Direct from the hills of Kentucky, The McLain Family Band has become internationally known as one of the most spontaneous, creative and spirited groups performing contemporary Appalachian Bluegrass music.
During the years 1968 – 1990 they performed in all 50 states – and 62 countries during 14 international concert tours, some as musical ambassadors of the U.S. Department of State. The McLain Family Band played at the Grand Ole Opry, Carnegie Hall, Kennedy Center for the Performing Arts, the Lincoln Center and the Carter Fold. They were featured at thousands of festivals and concerts and performed as soloists in more than 230 appearances with orchestras.
For eleven years, The McLain Family Band hosted The McLain Family Band Festival which was featured on NPR’s Folk Festival USA and produced by Kentucky Educational TV for national distribution. Other television appearances include NBC’s Today Show, The CBS Morning News, ABC’s Good Morning America, The Pearl Bailey ETV Special, The BBC, TNN’s Nashville Now and the Johnny Cash Christmas Special.
The McLain Family Band has consisted, through the years, of various combinations of family members. The core touring band for 2017 & 2018 includes: Raymond McLain, Ruth McLain, Alice and Al White and Daxson Lewis, with occasional guest appearances from Nancy Ann Wartman and Michael & Jennifer McLain.
Raymond
Raymond performs, produces, and records. He often appears on stage and recording with Canadian harmonica virtuoso, Mike Stevens. For more than 10 years, he played music from the stage the world famous Grand Ole Opry and toured with Jim & Jesse and the Virginia Boys. During the late ‘60s and early ‘70’s Raymond occasionally played mandolin with Don Reno, Red Smiley and Bill Harrell. Raymond serves as Director of the Kentucky Center for Traditional Music at Morehead State University.
Ruth
Ruth’s talent and stage presence have been a powerful part of the McLain Family Band’s success since it’s creation in 1968. She has the unique ability to be comfortable and effective in a starring or a supportive role. Ruth has written songs that have been recorded by her family and by other national touring artists including Rhonda Vincent and The Lewis Family. Her masterful upright bass playing has delighted audiences and inspired young musicians to take up the instrument! In her “spare time,” she teaches at The Kentucky Center for Traditional Music at Morehead State University.
Alice
Alice's beautiful voice is an important part of the group’s sound. She is powerful as a soloist and helps create the McLain’s unique vocal harmony blend. Her brother, Raymond, says, Alice has both the voice and the heart of an angel. She is a splendid communicator and was responsible for arranging many of the group’s first international concert touring opportunities.
Al
Al, proficient on any number of instruments, moved from New Mexico to Nashville and then to Kentucky to pursue a career in music. For several years, he and country music artist, Vince Gill were an important part of the groundbreaking bluegrass group, The Bluegrass Alliance. The McLain Family Band was fortunate when he and Alice married and Al agreed to join the band. His consummate musicianship puts a fine finish on the McLain sound. Al teaches bluegrass instrument lessons and leads the Berea College Bluegrass Ensemble at Berea College in Berea, Kentucky.
Daxson
Daxson's musical prowess and ability to connect with an audience have taken him to prestigious venues in this country and abroad. He hails from Eastern Kentucky where he grew up playing Bluegrass, Old Time and Country Music. Daxson's remarkable touch and tone on the five-string banjo draw from influences such as J.D. Crowe, Sonny Osborne and Raymond McLain. He honed his craft while earning a Bachelor of Arts degree in Traditional Music at the Kentucky Center for Traditional Music, Morehead State University. Daxson plays masterfully with the McLain Family Band.