KENNY MOORE

Tina Turner called Kenny Moore the “Ambassador of the Tina Turner band”. She would dismantle and rebuild her world class live performing backing band many times over the years but the one constant that always remained with her and by her side was Kenny Moore. He affectionately called her “Mother” and remained loyal to her until his passing during their 1997 Sydney tour.

A true professional both artistically and as a live performer, I am proud to showcase his life and work on this website so visit his page, learn about his life and milestones then sample a few tracks of his music!

FRANK ROGERS

If I had to draw a road map to success for an up-and-coming producer/songwriter/publisher/musician, it would probably look a lot like the path Franks life has been on since leaving South Carolina to pursue “Music City” USA. His accomplishments leave one in awe, you simply must respect this man’s achievements manifested through diligence and work ethic. Above all else you must love him for being a South Carolina son!

CROWFIELD

Crowfield is further testament to the level of artistic quality produced by our low country. Granted the two founding members were from Indiana they chose to relocate to Charleston and set about surrounding themselves with some of our finest regional talents. This and the opportunity to record with producer Rick Beato and engineer Ken Lanyon at Black Dog Sound Recording Studios in Stone Mountain, GA. gave them access to an additional repertoire of talent and creative input. The proof is in the work accomplished and their three offerings still stand as powerful, intelligent, and emotional reminders of the possibilities when all things fall in place.

ARTHUR "GUITAR BOOGIE" SMITH

Not only was Arthur Smith a world-class player of guitar and string instruments but also over the years he built a successful business in the upstate based on his talent, good name, and services to his community and the state of South Carolina. A generation grew up welcoming Arthur into their homes daily and the impact he made on them is reflected in testimonials from those who went on to shape our state, politicians, fellow entertainers both local and from across this country, people of faith who were ministered to by his music and the music generated from his recording studios. Truly a great man that touched so many, he helped refine and grow the “Arts” for our state in ways few have ever done.

DON RENO

Don Reno secured his place in history as the world-renowned bluegrass banjo virtuoso of Reno and Smiley fame. Bluegrass experts and fans alike agree that Don's lightning-fast banjo riffs heavily influenced bluegrass music as we know it today. Don Reno's dexterity, timing, and wonderful musical talents set a standard for banjo pickin' that will last forever. Although known more for his banjo work, Reno was equally as talented on the guitar, hence the nickname "King of the Flat-Picking Guitarists." Reno died in 1984 at age 57, but today his three sons, Ronnie, Dale, and Don Wayne, continue the esteemed Reno musical tradition as successful bluegrass musicians...

BAD WEATHER STATES

I have always liked Bad Weather States, I was first introduced to them through a mutual contact who worked for a music management company in the southeast. Songs like “Little Man”,  “Mezzanine”, and “January” captured my ear and respect right out the gate. Not only a great South Carolina band and group of musicians but also some very nice guys who seem to genuinely love their hometown, community, and friends.

DAVID (DB) BRYANT

This showcase has taken over two years to complete and I must give special recognition to Drew Blanton and Willie Bryant without whom it would not have happened. D.B. Bryant’s career spanned over 4 decades and involved hundreds of other artists and friends from South Carolina to California and back again. Because D.B. was a proper “Southern Son” his legacy naturally contains the love and admiration of a lot of people, simply put, if he called you “friend”, you were family.

There will never be another D.B. Bryant but I’m sure young up and coming musicians will look to him as the best example of a fine showman and world class guitarist.

LINDA MARTELL

This is an incredible story of courage and the true definition of a “trail-blazer”. Linda Martell took the stage at the Grand Ole’ Opry in 1969 at a time when this country was in turmoil over issues such as race and she proceeded to carve out a place for herself in a history that up until that point had been an impenetrable piece of stone. Due to circumstances surrounding her she was too quickly removed from that stage and squeezed into remote corners of the music industry to be lost forever but thankfully in 2024, Beyoncé took note of this woman’s accomplishments and made sure she received the attention and respect she deserves.