Terry McKinney
A Name You Can Trust To Bring You
Traditional Country Music
 

Terry McKinney welcomes country music legends

Red Wilson and O.D. Calhoun to the stage at a benefit program

 for the Mitchell County Chamber of Commerce.

TERRY H. McKINNEY      (828) 652-3003

   Terry Hughes McKinney was born in Spruce Pine, NC, in 1948.  He is the great-great grandson of the legendary Charlie McKinney who, in 1796, along with his four wives and 48 children, settled in what is now known as McKinney Gap, on the Blue Ridge Parkway at Altapass, NC.
     Terry lived in Altapass during his early years and, almost since his birth, had a great interest in music.  He was influenced by his McKinney ancestors who were well known for their front porch jam sessions, which included gospel and mountain (hillbilly) music.  Terry was also influenced by his family's habit of listening to the Grand Olde Opry on a battery radio, because they had no electricity on their farm when he was young.
     Terry started his career as a musician playing for house parties, which was common in the mountains of western North Carolina in his teen years.  He also played on the local radio station WTOE.  When Terry was 19, he was invited on stage to play with the legendary Lulu Belle and Scotty Wiseman, the local duo who became regulars on the Opry.  Terry recalls their kindness and encouraging interest in his music.
     In 1968 Terry was drafted into the United States Army and served in the 351st Aviation Company.  While in the armed services he stayed active in his music, performing for service men in Germany and England. When his service duty was over, Terry returned to Spruce Pine and continued his musical interest.  He has devoted his musical talents to keeping the heritage of mountain and traditional country, gospel and bluegrass music flourishing.  This is evident through his work.

     In 2005 Terry co-authored the book "Altapass" published by Arcadia Press.  The book is a collection of historic photos and stories shared with him by mountain friends and musicians (some who now live in far away places) who seek Terry out at The Historic Orchard at Altapass where he hosts frequent "mountain oprys". Terry has inspired the community to be actively involved in preserving their memories through storytelling and traditional music, so the "Altapass" project is on-going.
     Terry has recorded several albums through the years. See a list of his albums that are presently available from Terry, or at the Orchard at Altapass.  He is co-founder of Old Fort Mountain Music in Old Fort, NC, and past vice-president of Young's Mountain Music in Mitchell County, NC.  He is a featured performer at the Historic Orchard at Altapass, located on the very land that belonged to his great-great grandfather Charlie.

 
In 2006 Terry McKinney produced and hosted "Legend on the Blue Ridge" featuring icons of traditional music.  Among his special guests was Don Helms (on left), the only remaining member of Hank Williams Sr.'s Drifting Cowboys Band.  Helms played steel guitar for Hank, and is heard on many classic recordings such as Patsy Cline's, "Walking After Midnight," Hank Williams "Your Cheatin' Heart," and Ray Price's "Release Me."
Eddie Graham was featured in the "Legends on the Blue Ridge" show. Eddie and his wife Lana visit the NC mountains every year to play with Terry McKinney.  Eddie was the  percussionist for Elvis Presley in Las Vegas and played for Earl 'Fatha' Hines Classic Jazz Band in the '70s.  In the fall of 2007, Eddie brought a first jazz band to Altapass, featuring top jazz musicians from around the country. The show was a roaring success, and Ed is organizing a second jazz show for 2008. Eddie's favorite mountain "gig" is inviting his local musical friends to a cabin that has become his Appalachian home where Eddie and Terry lead an old fashioned jam session.

Judy Alexander was also one of the "Legends on the Blue Ridge" who is a a vocal dynamo who entertains throughout the country belting out everything from Broadway Blues to Blue Ridge ballads.  She invited Terry to come to Florida to cut a country CD along with local favorites Tom Sparks and Johnny Ellis. This coming season she will be in the mountains singing with Terry every chance she gets to promote the recording.  Proceeds will be donated to The Historic Orchard at Altapass preservation projects.
Terry, an historian as well as a music performer, co-authored "Altapass," an Images of America book published by Arcadia Publishing.  With 200 photos and storytelling captions, the book traces the story of his home town, Altapass, NC, from the time of his great, great grandfather Charlie McKinney to the present day.  He also worked closely with the NC Humanities Council to help produce a traveling museum display titled, "Orchard of Change."
Terry hosts many shows at The Orchard and other venues  He is well-known as a very generous musician for sharing his stage. His favorite "guests" are local musicians who have made significant contributions to preserving true country music.  Here he plays with Lawrence Wiseman, an 80+ year-old member of the famous musical Wiseman family.  Lawrence was the first musician to record "The Orange Blossom Special" for a major recording studio.
   
Terry enjoys inviting a variety of music pals to provide back up for his programs.  Jerry and Mattie Ramsey are just some of those friends, along with Eual Owens, Ray Cole, and Dr. Sergio Cassenego

Terry McKinney uses his talents to keep the traditions of country music alive and well.  Here he offers his very convincing impersonation of Willie Nelson.

