Local band wins Grammy

From left: Woody Platt, Graham Sharp, Nicky Sanders, Charles R. Humphrey III and Mike Guggino. Photo by John Shearer

By Brighton McConnell

Among the popular names of Gotye, Jay-Z, and the Black Keys announced at the 55th annual Grammy Awards on Sunday night, the western North Carolina band, the Steep Canyon Rangers, was one of the bands called for awards.
The Steep Canyon Rangers is a band that originated from and is based in North Carolina. Last Sunday, they won the Grammy for Best Bluegrass Album of the year, for their album “Nobody Knows You.” The band commented about receiving the award on their website, and said, “We’re so grateful to our fans and friends for their support. It is humbling to represent the community that is bluegrass and inspiring as well.”

The original members met and created the band while attending UNC-Chapel Hill. Following the release of their first album, “Old Dreams and New Dreams” in 2001, the Steep Canyon Rangers have made seven more albums, with “Nobody Knows You” released in last March. They have previously collaborated with actor and comedian Steve Martin on one album, and have gone on tour with him, including playing at the Mountain Song Folk Music Festival for the past several years.

The band consists of bassist Charles Humphrey III, fiddler Nicky Sanders, mandolin player Mike Guggino, banjo player Graham Sharp, and guitarist Woody Platt. Though based in Greensboro, North Carolina, three of the band members live in the western part of the state. Platt was actually raised in Brevard, and began his singing career in a boys choir in the area.

The Steep Canyon Rangers have an upcoming tour through the U.S., beginning in March in Atlanta.

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