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Music

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Exploring Old Time Recordings and Artists 

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Chance McCoy and the
Appalachian String Band

Debut (2008)

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Chance McCoy has made one solo album to date, and it sure is a good one. Around 2007, Chance had basically given up on a music career, deciding to become a carpenter. His dad convinced him to give it one more try and gave him the money for the recording session. Chance then sold the album out of the trunk of his car and during his (3 day) “world” tour. 

Unfortunately, not much happened with either the album or Chance's music career until a 2011 phone call from Sketch Secor, leader of the (somewhat popular !) string band  Old Crow Medicine Show.  Chance was invited to join the band, replacing Willie Watson. It's a good thing that call didn't go to voice mail, as a Grammy Award and induction into the Grand Ole Opry followed.

Editor's Note: Only one potential downside can be seen regarding this good fortune -  the countless times playing “Wagon Wheel”.  There could have been only one thing worse. It could have been “Rocky Top”. With the “Wooo”


At the same time, more and more Old Time players were discovering the solo album, consisting of 19 tracks of Old Time tunes, recorded live around one mic. You will probably recognize most, if not all of them, as Chance’s versions have become almost “standards”.  

The Appalachian String Band was made up of Adam Hurt-banjo, Danny Knicely-guitar, Mark Hellenberg-banjo uke, Ralph Gordon-bass, Aimee Curl, harmony vocals, and Matthew Olwell-flatfooting.


Here is an excellent 2018 interview with Chance, including video, from The Bluegrass Situation. 




Dance All Night With A Bottle In Your Hand

The Appalachian String Band

Twin SistersChance McCoy and the Appalachian String Band
00:00 / 02:50
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