At the end of each of his programs, Terry invites audience members to join him on the stage to sing the closing gospel number. Here Joan Forbes and Betty and Delbert Tangeman join in singing "I Saw the Light."

 
Terry McKinney Recordings
Now Available from Terry McKinney 828-652-3003
and The Orchard at Altapass  888-765-9531

HOW GREAT THOU ART - Traditional Gospel (Tape & CD)
APPALACHIAN ROOTS - Original Songs by Terry McKinney (Tape & CD)
COUNTRY LEGENDS (Tape); COUNTRY LIKE IT USED TO BE (CD) - Classic Country Selections

ALTAPASS ALL-STARS IN FULL BLOOM (CD) - A compilation of Appalachian Country, Blues, Gospel and Jazz

with Terry McKinney, Judy Alexander, Eddie Graham, Tom Sparks, Johnny Ellis and Chet Cutshall (recorded 2007)

 

SCHEDULE OF PERFORMANCES - 2009

May 3, 2009   The Historic Orchard at Altapass Sunday 1:00-2:00
Tom Sparks invites Terry to play guitar and sing along
with his great gospel and country ballads.
 
  May 7, 2009   The Historic Orchard at Altapass Thursday 1:45-3:15
REMEMBERING THE GOOD STUFF!

Terry begins a new program for the season in stories and songs,

remembering the local people and places that gave us

our rich culture in the Appalachian Mountains.

This week Tom Sparks and George Ingram help remember

Fonzer Buchanan and Tyson Buchanan and their roots in gospel music.

 
May14, 2009  The Historic Orchard at Altapass Thursday 1:45-3:15
REMEMBERING THE GOOD STUFF!  

Terry and his guest, George Ingram, follow up on the roots of gospel music

and talk more about Fonzer and Tyson Buchanan.

They also reminisce and sing songs of great local gospel singers

Arzella McKinney, Tom Sparks, Johnny Ellis and others.

Then they look ahead at the up-coming program

about the roots of traditional country music.

 
May 16, 2009  The Historic Orchard at Altapass Saturday 1:00-2:00

Tom Sparks invites Terry to play guitar and join in

Tom's Country Classics Show.

 
May 21,2009  The Historic Orchard at Altapass Thursday 1:45-3:15
REMEMBERING THE GOOD STUFF!
Terry, with Tom Sparks and George Ingram,

remember the early years and stories of the local roots in

mountain, hillbilly and country music.

 

May 23, 2009 The Historic Orchard at Altapass Saturday 2:30-4:30

Terry McKinney and his Country Heritage Band will bring

a delightful afternoon of country classic music for clogging and waltzing

with a variety of special guests that keep our heritage alive.

 

May 25, 2009 The Historic Orchard at Altapass Monday 11:00-5:00

MEMORIAL DAY CELEBRATION!!!!

The Orchard provides BBQ, tea, water and paper goods.

You bring a covered dish large enough to serve several people or pay $12.00 per plate.

Entertainment is offered in 30 minute segments by different local music groups.

The program will honor our beloved musicians who passed away recently:

 Herb Greene, Bruce Moody, Jimmy Wiseman, Binky Mace,

Bobby (Lefty) Gardner,  and Arzella McKinney.

  

May 28, 2009 The Historic Orchard at Altapass Thursday 1:45-3:15

REMEMBERING THE GOOD STUFF!

Terry remembers, with his brother Jack McKinney, the local musicians

Bill Winters, Red Wilson and other great fiddlers.

 

May 29, 2009 The Historic Orchard at Altapass Friday 1:45-3:15

Tom Sparks and Terry McKinney will capture the audience with songs and stories

of the great musicians that formed our Appalachian musical history.

 

 

June 18, 2009  At The Orchard at Altapass 1:45-3:15

. Remembering The Good Stuff! Terry and Tom Sparks reach back in their memories

and bring back all the songs they learned long ago from the early years.

Come help remember the songs of days gone by.

 

June 25, 2009 At the Orchard At Altapass Thursday 1:45-3:15

Terry's program of "Remembering The Good Stuff" brings a special guest from South Carolina

who was an original Carolina Barn Dance performer and former Grand Olde Opry performer.

She is also a native of Mitchell County. Come out and welcome Betty Duncan Fisher

home to remember the good old days.

June 26, 2009  Music In The Park, Canton, NC  7:00-9:00

Picking in the city park. Great stage with dance floor, concession stand will be open.

Bring lawn chair or blanket and enjoy Terry's Country Hertitage Band with

Tom Sparks, Chet Cutshall, Jerry and Mattie Ramsey, and other guests.

 

June 27, 2009  Historic Orchard At Altapass 2:30-4:30

                   Terry McKinney & Country Heritage will  bring you a afternoon of classic country

 and traditional bluegrass tunes to waltz and clog to,

while you enjoy the beautiful view and all the great things the orchard has to offer.

