Red Clay Ramblers, The

Formed in 1972 by Jim Watson (guitar), Tommy Thompson (banjo) and Bill Hicks (fiddle).
Known as “America’s Favorite Whatzit Band.”
They specialized in energetic bluegrass, old-time, Irish, folk, cajun, blues, ragtime and country.
Their music was featured on the hit TV series “Northern Exposure.”
1974, for six months, they performed in a play called “Diamond Studs” in New York City.
1976, released Twisted Laurel album (Flying Fish)
1977, released Merchants Lunch album (Flying Fish).
1979, released Chuckin’ the Frizz album (Flying Fish).
1981, released Hard Times album (no label).
1987, Shawn Colvin was a member of the band.
1988, founding member Jim Watson left the band to join Robin and Linda Williams and Their Fine Group.
1992, featured on Michelle Shocked’s album “Arkansas Traveler.”
1992, toured Morocco, Algeria, Tunisia, Jordan and Syria for the U.S. Information Agency.
1992, released Rambler album (Sugar Hill).
1993, they performed in a hit Broadway play called “Fool Moon” which won a Tony Award for the band. This play also had a run at the Kennedy Center in Washington DC.
2002, released Yonder album (no label).
2003, founding member Tommy Thompson died.
2004, performed in an Off-Broadway play called “Lone Star Love.”
2012, celebrated their 40th anniversary as a band.
2018, founding member Bill Hicks died.