DAVE EVANS​ BLUEGRASS

Dave Evans started his professional music career just after high school joining Earl Taylor and the Stoney Mountain Boys. The young banjo picker and songwriter was finding his own distinct style performing professionally on the road. His original songs were gaining attention of Bluegrass music's most astute songwriters of the day. His self-penned "Highway 52" was recorded by greats Reno & Smiley. In 1972, he joined Larry Sparks and the Lonesome Ramblers and recorded five vocal duo albums with the guitar icon. He credits Sparks for helping create his vocal style today. Later, working with Lillimae and the Dixie Gospelaires, Red Allen and the Kentuckians, The Goins Brothers and the Boys from Indiana from 1975-78. He formed his own group Dave Evans and River Bend in 1978 and was soon considered one of the most distinct banjo players and soulful singers to ever perform the genre.

 

Unfortunately, a set back in 1989 led to incarceration in a federal penitentiary with a 10 year sentence for felonious assault. Dave Evans who had no professional legal counsel found himself facing the realization of life in prison. He learned to play the guitar proficiently while incarcerated and gained the respect of fellow inmates for being a soul singer. They may have took the man from his music but not the music from the man. He was allowed an hour a day to play guitar on the "yard". Dave Evans served six years and was released in 1995.

 

Dave Evans had been gone from the Bluegrass music scene for six years but was not forgotten. He began to record again in 1996. Dave Evans was considered the fan's favorite and also a valuable commodity to the recording industry. He recorded Just look at Me Now (1997), Bad Moon Shining (2000), Hang Out a Light for Me (2002), High Waters (2003), Pretty Green Hills (2006) and The Best of the Vetco Years (2008). The Rebel Records label owns the total repertoire.  

 

Evans' health began failing in 2011. He underwent a quintuple bypass heart surgery. He flat-lined twice on the operating table but survived the haunting ordeal. He gives thanks to God for once again sparing his life. If hard life and trouble make a real singer then Dave Evans can be considered as real as it gets.

 

Dave Evans remains one of the top sellers for the Rebel label to this day. He still entertains personal appearance dates on occassion but retired from traveling the circuit full-time. Online sales both physical and digital are available here. Please take the time to discover Dave Evans & River Bend and thank you for supporting a true legend in Bluegrass music!