BILL HARRELL

• From Marion, Virginia. Lived in Davidsonville, Maryland for many years.
• Began performing in the 1950’s.
• Formed his band The Virginians in the early 60’s. Recorded several landmark albums for United Artists and Monument Records. This group appeared regularly on the Jimmy Dean’s CBS-TV show.
• 1966, teamed up with Don Reno and the Tennessee Cutups, singing lead in place of the late Red Smiley.
• 1977, was involved in a traffic accident that left him with two broken legs. Reno and Harrell officially called it quits in September of that year
• 1978, re-organized “The Virginians” and continued to perform with this group (with numerous personnel changes over the years) until the mid-90’s when he retired.
• Was a good friend of the late singer Jim Reeves. Bill wrote several songs for him.
• Once considered changing his name to “Morgan Atkins” and going country. (Name is a combination of his wife’s and his mother’s maiden names.
• He performed for presidents Nixon, Reagan and Bush.
• His son Mitch Harrell performed for many years with the Virginians and became a solo artist.
• 2008, recieved a “Distinguished Achievement Award” from the IBMA.
• 2009 (June 24), died after suffering a stroke.

RECOMMENDED ALBUMS:

• Classic Bluegrass (Rebel Records)