Lonesome River Band just celebrated their 30th Anniversary with three 2012 albums, CHRONOLOGY Volumes One – Three” on Rural Rhythm Records. This mega group certainly continues their reputation as one of the most respected names in bluegrass music. Longtime band member, multi-award winning banjo picker and Virginia Country Music Hall of Famer, Sammy Shelor has put together a wealth of talent that includes: Brandon Rickman (lead & harmony vocals and guitar); Mike Hartgrove (fiddle); Barry Reed (bass, harmony vocals); and Randy Jones (lead & harmony vocals, mandolin) all performing the distinctive LRB sound fans love.
Lonesome River Band’s long career is obviously filled with a multitude of Awards and Recognitions including the International Bluegrass Music Association (IBMA) honoring the group with numerous awards for Album of the Year and topping it off with an amazing five-time award wins for Shelor as IBMA Banjo Performer of the Year. The band won the 2012 IBMA Instrumental Recorded Performance of the Year for their song, "Angeline The Baker" from their Chronology, Volume One album. They have also received recognition by SPBGMA for numerous Bluegrass Band of Year wins, Vocal Group of the Year, Song of the Year and Shelor as Banjo Player of the Year.
Sammy Shelor was the recipient of the 2nd Annual Steve Martin Prize for Excellence in Banjo and Bluegrass. Lonesome River Band with special guest Steve Martin made an appearance and performed on the Late Show With David Letterman on November 11, 2011. During that year, members of LRB received five IBMA nominations, including Album of the Year for their participation on The All-Star Jam: Live At Graves Mountain album on Rural Rhythm Records.
