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We are honored that you are visiting our web site. Being a religious singing group, we are always striving to find new
ways to get our song and message out to current and prospective members. This web site allows us to reach people we may never
have been able to contact before.
Here is some information about our band members:
Michael Atkins - [Lead Vocals/Rhythm Guitar/Harmonica] Our lead singer was born in the great state
of Kentucky in an Oldsmobile in 1956 to a musically endowed family. Mike's father played steel guitar, bass, and guitar, and
his mother played banjo, guitar, and other instruments. On the weekends, people would come to jam all night, "...they never
played the same song twice." recalls Mike. With this much musical inspiration, how could it have been right until Mike tried
it himself? Mike got his first guitar when he was 17 and taught himself how to play (and annoyed his dad with continuous "Red
River Valley"). Aside from instrumental endowment, Mike is also a talented singer, and sings lead on most of RB's songs. Mike
is a wonderful preacher, and God has truly blessed this man! Currently Mike owns a Blueridge BR-05 that belonged to a former
member of Bill Monroe's Bluegrass Boys and a D-18 Martin that his dad purchased back in the 30's.
Joshua Atkins - [Banjo/Mandolin/Guitar/Bass/Tenor and Baritone Vocals] Joshua, who was born in 1992
in Morehead, Kentucky to Mike and Lisa Atkins. He is RB's banjoist. As a small boy going to a country church, Josh was
exposed to gospel music at a young age. Josh's first instrument was mandolin, which he still, on occasion, plays. But in recent
years, Josh's focus has shifted toward the banjo, which is now his primary instrument. Aside from God and family, Joshua's
musical inspirations include the legendary Earl Scruggs, who Josh has called "...my greatest banjo influence." Josh received
his first banjo, which was a gift from his parents, in 2006. After a fews months of playing (with aid from Earl Scruggs' book)
Josh was able to play his first banjo tune, "Cripple Creek." Although Josh may prefer to focus on his banjo picking rather
than singing, you can still catch Josh singing lead and playing guitar in his rendition of the IIIrd Tyme Out song "The Dream."
Joe Riley - [Guitar/Mandolin/Bass Vocals] Joe comes from a musical family, the other Rileys have a CD
out themselves. Joe started out as a guitar player for RB but after selling his guitar he bought a bass which he, as well
as Josh on occasion, played until it was sold. Joe has a good voice, yet doesn't sing lead on many songs.
John Riley - [Mandolin/Guitar/Tenor Vocals] Brother of our original bass player, John Riley is a great
addition to our band and adds an instrumental element that was previously left mainly on Josh alone. John was with us
on our first trip to WLJC and helped make "I'll Fly Away" possible to perform as an Instrumental. His veiws has benefited
our band and hopefully will continue to do so. John is from a very musically talented family that have recorded many
songs. His dad is also a minister of the gospel.
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