Terry
McKinney
A Name You Can
Trust To Bring You
Traditional
Country Music
See a video performance from the Red Hot Jubilee Jam
featuring Terry McKinney, Brian & Joey Gurl, Lenny Ski, Judy Alexander and Eddie Graham
Press the musical note:
Then scroll down the page to Red, Hot, Jubilee Jam and click on see the video
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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
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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.
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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. |
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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." |
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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 |
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SCHEDULE OF APPEARANCES -2007 2007-2008 2007: January 20 - Marco Island, Florida - Jubliee Jam Show with Terry McKinney, Brain Gurl, Lenny Ski, Judy Alexander February14 - Valentines Day Party, Brain Center, 2:00 p.m. Spruce Pine, NC Terry McKinney and special friends. February 25 - Sebring, Florida Jubilee Jam Show
March3 - Lake
Wales, Florida Chet Cutshaw`s Place
March9 - Port
Charlotte, Florida Jubilee Jam Show
March 16 - Crystal Lake, Napeles Florida, Jubillee Jam Show with Terry McKinney, Brian Gurl, Judy Alexander, Lenny Ski.
March 23 - Senior
Center Marion Show and Dance Fundraiser for senior games. The
PUBLIC IS INVITED!
Saturday, May 26 - 2:00-4:30 - The Historic Orchard at Altapass
Friday, June 1
Terry McKinney hosts dedication of state road
194 in honor of Lulu Belle & Scotty Wiseman on the grounds of Pine Grove
Methodist Church with special guest Lulu Belle & Scotty's grandchildren,
along with other family and
friends. Also guest from the N.C. Department of Transportation, and members
of the N.C. Legislature. Public invited 10:00A.M.
Saturday, June 2 -
Avery Country Heritage Festival
Terry McKinney & Judy Carson at authors' tent with their book
"Altapass". and Mr. Bill Carson, one of the area's greatest
storytellers. Also Judy Carson as "Miss Minnie Pearl." Terry McKinney
will also do a music performance. All day event to be held in Crossnore,
N.C.
June
8 -
8:00-10:00 P.M. -
Terry McKinney & Country Heritage Band
at the Burnsville Town Center, Burnsville, NC. Java Jam Show sponsored by
The Toe River Arts Council. Tickets available at TRAC and
Burnsville Town Center
Friday,
June 22-
7:00- 10:00 PM
Terry
McKinney with The Country
Sounds. at the Homeplace in the Mills River Community,Asheville, N.C.
{Go 5 traffic lights passed the airport and turn right on Mills River
Road , go about 5 miles
Homeplace is on right , looks like big red barn}
Saturday, June 23 -12:30-1:30At the Historic Orchard at Altapass: Terry introduces talented students from Mitchell County Schools who were his music students this past school year. 2:00-4:30 - The Historic Orchard at Altapass variety show. Saturday, June 23 - 6:00 PM Terry helps "The Gem of the Mineral City" Tom Sparks at the Hidden Valley Campground, Marion, NC. Wednesday, July 4 - 1:30-2:00 Terry performs at the Orchard July 4 Barbecue. 7:00-9:00 Terry and The Country Heritage Band entertain at the Pinebridge Inn lawn party. Bring a lawn chair and enjoy great music, hamburgers, hotdogs, and when dark comes, this is the best spot in town to view spectacular FIREWORKS!!!! Thursday, July 5 - Benefit Show for musician Frank Buchanan whose health is declining rapidly and is in need of financial help. At P&H Music House (the Old House Theater in Marion.) Admission is free, but please make donations or participate in cake walks or buy raffle tickets. Raffle items and cakes needed. for Information, call Jack McKinney (828) 765-9602 or Terry McKinney (828) 652-3003. Thursday, July 12 - 1:45-3:15 - with Bobby Gardner, dobro. Wonderful Weekdays Program at The Historic Orchard at Altapass Friday, July 13 - 7:00-10:00 PM Terry with special guests Fred Rumfelt, Ray Hall, Roger Duncan and Billie Joe England (were part of the original Rhythm Kings) at the Senior Center, Marion, NC. Public is invited. Good music, snacks and a great dance floor! Saturday, July 14 - 12:30-1:30 - with Bobby Gardner (dobro) at The Historic Orchard at Altapass 7:00-10:00 PM - Terry McKinney...A name you can trust to bring you traditional country music! Enjoy good food and a dance floor for his performance at Curly's Fish Camp. From Marion take 1-40 east to Exit 118, turn left, cross bridge back over I-40, turn left like you are getting back on the Interstate. The road is two lane for about 50 yards. Take the first right. Curly's is about 150 yards on the right. Thursday, July 19 - 6:00 PM - Marion Community Building for the Lions Club Annual Picnic for the Blind Impaired. Thursday, July 26 - 1:45-3:15 Terry entertains informally at The Historic Orchard at Altapass. Saturday, July 28 - 2:00-4:30 - The Historic Orchard at Altapass
Friday, August 3 -
7:00 PM
Country Sounds at The
Homeplace, at Mills River Community. Go 5 traffic lights past the
Asheville Airport. Turn right on Mills River Road. Homeplace is a red barn
building approximately 5 miles on right. Classic
Country and a great dance floor. Family fun.
