Scroll Down For Bios of Blue Maggie!
Cheryl, is a life-long singer, from along the Elk River in West Virginia. She is now a school teacher in Kanawha County, WV. Her influences are Dolly Parton, Linda Ronstadt, and Patsy Cline, and the winning writing style of Larry Cordle, along with numerous gospel greats. Cheryl says. “I believe the sounds in your blood, are the sounds of your childhood, songs you heard your family singing, as they worked.” Her mandolin style is unique, reflecting back to the old styles of yester-year. Rather than the usual chop, she provides a full rhythm to the melody line. Her songwriting is top notch, with songs that are full of spirit and heart. Her song, 'Heart for the Hills' received immediate airplay on independant stations. It was noted by several DJ's, that her vocals pull the listener in and do not let go. Cheryl also does the bookings for Blue Maggie.
Richard, is a third generation coal miner, born in Hazard, Ky, and grew up in Fayette County, WV. He is a staff member with the IUPAT District Council 53. Growing up in a musical family, played rock for a while, with such bands as 'Overload' in Boone County, WV and returned to his bluegrass roots. His influences are the Osborne Brothers, Jimmy Martin, Del McCoury, Dave Peterson and even Joe Strummer. Richard's bass lines provide drive and energy for every song. His unique style of playing captivates audiences, young and old. Richard loves performing and pleasing the audience. He also serves as web-master, recording engineer, arranger, writer, publicist, promoter and more. Rather than just playing he deals with the business end of the band. Richard says, "If an audience has a moment to reflect, cry, laugh, clap along, tap there toes, sing along and leave feeling good about what they have experienced, you have done your job and given them a show. In order to accomplish all of those things, you have to humble yourself before them, play and sing from the heart".
Cheryl and Richard married and started making music and were offered bookings as a two-piece-band, with just mandolin, bass, and vocals.
Playing with Blue Maggie
Brent Stapleton, grew up in a musical family and lends his life-long banjo talents to Blue Maggie. Brents' banjo style is all his own and that makes him more suitable for Blue Maggie.
Doug Mullins, has played proffessional bluegrass for six years. Previously performing and recording with the Muddy River Bluegrass Band, Doug plays his mandolin leads with feeling and enthusiasm and is a wonderful addition to the unique Blue Maggie sound.
Curly Spencer, is well known throughout the Kanawha Valley of West Virginia with over forty years of playing bluegrass guitar under his belt. His talent, experience, and the pleasure he finds in performing can't be beat.
Blue Maggie's style is uncompromising, and their focus is on creativity, moreso than hitting the stage and making a quick buck. Blue Maggie's second CD, (as yet unnamed), will be all original songs, straight Bluegrass,with a little something for everybody.
