There have been many highlights along the way since their beginning. One was producing and witnessing the success of their first CD, "Our Dixie Forever!" Through this CD the "Sons" have enjoyed knowing that their music has traveled far and wide, and endeared them to listeners all over the United States! One of their most rewarding experiences was in 1998 when the group sang at the dedication and unveiling of the Lt. General James Longstreet Memorial in Gettysburg National Park, Gettysburg, Pennysylvania. As John and Warren once commented, "It was the epitome of our experience as singers!" Moreover, Mr. Gary Casteel, the artist who created the Longstreet Memorial statue, and wife Leslie, extended a special invitation to the Sons of Dixie to return to Gettysburg to debut their next CD at Gary's studio! In 2000 the Sons of Dixie performed in concert at the Sons of Confederate Veterans National Convention in Charleston, South Carolina. They were very well received, and were able to make friends with many people from different states. Later in the year, the Sons of Dixie had the opportunity to sing on the water! Actually, a cruise ship docked in Wilmington, North Carolina, and the group was asked to come and entertain the passengers who were traveling from Rhode Island to Florida. That was a very unique experience for the Sons! Bon voyage!! All in all, the Sons of Dixie's greatest and happiest experiences have been the meeting of so many wonderful people. There have been so many supportive and caring folks who cannot possibly know the great contributions they have made to the success of the group. To the many friends from Charleston to Gettysburg, Pennysylvania; from Jacksonville to Lincolnton, North Carolina -- the Sons of Dixie wish to express a heartfelt "Thank you!" |
"Our goal is to promote and inspire within the hearts of our listeners an interest in music from the 1860's--particularly the music that was popular in the American South--and at the same time, honor the memory of those who wore the gray." ---Michael, John, Warren and Donnie -- The Sons of Dixie |
Three of the members, cousin Donnie Avery and brothers Warren and Michael Jarman have been active in a Christian music group, called The Boys From Bethlehem, since 1971. It wasn't until the early 1990's, when Warren became a member of a local camp of Sons of Confederate Veterans, that the boys became interested in the history and music of the War Between the States. By this time the "Boys" had developed a sizable audience, and had enjoyed a good bit of local popularity. Many of the SCV camp members enjoyed listening to gospel music, so camp officers would frequently ask Warren to get the Boys From Bethlehem to perform for various camp events. The boys then tailored their repertoire to consist mainly of popular hymns of the 1860's. Within time they began to include other period music, including the beloved "Dixie." Soon other organizations, including several chapters of the United Daughters of the Confederacy, began making requests for concerts. It became apparent that things would not remain the same for the boys... By 1997, the "Boys" had accepted the inevitable fact that the group was expanding and evolving. Up until this time, they performed most of their music a cappella, by piano, or with the assistance of background soundtracks. A different approach had to be made to their music. They needed period stringed instruments to perform many of the songs they wished to sing. It was at this juncture that the local SCV camp Lt. Commander, Roger Alvis, introduced John Currie to the group. In addition to John's skill with the banjo, guitar, and fiddle, he possessed a wealth of knowledge about Southern 'old-time' music! This was the perfect combination! And, it turned out that John was a singer too! Now, in addition to their popular a cappella arrangements, the boys could perform songs like "Yellow Rose of Texas" and "Rose of Alabamy" in style with John plucking the banjo! It wasn't long before the group realized they needed another name to distinguish themselves from their gospel group. After a great deal of thought and discussion, they decided on "Sons of Dixie." And hence---the group as they are known today. |
Although the group made their debut as the Sons of Dixie in 1997, their history begins long before then... |
There have been many highlights along the way since their beginning. One was producing and witnessing the success of their first CD, "Our Dixie Forever!" Through this CD the "Sons" have enjoyed knowing that their music has traveled far and wide, and endeared them to listeners all over the United States! One of their most rewarding experiences was in 1998 when the group sang at the dedication and unveiling of the Lt. General James Longstreet Memorial in Gettysburg National Park, Gettysburg, Pennysylvania. As John and Warren once commented, "It was the epitome of our experience as singers!" Moreover, Mr. Gary Casteel, the artist who created the Longstreet Memorial statue, and wife Leslie, extended a special invitation to the Sons of Dixie to return to Gettysburg to debut their next CD at Gary's studio! In 2000 the Sons of Dixie performed in concert at the Sons of Confederate Veterans National Convention in Charleston, South Carolina. They were very well received, and were able to make friends with many people from different states. Later in the year, the Sons of Dixie had the opportunity to sing on the water! Actually, a cruise ship docked in Wilmington, North Carolina, and the group was asked to come and entertain the passengers who were traveling from Rhode Island to Florida. That was a very unique experience for the Sons! Bon voyage!! All in all, the Sons of Dixie's greatest and happiest experiences have been the meeting of so many wonderful people. There have been so many supportive and caring folks who cannot possibly know the great contributions they have made to the success of the group. To the many friends from Charleston to Gettysburg, Pennysylvania; from Jacksonville to Lincolnton, North Carolina -- the Sons of Dixie wish to express a heartfelt "Thank you!" |
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