Saturday, August 4 - 4:00-6:00 at Young's Mountain Music. Come help celebrate the birthday of Mrs. Vi Humphrey. All musicians welcome to share the stage and celebrate the BIG 80th! |
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Thursday, Aug 23 - 1:45-3:15 - with Judy Alexander for the Wonderful Weekdays Program - The Historic Orchard at Altapass
Friday, August 24
Altapass All-Stars will be in full bloom for the
Annual Chill Cookoff at the Historic Orchard at Altapass. This line up will
feature Judy Alexander, Terry McKinney, Tom Sparks, Johnny Ellis, Chet
Cutshall, Eual Owens, Jerry & Mattie Ramsey, and the return of the legendary
percussionist Eddie Graham, who has played with the great Elvis Presley and
the famous jazz pianist Earl "Fatha" Hines. Tickets available at the
Orchard, 828-765-9314, or call Bonnie Schmink at 828-766-0208.
Saturday, Aug 25 - 2:00-4:30 - The Historic Orchard at Altapass
Friday, Sept 7
- 7:00 PM - Altapass All-Stars---Judy Alexander, Terry McKinney, Tom Sparks,
Johnny Ellis and an all-star backup band. Burnsville Town Center, Burnsville
N.C.
Produced by Jaase Productions. Tickets availabe at Burnsville Town Center
box office or call Alex & Judy 941-468-7123, Terry & Ruth 828-460-7545 or
828-652-3003
Thursday, Sept 13 - 1:45-3:15 - with Judy Alexander and Eddie Graham for the Wonderful Weekdays Program - The Historic Orchard at Altapass Saturday, Sept 22 - 2:00-4:30 - The Historic Orchard at Altapass Thursday, Sept 27 - 1:45-3:15 - with Bobby Gardner (dobro) for The Wonderful Weekdays Program at The Historic Orchard at Altapass Saturday, Sept 29 - 12:30-1:30 - with Terry and Friends at The Historic Orchard at Altapass
Friday, October 12
Terry McKinney and the Country Heritage Band, a name you can trust for
traditional country music. McDowell Senior Center, Marion N.C. Great music,
dance floor and snacks. Public Welcome!
Wednesday, Oct. 17 - 12:30-2:30 - Terry presents a musical show for a tour group at The Orchard at Altapass. 2007-8: FOR MORE INFORMATION ABOUT THE 2008 FLORIDA SHOWS CALL (828) 460-7545 # Public Show, all are welcome! #Saturday. Dec. 8 - 7:00 PM Hernando Performing Arts Center Brookfield FL 352-596-8555 Saturday, Dec. 12 - 4:00 & 7:00 performances The Plantation, Leesburg, FL Wednesday,Jan. 2 - 8:00 PM Kings Point Delray, Delray Beach FL (east coast) #Saturday, Jan 12 - 7:30 PM Aripeka Elks, Hudson FL 727-868-2994 Saturday, Jan 26 - 7:30 PM Top of the World, Ocala FL Saturday, Feb 2 - Kissimmee (two shows) (tentative) Wednesday, Feb 6 - Call for information Thursday, Feb 7 - 7:30 High Vista, Davenport FL Friday, Feb 8 - 5:00 & 8:00 performances Solivita, Poinciana FL Saturday, Feb 9 - Boynton Beach (call for information) Sunday, Feb 10 - 7:30 PM Horizon Village, North Fort Myers FL #Saturday, Feb 23 - 2:00 & 7:00 PM performances United Methodist Church, Spring Hill FL 352-596-0080 Sunday, February 24 - 7:00 PM Summertree, New Port Richey Thursday, March 6 - 7:00 PM Encore, Nokomis, FL Monday, March 10 - 7:00 PM Ramblers Rest RV Resort, Venice Friday, March 14 - Davenport (tentative) Saturday, March 15 Call for information Wednesday, April 2 - 7:00 PM Timber Pines, Springhill, FL
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| 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." |
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)
