The Ebony Hillbillies are one of the few remaining black string bands in America. Their rootsy, homegrown style was an integral part of the birth of All American Music-Jazz. Blues, Bluegrass. Rockabilly. Rock and Roll. Country. Under the direction of Henrique Prince (violin and vocals), Norris Bennett, (banjo, mountain-dulcimer, guitar and vocals), William “Salty Bill”, Salter (acoustic basse, vocals), Newman Taylor Baker, (washboard, drums, vocals) as well as Gloria Thomas Gassaway, (bones,vocals). Its members have been able to maintain their grassroots credibility and inspire heartstring tugging and toe-taps among fans of all music types, including pop, country, bluegrass and folk. They also have a musical repertoire that is both traditional and forward-looking. The group has been a part of many festivals in the U.S., Canada, including The High Mountain Hay Fever Bluegrass Festival (West Cliff Colorado); The Spoleto Festival (Charleto South Carolina); and The Wintergrass Bluegrass Festival (Tacoma, WA). ; and The Port Townsend Blues Festival, Port Townsend WA. from www.kennedy-center.org
