CADILLAC SKY
- From Fort Worth, TX
- Formed in 2002 by Bryan Simpson (mandolin, fiddle, lead vocals), Matt Menefee (banjo), Mike Jump (guitar), Clint Sturgeon (bass), and Ross Holmes (fiddle).
- 2003, released first album “Talent Show,” produced by Pat Flynn.
- 2005, Andy Moritz replaced Sturgeon on bass.
- The band name was inspired by a place called Cadillac Ranch near Amarillo, Texas where a row of old Cadillacs are stuck nose-down in a cow pasture along I-40.
- Simpson has written songs recorded by artists such as George Strait, Gretchen Wilson, Joe Nichols, Diamond Rio, Jo Dee Messina, Neal McCoy, Brad Martin and Kenny Rogers. In 2009, his song “I’ll Just Hold On” (recorded by Blake Shelton) reached #5 spot on the Billboard Country chart.
- Fiddler Ross Holmes spent time in Josh Turner’s band.
- Banjo player Matt Menefee won the Winfield Banjo Championship at age 17.
- 2007, released Blind Man Walking
album (Skaggs Family Records).
- 2008, released Gravity’s Our Enemy
album (Skaggs Family Records).
- 2008, guitarist David Mayfield replaced Jump.
- 2010, released Letters in the Deep
album (Dualtone Records).
- 2010, Bryan Simpson left the band to pursue Christian ministry opportunities and was replaced by singer/songwriter Levi Lowrey.
- 2011 (January), disbanded.
- 2014, reunited to play on Brian Simpson’s solo project “Whistles and Bells.”
- 2019, Simpson and Menefee formed a new act called The Golden Age.