Jerry Butler & The Blu-J's are bluegrass festival favorites. Their repertoire consists of original and traditional bluegrass songs, familiar classic country songs and heartfelt gospel. Fans will enjoy the energy, fresh sound and entertaining show this group brings to the stage. “We just want the folks in attendance to have a good time with us, laugh, cry, sing along, whatever they’re feeling at the time. When we’re done we want them to be able to say ‘now that was fun’.”
Jerry Butler began playing and singing bluegrass music at the age of twelve 12. His first band The Knoxville Newgrass Boys, included classmate (bluegrass virtuoso) Phil Leadbetter on dobro. As child musicians they performed at high schools and at the top bluegrass festivals and country music shows in the south. They also performed at the White House in Washington, DC during the Nation's Bicentennial. Jerry solidified his bluegrass resume singing lead with Lynwood Lunsford & the Misty Valley Boys and The Joes Isaacs Band. To quote Ms. Dixie Hall, “Without a doubt, Jerry is among the most unacknowledged singers in the business. He has lent his flawless and peerless vocals to Pine Mountain Railroad and held the featured lead singer position in Carolina Road.”
Jerry was the featured lead vocalist on the single BEYOND THE RAIN by Pine Mountain Railroad, which won Front Porch Singing News Bluegrass Gospel Song of the Year at the National Quartet Convention in 2008. Jerry has an Associate of Music Degree from Cumberland College, Lebanon, TN. He is married to Tami Butler, the couple resides in Knoxville, TN with their daughter. During the summer months, when not on the road, you may find Jerry in Pigeon Forge, TN with The Blue Valley Boys where he spent several years at The Ernest Tubb Record Store.
Jerry proudly endorses Mike Long Guitars.
Bobby Clark joins the Blu-J's from the popular midwest bluegrass group Williams and Clark Expedition. An award winning and veteran musician, Bobby has performed with Vince Gill, Larry McNeely, Vassar Clements, Peter Rowan, The Bluegrass Cardinals and 16 years with Mike Snider. Bobby's awards include The Winfield Kansas National Mandolin Championship, The Buck White Mandolin International Mandolin Championship, Kerrville, TX and the World Mandolin Championship in Des Moines, IA. Bobby proudly plays a Triggs mandolin.
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Daniel Oxendine hails from Jacksboro,TN brings driving banjo playing, and lends his tenor and high lead vocal to the Blu-J’s. In addition to bluegrass, Daniel is an active member in church where he serves as the music leader. He began playing banjo at the age of 16 and also plays guitar and bass. Daniel was a founding member of the popular East Tennessee group Shadow Ridge which he played with the last 8 years. Daniel proudly endorses Hatfield |
Tim Goins plays both banjo and resonator guitar and is an accomplished song writer. He makes his home in Floyd, VA and has performed with The Easter Brothers, Mark Templeton and Pocket Change and Lynwood Lunsford and The Misty Valley Boys. Tim's sense of humor and always unexpected funny business adds an element of entertainment that very few can match. Tim proudly endorses Hobie Resonator Guitars. |
John Marquess was born in Cadiz Ky. He started playing bluegrass bass, and guitar shortly after graduating high school. John's uncle, the late Clayton Marquess, was the one person who influenced him the most and helped him learn the basics of playing music. John's musical heroes are Vern Gosdin, Keith Whitley and Roy Lee Centers. He is an avid Titians & Vols fan. He says about being part of the Blu-J's, " I'm thankful to be a part of such good band with the best group of guys I've ever picked with." |