Steel Magnolia
Something Blue
Smooth traditional bluegrass music from North Carolina showcasing three-part harmonies featuring four original songs by four gals and a guy.
Steel Magnolia marked its serendipitous beginnings in the spring of 1995. Three of its members had, at various times, frequented a local haunt for Bluegrass musicians known as Brown’s Ole Opry located in McLeansville, North Carolina. On this particular occasion, the women from different corners of the Piedmont had gathered in the back room to jam. It was just a few short weeks later that the group jelled into its first configuration. After eleven years together, they recorded their first musical project titled “Something Blue”. Four of the songs were penned by two of the band members, Judy and Cindy. The band consists of the following members:
Judy Arnette: Guitar, Lead Vocals
Although Judy has been singing since her early youth, she began playing guitar only in the late 70s. At that time, under the influence of her guitar teacher and friend, she began singing some of the traditional Stanley Brothers’ tunes. Judy became known among local jam sessions as the “Carter Half” of the Stanley Sisters’ duo. In addition to singing and playing, Judy enjoys trying her hand at song writing. The band features three of her original tunes: “Something Blue”, “Leave Me Free” and “Just for Tonight”. Judy is from Greensboro, North Carolina.
Pammy Davis: Dobro, Harmony Vocals
Pammy has been playing Dobro since June 1997. Previous to the Dobro, she played bass with Steel Magnolia until former Bass player Louise Wilson joined the band in September 1997. She has performed in several small bands throughout the years competing in fiddler’s conventions and entertaining at parties. In addition to playing Dobro, Pammy also plays bass, guitar, mandolin, and clawhammer banjo. Pammy is a charter member of the Charlotte Folk Music Society and along with Judy and Cindy, started a Bluegrass Association in the area called High Lonesome Strings of which she was President for ten years. Pammy resides in Pleasant Garden, North Carolina.
Susan Owen: Mandolin, Lead and Harmony Vocals
Susan, from Gibsonville, North Carolina, joined Steel Magnolia in November, 2003. She has been actively involved in music all her life. Her Bachelor of Music in Education degree from the University of North Carolina at Greensboro opened the door for her to share her knowledge and passion for music with others. She taught choral/general music to children for 25 years in the Guilford County School System. Susan retired from her teaching position in July, 2007 to explore other musical endeavors. Instruments she enjoys playing are the piano, mandolin, lap dulcimer and hammered dulcimer. She served in the music ministry at Mt. Pleasant United Methodist Church and Gibsonville United Methodist Church both as accompanist and adult/children's choir director. Bluegrass music is a new adventure for her and she is very interested in learning the style and technique of this musical genre.
Cindy Tucker: Banjo, Harmony Vocals
Cindy was inspired by her father’s love for the music and for the banjo in particular. Due to this inspiration, she began to play banjo in the late 80s. The artistically crafted instrument that she plays on stage was made by her father. In addition to her exceptional contributions on the banjo and vocal harmonies, Cindy also is a songwriter and penned the instrumental “Fox in the Hen House” and the vocal “Will You Love Me Anyway” written about her brother-in-law’s care for his wife. The band performs both songs and recorded the latter on their new CD. Cindy is from Altamahaw, North Carolina.
Keith Carroll: Bass, Harmony Vocals
Keith Carroll is a most sought after Bass player from Eden, North Carolina. He is a multi-instrumentalist playing Banjo, Fiddle, Mandolin, and Guitar and is learning how to play some basic Dobro. In addition to the typical “Bluegrass” instruments, he plays Saxophone, Harmonica, Hammered Dulcimer, Autoharp, Bowed Psaltery, Ukulele, Banjimer, Lap Dulcimer, Didgeridoo and can still play an old piano recital piece if he can find the music. He joined Steel Magnolia in November, 2003. Keith jogs, lifts weights, and likes to ride his bicycle and swim in the summertime.
For bookings, contact:
Pammy Davis 336.674-1277 or Judy Arnette 336.288-3310
E-mail: PammyDavis @ triad.rr.com
Website: www.steelmagnoliabluegrass.com
Moods: Type: Acoustic