Terry Waldridge 

Lead vocalist and rhythm guitar player Terry Waldridge formed the group in 1994—he’s the only member left of the original group. Waldridge, raised on a Nelson County farm, cut his teeth on an instrument in December 1993, when his wife and children gave him a Yamaha guitar. “I began playing but was in search for a place to take lessons and that is when I happened upon Wendell Cornett, owner of Bardstown music store. Wendell is one of my biggest influences and taught me how to play bluegrass rhythm the right way,” he said”. Other major influences were Bill Monroe, Flatt and Scruggs, and the Stanley Brothers. The name Bluegrass 101 began as a reminder that they were beginners. But this is a great name to hold on to because it implies an embodiment of the basics of this style of music. Waldridge has been a dairy farmer for 28 years, and all of his original songs form in his mind while he was milking. “Nobody Lives Here Anymore” is about a wonderer returning to the old home place and finding no one there; “Milk Check Blues” relates to his experience as a dairy farmer. His favorite is “Van Buren, KY”, a nostalgic revisiting of childhood memories on the farm of his aunt Beulah Mae (Boo) and uncle Perry Waldridge. They lived on a small farm in a holler outside of Van Buren and Terry still recalls sitting on the porch as night, the smell of his uncle’s pipe and the call of the whippoorwills. “Bluegrass in Heaven” relates to Bill Monroe – the Father of Bluegrass Music, Heaven and the sounds of Bluegrass music. 


 

 

Turner Hutchens

Turner Hutchens, mandolin player and bass vocalist for Bluegrass 101, joined the band in 2009.  Turner started performing at the early age of 9 when his uncle invited him to perform with his cousin at West Point Music Ranch.  This later developed into the bluegrass band KY Sassafras, which Turner stayed with for its duration.  Performing and competing exposed Turner to a lot of famous and talented musicians.  Listening and “picking” with them has led him to playing his own style of mandolin.  He has been fortunate to acquire the musical skills and friendships of many; including Jeff Guernsey, Joey Burchett, Jim Crisp, and Wendell Cornett. Turner will graduate from high school in 2012.  He is focused on pursuing a college degree in music and chasing his dream of being a full time musician.

 

 

 
Michael Yount
Bass player and Baritone vocalist Michael Yount became interested in Bluegrass music after being inspired by the most distinctive, irreplaceable voice of Charlie Waller and the Country Gentlemen, along with the exceptional unique harmonies of the Bluegrass Cardinals. Michael is from Shelbyville and resides there with his wife of 37 years, Beverly.  He has three children and 3 grandchildren. Michael began playing bass for Bluegrass 101 in October 1998.  His other interests include collecting pocketknives, performing magic, and of course spending time with his grandchildren, Jace, Lillie, and Maggie.


 


 

 
Cody Pearman

Cody Pearman, banjo player for Bluegrass 101 since 2006, became interested in bluegrass music by the influence of his grandpa Shelby Hunt. "I was 13 years old when I started playing the guitar in 2003 then a little over a year later I started playing the banjo by the advice of my music instructor Terry Strange". He spent most of his weekends finding a new place to jam with fellow bluegrass musicians, and loved trips to his grandpa's house to pick with him. He was born and raised in Hardin County, KY currently lives in Vine Grove, KY. He attends Morehead State University and is currently in the music program at the University and will graduate in 2014.  He plays a Sullivan Thunderbolt banjo built by the Sullivan’s at First Quality Music in Louisville, KY.  When he's not playing he enjoys hanging out with his friends and family and an occasional fishing trip. He appreciates the full support from his Mom and Dad.
 

 

 
Jim Armstrong

Jim Armstrong tenor vocalist and fiddle player for Bluegrass 101 since 2004, has been interested in Bluegrass music since he was about 10 years old and listened to Bill Monroe, Flatt & Scruggs and the Osborne Brothers on the Grand Old Opry every Saturday night. Jim’s interest in playing the fiddle began early from listening to the Opry and watching shows on television like Hay Loft Hoedown, which was televised in the Louisville area back in the 1960's. His family couldn’t afford a fiddle when he was young, so he bought one himself when he turned 21.  Armstrong’s older brother Jack, a great banjo player, inspired Jim to learn the bluegrass style. Armstrong has played with a number of bands over the last 25 years. He also writes and records his own original Bluegrass songs. His other interest is relic hunting for Civil War and Colonial artifacts.  Jim has been married to Becky for 35 years and they have one son Chris who is a fulltime student at Eastern Tennessee State University majoring in bluegrass music.
 

 
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