How We Began
Southern Specific is the result of some casual talk between friends that liked traditional country music. At a jam session…Sparky mentioned that we should get together a group to play Hank Williams and similar music. Sparky assumed correctly that the audience at Albert Hall would enjoy what we were doing. We assembled a group and performed our first set.
Over the next few sets at Albert Hall,
our members changed a bit, and our music selections changed a bit as
well. Our band transformed into what is recognized today as Southern
Specific.
We truly enjoy
playing together, and according to the audience…it shows.
What We Play
We play a wide range of traditional
country, early rock and roll, rock-a-billy, and some more modern
country that has the traditional sound and feel.
You're likely to hear songs made popular by Hank
Thompson, George Jones, Faron Young, Dwight Yoakum, Hank Snow, Lefty
Frizzell, Johnny Horton, Bob Wills, Hank Williams, Sr., Junior
Brown, Wayne Hancock, Don Williams, Rick Nelson, Buck Owens, Ernest Tubb...even
Carl Perkins, Bill Haley and Chuck Berry.
Gone...But Not Forgotten
Jim Rider
Jim Rider lost his courageous battle with cancer on January 8, 2011.
Jim had a warm personality and incredible knowledge of music.
Jim knew the lyrics to almost every country song
ever written, and truly enjoyed playing music, entertaining others.
Jim's rhythm playing and vocals will be missed by band members and fans alike.
His friendship will be missed all the more.
Sparky Dyer
One
of the founding members of Southern Specific,
Sparky passed away in
December of 2007.
Sparky had the ability to hear a song
once, then play the lead melody. Sparky was often featured in
instrumental numbers,
like "Guitar Boogie Shuffle" or "Sleepwalk".
An incredible lead guitarist, a good man and dear friend…
we all miss
him very much.
Ron Morris
Many of you know that my Father was a huge part in why I got
involved in music. He passed away on January 30th, 2009.
While never a member of Southern Specific, he made his mark on the
country music scene. Here's a picture from the early 1950s, when Dad
was part of the Trailblazers. He is on the left. Country music fans
will remember Sally Starr in the middle.
