Music: Roots/Americana

Ebony Hillbillies

About

For more than 15 years the Ebony Hillbillies have been keeping alive an important American legacy with a rootsy, homegrown style of music which was a key element in the genesis of all American music: Jazz, Blues, Bluegrass, Rockabilly, Rock & Roll, and Country.  In those 15 years, it has seen other string bands emerge and give a tip of the hat to their pioneering work; but as Tony Thomas of the Black Banjo Association says, [The Ebony Hillbillies are] "the premier black string-band in America!"

Whether they play for thousands at Carnegie Hall or a crowd of commuters at Grand Central station, The Ebony Hillbillies bring history alive with the still vibrant sound of Americana that echos across generations and transcends racial and cultural boundaries. They maintain their grassroots credibility while inspiring heartstring-tugs and toe-taps in fans of all types of music.  Their musical repertoire pays homage to the traditional but still looks toward the future by playing a mix of tasty originals along with classic string-band tunes like, "Shady Grove," "Joshua Fit the Battle of Jericho," "Shenandoah," - and wonderful arrangements of unexpected, contemporary songs like Marvin Gaye's "Sexual Healing."

Quotes

If you often take the shuttle from Grand Central, you've probably stopped to listen to an African-American string band called the Ebony Hillbillies, and wished you didn't have to go to work. - The New Yorker

They get double takes, if not full pauses when they play! - The Wall Street Journal

They provide NYC's soundtrack...it's a fact of life! - LA Times

I wanted to join in but its hard to dance and take notes at the same time. - Post and Courier, Charleston, SC

Wintergrass Festival's stand-out band, they sound as cool as their name! - The News Tribune, Tacoma, WA

Resources

NY Times
Photo 1
Photo 2
Press Kit
Rider
Facebook
Official Website

Want to Know More?

Don't hesitate to contact the JRA Fine Arts team to learn more about this artist.