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Meet the Band
Tom "Groundhog" Hale
Tom has been playing the same 1973 D-28 Martin guitar, given to him by his dad, since the day he picked it up at the ripe old age of 9. He played rhythm guitar for many years, but has grown as a lead guitarist as well. He attributes this to many many hours sitting on the couch of his mentor former Clinch Mountain Boy, Renfro Proffitt, watching, trying, and learning. Along with his brother, Gary, Tom was one of the founding members of Appalachian Heritage. Since that time, he emerged as the lead singer of the group and likes to sing the Stanley Brothers classics most of all. Playing bluegrass music is his one true love. Email Tom 
Brad Williams In 1997 after years of playing loud electric Rock-n-Roll, fate reunited Brad with an old friend and guitar student who had discovered the joy and excitement of playing purely acoustic and bluegrass music. He picked up the mandolin and never looked back. He has recorded and performed with the Fire House String band, Faces Made for Radio, Doug Justice and Sweetwater, and the Just Bluegrass Band. He has shared the stage with countless national acts including Ralph Stanley, Sam Bush, and David Grisman. He has played on every continent in the world, except Australia. He is glad to be home playing traditional bluegrass right here in central Ohio. Check out Brad's latest solo project at www.CDbaby.com and at Apple ITunes. Email Brad 
Darlene "Thumper" (Hale) Heath
Rounding out the trio of siblings in the group, Darlene picked up the bass fiddle for the first time in 2003. She grew up listening to the family band and when she started playing, she felt like she had finally found where she belonged. After some coaxing, Darlene started singing some harmony vocals with the band and after a lot more coaxing does some of the lead singing as well. Darlene loves to spend time working on projects in the studio and loves playing live even more. She is honored to be playing with a group of such talented musicians. Email Darlene 
Gary "G" Hale
Gary picked up his first guitar to play bluegrass gospel music with the Hale Family band in the mid-70's. He played with his parents, Arnold and Marie Hale, and as time went on he started picking up on the banjo. Arnold started showing him a few licks on the dobro and he carried on from there. Gary was one of the founders of Appalachian Heritage in 1996. He played banjo for the group until 2006 when he switched to playing the dobro. Growing up in southwestern Virginia with a view of Clinch Mountain inspired him to love the old traditional bluegrass favorites and that is still the music he loves the most. Email Gary 
Dave "Clovis" Young Dave was born in Point Pleasant, West Virginia and bluegrass music was always a big part of his life. He grew up with his dad playing in a bluegrass band and spent a lot of time at jam sessions. He got his first guitar at the age of 10 and his first performances were singing and playing with his dad, sister and some family friends on the local AM radio station after church on Sundays. Thirty five years later, he still owns the guitar and has taught his son to play it. After a longtime interest in the banjo, he bought his first one just six years ago. Harry Arledge, the banjo player from his Dad's band, taught Dave the basics and is still a great inspiration to him. He credits his wife and kids for the encouragement they have given him over the years. Email Dave 
Floyd Martin Appalachian Heritage holds an annual Groundhog Homecoming and in 2008, Floyd, from Abiline, Texas showed up as a special guest. The band adopted him and he makes appearances at most of their shows. He loves to meet new people and loves to have his picture taken with the fans. Check out the pictures page to see who has been seen with Floyd.  |
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