North Carolina music history

In the picturesque landscape of North Carolina, Clyde Mattocks and Mike Mackenzie, the maestros of musical enchantment known as 13, ignited the flames of Super Grit Cowboy Band's extraordinary journey in the magical year of 1974. Their harmonious journey began with the ethereal twang of Clyde's steel guitars, the soulful wail of fiddles guided by Mike's deft hands, and the pulsating rhythm crafted by the percussive genius of Danny Vinson, creating a symphonic tapestry that resonated through the corridors of time.

Venturing into the sonic sanctuary of Sound Hut Studios, they birthed their inaugural album in 1977, a mesmerizing masterpiece where Bill Lyerly's enchanting melodies danced with Curtis Wright's celestial guitar riffs, painting a sonic canvas that not only marked the birth of a band but the genesis of a musical odyssey. As they embraced the dawn of Hoodswamp Records, a new chapter unfurled, and with unwavering passion, they embarked on a daring escapade, releasing three albums that etched their name in the sacred scrolls of country music history.

In the pivotal year of 1981, the band ascended the summit of success, scaling the majestic heights of Hot Country Songs with their soul-stirring anthem, "If You Don't Know Me by Now." A melodic revelation that touched the very depths of the human spirit, it catapulted them into the pantheon of musical legends. Billboard, the herald of musical critique, showered accolades upon their 1981 opus, "If You Can't Hang," praising the fusion of instruments and lauding the band's masterful incorporation of rock influences, a touch that set their sonic alchemy apart from the ordinary.

Yet, amidst the crescendo of triumph, the band stood witness to the ebb and flow of its members. Don Cox's departure marked a poignant chapter, a bittersweet transition that only strengthened the band's collective resolve. Curtis Wright's solo ventures soared like a phoenix, leaving an indelible mark on the sprawling landscape of country music.

As the sands of time gracefully descended, the indomitable core of Super Grit Cowboy Band stood resilient. Clyde Mattocks and Mike Kinzie, joined by the virtuosic Mark Golladay, the rhythmic maestro Dexter Horton, and the melodic anchor Carroll Wade, have kept the flame ablaze since the dawning of 2010. Their harmonies echo through the winds of change, weaving an intricately detailed tapestry of passion, perseverance, and the unwavering spirit that defines the true essence of country music.

Moreover, the musical odyssey of Super Grit Cowboy Band reached new heights as they graced two of Nod Notwen's albums, adding a touch of their enchantment to the magical symphony that is the essence of their journey. The tale of Super Grit Cowboy Band transcends the boundaries of a mere biography; it unfolds as a symphony of love, loss, and the relentless pursuit of musical glory that not only withstands the test of time but resonates profoundly with the hearts of all who yearn for the ineffable magic of country melodies.

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