Band Members & Bios

Jerry Butler 
 
“Without a doubt, Jerry is among the most unacknowledged singers in the business”, “flawless and peerless.”
The late Ms. Dixie Hall

Jerry began his music career at age 12 in Knoxville, TN with the Knoxville Newgrass Boys, a local band which also included bandmate Phil Leadbetter. This band traveled regionally and among others performed at the White House in 1976 as part of the Nation’s Bicentennial. Jerry's mother Pat, who grew up in Columbus, GA was also very talented. She played the piano and later became a skilled banjo player. The two of them enjoyed playing and singing together and actually played in a local bluegrass band together until Jerry left for college in 1980 where he majored in music at Cumberland University in Lebanon, TN. Jerry received an Associate In Music degree from Cumberland University in1982
Jerry has performed in a range of venues, churches and festivals across Georgia throughout his travels including Hoofer’s, Lagrange, GA; Sawnee Mtn Music, Cumming, GA; Red Light Café Atlanta, GA; Everett’s Music Barn Suwanee, GA; and many festivals including Blairsville, Hiawassee, Lavonia, Guyton, Jekyll Island, Cartersville, Tompkinsville, Jonesboro, Sutallee, Stone Mountain State Park, Hoboken, Lincolnton as well as others.
Currently Jerry performs daily with the Smoky Mountain String Band at Dollywood Theme Park Pigeon Forge, TN. Other special mentions include:Performed nationally and abroad as the lead singer and guitarist for Pine Mountain Railroad, Lorraine Jordan & Carolina Road, and The Blu-J's.
  • 2016 Inductee to The Atlanta Country Music Hall Of Fame
  • Received multiple nominations including IBMA Emerging Artist Of The Year, SPBGMA Male Vocalist Of The Year; Lead vocalist on PMRR's "Beyond The Rain" which won Singing News Best Bluegrass Gospel Song 2007.
  • Smoky Mountain String Band nominated in 2015 for IAAPA (International Association of Amusement Parks and Attractions) most entertaining live show.
  • First solo CD, “Haulin' Grass” voted 26 of WNCW's top 50 bluegrass albums of 2009.
  • Single release of Tom T. and Ms. Dixie Hall's, "Shorty is Forty” reached 26 on Bluegrass Music Profiles magazine national chart.
  • Numerous appearances on local, regional, and national television shows including several appearances on the PBS series “Song of the Mountains.”
  • For the past 11 years has been a staple performer on a variety of bluegrass cruises sailing throughout the Caribbean and Mexico.
  • Proudly sponsored by Mike Long Guitars which he uses exclusively for performances and recordings.
  • Proud endorsee of D'Addario Strings and Planet Waves Accessories.
Kerry Kooch

Upright Bass and Harmony Vocals
 
Kerry grew up in Knoxville, TN and began playing music at 7 years old. Beginning with acoustic guitar, piano and drums, it wasn't until age 16 he began playing bass. Growing up playing in church Kerry has rich gospel tradition which he still holds today. During his career he has performed with artists T.G. Shepperd, Louise Mandrell and Lee Greenwood as well as many theaters in Pigeon Forge, TN. Kerry currently performs at Dollywood theme park with Jerry in the Smoky Mountain String Band. He and his family reside in Townsend, TN


 
Andy Stinnett
Mandolin, Guitar, Bass & Vocals
 
Andy is a very talented young man, he has been playing music since he was 13 and has quickly developed with the mandolin. His natural ability has also created interest in guitar and bass which he plays equally as well. Andy's play and personality is gaining attention at every show and at 18 years old has already adapted to working in band situations. Andy lives in Sevierville, TN and a recent graduate of Sevier County High School. He is continuing his education at East Tennessee State University majoring in the Bluegrass Music Department.  Andy has also received  the master musician award from the Tennessee Music Education Association. 
Timmy Nixon
Banjo
 
Timmy lives in a small town in Middle Tennessee know as Smithville, also home of The Smithville Fiddlers Jamboree held annually on the 4th of July weekend. Timmy is no stranger to bluegrass music and has years of experience playing the banjo. He began at age 14 and in no time was playing the contest circuit winning banjo competitions all over the south. He then went on to playing small gigs and shows with local bands such as Center Hill Grass, The Billy Womack Band, Duck River Bluegrass Band and Valley Grass Express. Most recently, and still on occasion,Timmy played with well known fiddler/preacher Tom Brantley in the band Missionary Ridge. Timmy has served as judge for several Bluegrass band competitions in the mid-TN area including The Smithville Fiddlers Jamboree, and the Wilson Co Fair Bluegrass Competition. After filling in on several dates in 2016  and as 2017 begins, Timmy joins Jerry and the band looking forward to what lies ahead.  Timmy's style of play is solid and traditional and is receiving notice right away. His friendly personality and eagerness to join in has made him a welcome addition to the group. Take the opportunity to meet him and you'll be glad you did.