Driving Rain is a bluegrass band from the Georgetown, KY area. Formed in early 2002, its current lineup produces a hard-driving sound based on the rich tradition of the music of Bill Monroe, Reno & Smiley, Flatt and Scruggs, Larry Sparks, Ralph Stanley and Charlie Waller. The band also produces original tunes performed by Jim Willoughby. A four-piece group; music centers on solid harmony and rhythm, crisp banjo works, amazing flat-picking guitar, fine licks on the mandolin, and solid bass timing. Driving Rain is a traditional bluegrass band that brings to mind the bands of the past with a sound that is distinctly its own.
~~ JAMES WILLOUGHBY ~~
• After forty years playing traditional bluegrass, my goal is to keep the music alive and help others who wish to learn how to play.
• While growing up, I was influenced by musicians like Buddy Holly, Duane Eddy, Chet Atkins and, of course, the one and only Hank Williams.
BIO
I was born in LaFollette, TN and raised in Dundalk, MD. I have two boys; one in the U. S. Navy and the other living in Sykesville, MD. Also, I am proud to be called Papa by one of the sweetest granddaughters in the world.
Entered the U. S. Army in January 1961 until October 1967. After the service, I played music with family members during our weekend family pickin’ sessions, which consisted of two uncles playing the guitar and banjo, my dad singing, and at that time, I was learning to play guitar. At that time, my music career was influenced by the distinct sounds of Flatt & Scruggs, Reno & Smiley, The Osborne Brothers, and The Stanley Brothers.
In 1972, my dad started a band called "Pop Willoughby and The Twin River Ramblers." It was that time I got the “itch†to be permanently in a band. When dad’s band broke up, I went with "Emery Ledford and Gunpowder Bluegrass" for twelve years playing in MD, PA and VA. In 1984, I played guitar for three years with "Casual Bluegrass" in the MD area. My music career was semi-retired until I was transferred to KY in 1995. My wife, June, and I currently reside in Georgetown, KY. We started this band in 2002, and we also run a bluegrass jam session every week in Georgetown.
March 1997, I was diagnosed with a heart condition, and on April 24, 1998, I received a heart transplant in Nashville, TN. After transplant, I began playing the guitar on a regular basis and in 2002 formed Driving Rain. We cut our first CD “Most Requested†in 2004, and our second project, "Drivin' On" was released in 2007. I feel that I have not only been blessed with my health but with the opportunity of working with the fine musicians presently in Driving Rain.
~~ JIM WEST ~~
I have been playing in bands approximately forty years. I enjoy playing all types of music. Started playing rock then moved on to bluegrass, country and gospel. My early musical influences were my parents and my uncles; a lot of front and back porch pickin' gave me my love for music. While playing with rock bands, I learned the most about playing. George and Mike Estepp introduced me to the bass, and I have yet to lay it down. Music has played an important role in my life, specifically when it comes to being with family and friends.
Here is a list of the bands that I have worked with over the years:
.....Rock.....
Shadows of Time, Expectations, Retreat
.....Bluegrass.....
The Blue Tyes of Grass, Eastern Blend, Gary Strong & Hardtimes, and Driving Rain. I am currently working with Driving Rain.
.....Gospel.....
Ambassadors For Christ, Highlands Christianaires, Dave Biddle & Sam Clark Gospel Band. Currently working with pianist, Dottie Hughes, Highlands Baptist Church.
~~ RICK HARMON ~~
I was fortunate to have my first banjo when I was 11 years old. In 1967, during my early teens, I watched the Lester Flatt and Earl Scruggs show on television, and while watching Earl play three-finger style, I decided that was what I wanted to do. My dad was very supportive, and he bought me some picks. At 17 years, I attended a Country Gentleman concert in Ashland, KY and that was all it took. I was bit by the bug!
Over the years, my dad, a couple of his friends and I had a band named "Spring Grass" based out of Ironton, Ohio. As time went by, dad retired and he and my mom went to Florida during the winter months (as did the other men in the band), and that is when I branched out on my own.
Influences: Earl Scruggs, Bill Emerson, Bill Keith, Tony Trischka and Bela Fleck.
I joined Driving Rain in 2003 and left a year later to spend time with my family in Mt. Sterling, KY. My wife, Julie, and I are the proud parents of Joshua Aaron, who is now three years old. I'm glad to have returned with the band last summer.
~~ JESSE PENA ~~
I was born in the Panama Canal Zone to a military family, and traveled extensively before moving to Nashville, TN to play guitar and mandolin for various country and gospel artists. Coming from a very musical family, I was encouraged to play guitar as a child. In 1974, I began playing the mandolin. When not playing or teaching music, my wife, Peggy, and I (both of us are horse nuts) enjoy all outdoor activities and share a love for the bluegrass region of central Kentucky.
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