Black Stone Cherry

Published 12:19 am Wednesday, July 4, 2012

According to their website, “Black Stone Cherry is a full-throttle modern rock band, with guitars that rage and a shuddering rhythmic attack. They sound as earthy and raw as Soundgarden, as heavy and fun as AC/DC, yet there’s a higher level of musicianship to their performances and songwriting that makes them like no one else.”

Though officially formed as Black Stone Cherry in 2001, Chris and John Fred had been jamming since high school.  All four members are from Edmonson County and were exposed to a variety of music including bluegrass and southern gospel at a young age.  Drummer John Fred is the son of Kentucky Headhunters founding member Richard Young; Johns great uncle was a jazz drummer and Chris first learned guitar from his father on a guitar given to him by his grandfather who made instruments by hand.  

The group honed its skills in the practice house used by the Headhunters.  Half the band (Ben & Chris) were only 15 when they formed in 2001.  They played their first gig only two weeks after forming at the county fair talent show – which they won.  Their first demo landed them a deal with Road Runner Records. 

In 2007 they were award Best New Band at the Classic Rock Magazine awards.  After playing Hyde Park with Aerosmith, the band became a hit in England and continues to tour Europe as much or more than the U.S.

Members:

• Chris Robertson – vocals/guitar
• Ben Wells – guitar/vocals
• Jon Lawhon – bass/vocals
• John Fred Young – drums

Discography:

• Between the Devil and the Deep Blue Sea (2011)
• Folklore and Superstition (2008) – Recorded at Black Bird Studios (Martina McBride); Produced and mixed by Bob Marlette.
• Rain Wizard (2007)
• Black Stone Cherry (2006)

Influences: Led Zepplin, Lynard Skynyrd, Black Crowes

Trivia:

• Ben Wells names Elvis as his biggest influence “hands down”, followed by Aerosmith.

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