Country Gentlemen Tribute Website

January 19, 1935 - August 18, 2004

"I think I'd like to come back as a song
If I had a say in going when I'm gone
A simple melody all the world could sing along
I think I'd like to come back as a song.

Just think of all the far off places I could see
Folks from every walk of life would take to me;
I'd dry a tear of sorrow when hard times come along
If I could only come back as a song."

Read about the 50th Anniversary of the Country Gentlmen
in the Current (Sept) Issue of Bluegrass Unlimited

Dear Country Gentlemen Fans.

I want to personally thank all of the former members of the Country Gentlemen for taking the time come come out and celebrate the 50th Anniversary of the Country Gentlemen this past weekend at Watermelon Park. I can't tell you enough how much it means to me to have shared the stage with each and every one of you the spot that my father once stood to perform with you.

I also want to thank all of the Country Gentlemen fans, (both old and new) that came out to join in the celebration and that have supported the Country Gentlemen for the past 50 years ... you made us all feel really special and I want you to know that we appreciate each and every one of you!

The 50th Anniversary was a very special event for me and my family and I want to thank both the Country Gentlemen members and the fans for making those 2 days an event we will never forget.

God Bless You All.

~ Randy Waller ~

Click here to see the photos and video clips from the
Country Gentlemen 50th Anniversary Celebration

More News:

July 2007 Issue
Bluegrass Now

Charlie to Randy
The 50-year evolution of The Country Gentleman

Things were about to get rougher. Following the Bayou Boys’ gig on July 3, 1957, Buzz, Eddie (who was filling in on guitar that night) and a couple of others decided to go to North Beach, Maryland, as Bill Emerson puts it, “to drink and have some . . . revelry. They asked me to go and I thought, ‘You know, it’s a long drive and I’m not in the mood, so I’ll just go home.’ I’m glad I did.”

On the way back from North Beach, in the early morning hours of July 4, the driver of the vehicle fell asleep and crashed into a large utility pole, seriously injuring all the occupants. Determined to hold on to the Admiral Grill job until Buzz and the others recovered, Bill launched into one of his greatest improvisations. He hurriedly enlisted the aid of mandolinist John Duffey, guitarist Charlie Waller and bassist Larry Leahy to perform that evening’s show. “John lived about a mile from me—he’s the guy that really got me started playing the banjo,” Bill explains. “I also knew Charlie. We all hung out at the same places. We had performed informally with each other before, but never as a band.”

That night, however, the quartet made the crowd temporarily forget all about the Bayou Boys. “We played the traditional standards. Songs like ‘Love and Wealth,’ Stanley Brothers material and Bill Monroe songs,” Bill recalls, admitting none of them had any inkling of the greatness to come.

Read the Full Article in the print issue of Bluegrass Now
or call for back issue.