RED CLAY RAMBLERS, THE

RED CLAY RAMBLERS, THE (c. 1973–present; mid-1970s lineup: Tommy Thompson [bnj, voc]; Jim Watson [mdln, voc]; Bill Hicks [fdl, voc]; Mike Craver [pno, voc]; Jack Herrick [trumpet, b, voc]) The Red Clay Ramblers were one of the most innovative of the 1970s string-band revival groups who melded traditional dance tunes and songs with swing, early jazz, country GOSPEL, and their own unique compositions. Founded in Chapel Hill, North Carolina, in 1973, its members were interested in pursuing the…