With a combined experience of over 80 years, the East Dixie Boys are busting through the doors with a rarely heard "Hard Driving" bluegrass sound that will take you back to the original Grand Ol' Opry days from decades past. This 5 piece group, with long ties to bluegrass artists, has an extensive set list that touches over 60 years of classic bluegrass tunes. Including some songs that are heard in the mainstream music scene of today's top bluegrass artists. To each player in this group "Performance" is the key, and "Showmanship" carries the band.
The East Dixie Boys were formed by the creative minds of three musicians from north west Georgia, who after playing together for some time in a traveling group called "The Bluegrass Sound Band", decided that it was time to spread their wings and create the band they've always dreamed of! Terry Butterworth of Dallas GA, Matt Southern of Kennesaw GA, and Billy Butterworth of Dallas GA, are the originators of the East Dixie Boys. Together they bring a sense of "Family" to the group and with their quick wit, they bring smiles to those around.
Below are the bio's on the boys from East Dixie!
Terry Butterworth (Lead Guitar/Vocals):
Terry began playing music at an early age. In grammar school he started violin lessons and later joined the the Jr. High Orchestra. After attending The Marietta Bluegrass Festival with his dad in 1974, he was hooked! He dropped out of the "classical scene" and began "fiddlin'. After a short stint on banjo, he began playing guitar. When he and his friends would gather in a old garage behind a buddy's house on "EAST-DIXIE" Avenue, he decided that this was it! Hence the origination of the band's name. His inspirations are The "King"-Jimmy Martin, Red Smiley, Tony Rice, and Lester Flatt (W*W*L*D*). The greatest inspiration to Terry would be his late father who fed him all the Skillet Lickers, Flatt & Scruggs, and Jimmy Martin he would ever need to give him the "Bluegrass Fever". Terry is married to his beautiful wife Donna of 23 years, with one son, one daughter, and one "Grand-Princess". He calls Dallas Ga. his home, but when he's not pickin' he can usually be found camping with his family...(and of course his guitars).
Matt Southern (Resophonic Guitar/Vocals)
At the age of 5 Matt began to discover his love for music. Coming from a music infested Gene Pool, his talent for music was natural. With overhauls and a guitar given by a family friend, his father decided 5 years was old enough to begin playing in front of an audience. His first time in the spotlight was during the spring of 1986 when his father allowed him to join the pickers on stage during a live performance. This fueled his young mind and curiosity. Throughout his young life, and into his late teen years he performed in many school groups and recreational organizations such as, Sr. Drumcorps, Atlanta Youth Wind Symphony, Jr & Sr high Jazz ensemble, as well as performing for The Walt Disney Corporation™ for many occasions. One of which was as a drummer for the 2000 Superbowl half time show performing for Phil Collins, Enrique Iglesias, Tony Braxton and Christina Aguilara. Although he felt he had done well with his music career, Matt felt there was something missing. Matt's Grandfather, the late Jim Southern, was a Grand Ol' Opry veteran, Hee Haw Show performer and lead man with the group, "Jim Southern-Bill Blaylock and the Modern Sounds of Bluegrass™". This is where it all began. Jim was a big inspiration to Matt, bringing bluegrass music to him when he was just a young boy. Jim's records played in Matt's room for years before he finally got the "Bug", picked up his dad's Alverez, and chopped out "The Old Home Place". After performing 4 years in the bluegrass scene as a guitarist, at the age of 20 Matt heard a recording by Jerry Douglas and Tony rice that ended his guitar days in a hurry. The first $400 he could make went straight to a shiny new dobro, now 5 years later at the age of 25 and a Scheerhorn™ Reso later, the rest is history. Matt resides in Kennesaw Ga with his wife Laura, and gives thanks to his "Pappa" (Jim Southern), as well as the love and support of his mother and father for the gift he has been given!
Billy Butterworth (Mandolin)
For as long as he can remember, Billy has had a love for bluegrass music. Primarily because it was what his father listened to 90% of the time. As Billy got older, he started to develop his own appreciation for the artistic talent of bluegrass. Although a bluegrass musician at heart, it wasn't until later on in life that Billy found his love of listening to the music, transforming into the love of playing the music. At the age of 32, while having a conversation about music with a co-worker, Billy stated that if he were going to play any instrument it would definantly be the mandolin. The next day his co-worker showed up to work with an old Fender A-Style mandolin, handed it to Billy and said "You owe me $240 Pay me when you can!". That was the final push Billy needed to switch his love of bluegrass from a spectator, to a performer. Now almost 7 years later, he has quickly picked up the talent of playing the mandolin and has made many successful strides to improve. This not only applies to his playing, but his "on stage" presence as well. Billy's musical and life influences are, father A.E Butterworth, his older brother Terry, Sam Bush, Ricky Skaggs, and Waylon Jennings. Billy resides in Dallas Ga with his wife Jenni, and is the proud father of two daughters.
Jimbo Wright(Upright Bass)
In 1970 Jimbo Wright started his musical journey after his career with the U.S. Coast Guard was completed. He began playing Banjo, but after buying a bass for his son, Jimbo soon found that he enjoyed playing the bass much more. Jimbo has played with and/or filled in with many, many bands throughout the years. Thanks to Bluegrass music, he has made a lot of good friends. Jimbo play Banjo, Guitar, Mandolin, and Bass but he says "I'm not too good at any of them. I do have alot of fun, and that is the only reason I play...the millions of dollars we make don't hurt either! Y'all Come see us when ya can!". Jimbo is a native of Atlanta, Georgia. He has been married since 1967, and currently resides in Cobb county.
Jack Ball (Banjo/Vocals)
At the age of 18 Jack picked up his brother’s banjo and has been playing every since. Originally from Savannah, Jack played with Bluegrass Bands all around the Savannah area. While living in Savannah his neighbor, Randy Wood, made the banjo that Jack plays today. Jack moved to Atlanta in 1991 and has played with a few local bands in Lawrenceville as well as Flowery Branch. He loves and plays all types of Bluegrass music. Jack also plays guitar and mandolin, and has recently taken up wood making and is in the process of making his own mandolin. Jack currently resides in Lawrenceville, Georgia.
