Carlene Carter - As the granddaughter of country singing legend Maybelle Carter, the daughter of June Carter Cash and 1950's country star Carl Smith, and stepdaughter of Johnny Cash - Carlene Carter has music in her blood. A perennial upstart, Carter charted a string of hits in the '80s on her own merits and terms. Carter has described herself as a "wild-ass country chick who rocked like hell every chance I could." In 2003, she played her mother in a musical set in Nashville about the Carter Family. During that year, her mother, step-father Johnny Cash, sister Rosey Carter, and boyfriend Howie Epstein all died within the space of a few months. Released in 2008, the appropriately titled "Stronger" is her first disc of new studio material since 1995.

Del McCoury Band - In the early '60s, Del McCoury was the guitarist and lead singer in one of Bill Monroe's greatest lineups. After playing in various groups the North Carolina native founded the Del McCoury Band in 1987. Through projects like a collaboration with Steve Earle and an appearances at Telluride and Bonnaroo festivals, McCoury continued to broaden his fan base. The Del McCoury Band is the most awarded group in bluegrass history, with eight "Entertainer of the Year" honors and numerous other awards. McCoury earned his first Grammy in 2006, with "The Company We Keep" winning for "Best Bluegrass Album."  

Eric Church - Influenced by the old school country of Merle Haggard and Waylon Jennings and the stark honesty of songwriters like John Prine and Steve Earle, Eric Church's song have found a home in Nashville. After graduating with a degree in marketing, he set out to seek his fortune in Nashville and within a year signed a publishing deal with Sony Tree. He  hooked up with producer Jay Joyce and was signed to Capitol Records. His debut single, "How 'Bout You," was released in early 2006, and reached the country Top 20 by the time Capitol released his debut "Sinners Like Me."

Mike Farris - Nearly a casualty of the rock 'n' roll lifestyle, singer Mike Farris has fronted a number of bands that made considerable noise and headlines throughout the '90s including the Screamin' Cheetah Wheelies (which also included Charleston, WV native Steve Burgess), and Double Trouble (Stevie Ray Vaughan's rhythm section). After having found God and sobriety in 2004, Farris has released a pair of powerful solo efforts. His latest, "Salvation in Lights," features longtime Johnny Cash bassist Dave Roe and Ann McCrary, daughter of Fairfield Four founder Rev. Sam McCray. Interpreting songs like "Oh Mary Don't You Weep," "A Change Is Gonna Come" and "I'll Take You There," Farris' voice has been described as having the edge of AC/DC's Bon Scott and the sweetness of Al Green.

Ed Snodderly - A founding member of the Brother Boys - which issued releases on Sugar Hill in the '90s- Ed Snodderly's timeless, Appalachian-styled songs have earned him high praise from musicians and critics alike. An actor, musician, songwriter and playwright, the Tennessee native was chosen as one of a select group of musicians to appear in the Coen Brothers' movie "O Brother, Where Art Thou?" After stints in Boston and Los Angeles in the '70s, Snodderly returned home to Johnson City, TN, and has since taught dobro, guitar, and songwriting at East Tennessee State University's Bluegrass, Old-Time, and Country Music program and performed with a traveling theater group. His latest release is titled "Brier Visions." Trivia buffs take note: The Brother Boys appeared on "Mountain Stage" in 1990.