phipps on guitar and Charlie Waller sound-alike vocals, David Propst on mandolin and vocals, Rick Briggs on banjo and vocals, Larry Kirk on upright bass and vocals and Mark Clifton on dobro and vocals. This ensemble vows to continue to put its heart and soul into each performance, trying to help satisfy that musical hunger for the multitude of Country Gentlemen fans that still fill this country; especially the ones that truly do miss Charlie Waller and Bill Yates. We will continue to move forward and perform in tribute as closely as possible the tunes from yester-year thought to be long lost for the ages, as they attempt to re-create each tune, vocally and musically as best they can as it was previously originally presented and performed.”

More information on The Country Gentlemen Tribute Band can be found online.

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About the Author

John Lawless

John had served as primary author and editor for The Bluegrass Blog from its launch in 2006 until being folded into Bluegrass Today in September of 2011. He continues in that capacity here, managing a strong team of columnists and correspondents.