Dudley Connell
| Dudley Connell | |
|---|---|
| Born |
February 18, 1956 Scherr, West Virginia |
| Genres | Bluegrass music |
| Occupation(s) | Musician |
| Instruments | Vocals |
| Years active | 1975–present |
| Associated acts | Johnson Mountain Boys, Hazel Dickens, Laurie Lewis, Longview, The Seldom Scene, Don Rigsby, Seneca Rocks! |
| Notable instruments | |
| 1943 Martin D-28 herringbone guitar | |
Dudley Connell is an American singer in the bluegrass tradition. He is best known for his work with the Johnson Mountain Boys, Longview, and The Seldom Scene.
Connell grew up in Rockville, Maryland. His parents were bluegrass enthusiasts. Connell initially played banjo like his father, but switched to guitar when he realized his strongest assett was his voice. Carter Stanley was a major influence on Connell's singing style.
In 1975, Connell founded and led the Johnson Mountain Boys, playing guitar and singing lead vocals. Other members included Richard Underwood (banjo), David McLaughlin (mandolin), and Gary B Reid (bass). The band ended in 1988 due to road life stresses, but have since played reunion shows and another album Blue Diamond. Connell and other band members also provided musical support for Buzz Busby.
Connell has recorded with Hazel Dickens, and toured with her in 1992.
In 1993, Joe Wilson organized the "Masters of the 5-String Banjo" tour, with Connell, Laurie Lewis, Ralph Stanley, Will Keys, Seleshe Damessae]l, Kirk Sutphin, Tony Ellis, Seamus Eagan, and Carroll Best. Music from this tour was collected and released on the 1994 album Masters of the Banjo on Arhoolie Records.
In 1994, Connell formed Longview with Don Rigsby (mandolin), Marshall Wilborn (bass), Joe Mullins (banjo), James King (guitar), and Glen Duncan (fiddle).
In 1995, Connell joined the Seldom Scene, playing guitar and singing lead vocals, and has remained with them since.
Connell recorded two albums with Don Rigsby: Meet Me By the Moonlight in 1999 and Another Saturday Night in 2001. They drew on the Appalachian brother style of singing in country music made popular in the early 20th century by groups such as the Blue Sky Boys and the Monroe Brothers.
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