Stone County Connection is a hard-drivin’, high energy, bluegrass band based in West Tennessee. Their music is filled with traditional bluegrass/bluegrass gospel and also contemporary sounds. Members of the award -winning group are two time Tennessee State Bluegrass Band Champions and Tennessee Valley/Alabama State Bluegrass Band Champions. Playing festivals and shows in Tennessee, Missouri, Arkansas, Mississippi, Kentucky and Alabama, has allowed them to rekindle old friendships and get to know new friends out along the bluegrass trail.  The group recently released it's debut CD entitled "Stone County Connection".

 



Phillip Williams plays mandolin and sings lead and tenor. Williams drives his mandolin hard. His heroes are Dan Tyminski and Don Rigsby. Phillip admires the high lonesome sound of the Stanley Brothers. He recently played for the International Bluegrass Music Association (IBMA) Hall of Fame show. Phillip is married, has two children and lives in Trenton, TN.


                      








Curtis Mann provides the necessary heartbeat in the group with his upright bass. Not only does he lay down a solid groove, Curtis sings baritone, low tenor and bass. He has played for the IBMA Hall of Fame show and for the Memphis Bluegrass All-Stars Band. Curtis works for the Gibson County (TN) Electric Membership Co-op and is a deacon in his church. He is married, has four children and lives in Dyer, TN. 







Kurt Stephenson is an extraordinary banjo player whom other banjo players come to watch. He is a multiple time Tennessee State Banjo Champion and despite being in his early twenties, Kurt is already a seasoned veteran. Kurt sings lead, baritone and low tenor. Another member of the Memphis Bluegrass All-Stars, Kurt plays several banjo styles. His favorite banjo players are Don Reno, Earl Scruggs, Ralph Stanley and Charlie Cushman. Kurt has completed a degree program in business and is working on a degree in radiology. He is active in church ministry. Kurt has two excellent solo CD projects.



          





Kevin Wright plays lead and rhythm guitar and sings lead vocals. His musical influences are Tony Rice, Kenny Smith, J. D. Crowe and the New South, Lou Reid, Ronnie Bowman and Russell Moore. Kevin is a commercial lending officer and first vice-president of BancorpSouth in Jackson, TN. He has two children and lives in Jackson, TN.



Carl Franklin often lends his expertise on fiddle. Carl has performed with Bill Monroe and has appeared on the Grand Ole Opry. He and his wife have danced on the Opry with the Ralph Sloan Dancers. Carl lives in Hendersonville, TN.