 

July 4, 2009   Historic Orchard At Altapass Annual 4th of July Picnic.   11:00-5:00

                    The bands that play The Orchard all season will bring a day of a great variety of music.

The Orchard provides BBQ, you bring a covered dish, or $12.00 per plate

 

July 4, 2009   Pinebridge Lawn Party   6:00-9:00 Pinebridge Inn, Spruce Pine, N.C.

Terry McKinney & Country Heritage celebrate the 4th with a night of classic country music. 

Bring a lawn chair or blanket. Hamburgers and Hot Dogs will be on sale hot off the grill

by the staff of Pinebridge Inn. Best place in town to see

THE MOST A SPECTACULAR FIRE WORKS DISPLAY!

 

Thursday, July 9, 2009   "Saving the Good Stuff"  The Orchard at Altapass 1:45-3:15 

Terry McKinney interviews and plays music with well-known steel guitar musician Gordon Sauble.

                     

  Saturday July 11, 2009  Terry McKinney joins Valerie Sneade of Turning Leaf Productions

for a night of great entertainment at Port Charlotte Performing Arts Center, Port Charlotte, FL.

Check the venue for time and ticketinformation. 

 

Sunday, July 12, 2009  Terry McKinney joins Valerie Sneade of Turning Leaf Productions

for an afternoon matinee of excellent music and performance

at the Port Charollote Performing Arts Center Port, Charlotte.

Check the venue for time and ticket information.

 

July 18, 2009 RED HOT JUBILEE JAM!!! At the Burnsville, NC, Town Center

Terry McKinney joins Brian and Joy Gurl, Lenny Ski, Judy Alexander, Eddie Graham,

and other great musicians as they bring back the Red Hot Jubilee Jam Show to Burnsville.

                    Check The Town Center web site at burnsvilletowncenter.com

or GurlandGirl.com for time and ticket information.

 

July 23, 2009 Thursday Orchard at Altapass "REMEMBERING THE GOOD STUFF" 1:45-3:15
 

 July 24, 2009  Friday Lake Lure, N.C. Hickory Nut Chamber Of Commerce Visitors Center 7:00-9:00  Bring Lawn chair and enjoy an evening of classic country and

foot stomping bluegrass tunes.

 

July 25, 2009 Saturday Orchard At Altapass

Great classic country music, dancing, hayrides, best place to shop for that

 special gift, the most spectacular view of the Blue Ridge Mountains, and so much more!!!!

 
 July 30, 2009 Orchard at Altapass "REMEMBERING THE GOOD STUFF"  1:45-3:15 

SPECIAL GUESTS!!

 
 August 6, 2009 Orchard at Altapass "REMEMBERING THE GOOD STUFF"  1:45-3:15
 
 August 13, 2009 Orchard at Altapass "REMEMBERING THE GOOD STUFF"  1:45-3:15 
 
August 20, 2009 Orchard at Altapass "REMEMBERING THE GOOD STUFF"  1:45-3:15 
 

 August 28, 2009 Friday Senior Center. Marion, N.C. 6:00-9:00

Classic Country with waltz tunes and clogging hoe-downs. Bring a finger food dish.

 

  September 3, 2009 Thursday Orchard at Altapass "REMEMBERING THE GOOD STUFF"

1:45-3:15

Never know who will show up as a special guest.

 

  September 4, 2009 Friday  Picking in the Park Canton, N.C. 7:00-10:00

Classic country heritage music, with a great dance floor for clogging and waltzing.

Bring a lawn chair.

 

 September 7, 2009 Monday "Labor Day Picnic at the Orchard At Altapass" 11:00 AM-5:00  Bring covered dish or pay $12.00.

The bands that play all season will do a 30 minuite shows from 11:00-5:00

Orchard will provide BBQ, tea, and paper goods.

 
 September 7, 2009 "LABOR DAY MONDAY" Marion Depot, Marion N.C. 6:00-9:00

Bring a lawn chair and enjoy the last show of the seasons.

 
 September 10, 2009 Orchard at Altapass "REMEMBERING THE GOOD STUFF"  1:45-3:15 
 
 September 17, 2009 Orchard at Altapass "REMEMBERING THE GOOD STUFF"  1:45-3:15 
 
 September 24, 2009 Orchard at Altapass "REMEMBERING THE GOOD STUFF"  1:45-3:15 
 

 September 26, 2009 Saturday Orchard At Altapass 1:45-3:15

Classic country and foot stompin' bluegrass tunes played by musicians who know

what the good stuff sounds like, along with a atmosphere that brings happiness to everyone.

Come join the fun!!

 

October 1, 2009 Thursday 2009 Orchard at Altapass "REMEMBERING THE GOOD STUFF"  

1:45-3:15 

 

October 3, 2009  Saturday Carolina BBQ, Newland, N.C. 7:00-9:00

Terry McKinney and Tom Sparks 

 

 

    


 

Return to the Orchard at Altapass Web Site