Influenced greatly by his father and grandfather, Edgar Loudermilk cut his teeth on bluegrass by learning to play bass to the legendary record, “Bluegrass Album Band Volume 1” record. Surrounded by music at an early age, he was only nine when he began playing bass in his family’s band, Loudermilk was also exposed to the great music of some of his famous relatives, The Louvin Brothers. He continued to play in his family’s band until he was 20 years oldwhen he joined a group called Carolina Crossfire. The band had quite a following in the Georgia area and it wasn’t long before he decided to expand his options and try his hand at playing professionally, a decision that has made him a staple for elite artists in bluegrass music. In 2001, Loudermilk auditioned for, and was hired by Rhonda Vincent. About a year later, he was encouraged to audition for one of the greatest voices in country music who he had heard was making a move to bluegrass. In December of that year, Loudermilk became the bass player and tenor singer in the newly formed group Full Circle and would back up Marty Raybon for almost five years.
“I really enjoyed playing with Rhonda and Marty,” stated Loudermilk. “My first professional job was with Rhonda and I learned so much from her. Working with Marty was really a great experience because we not only played bluegrass, but we got to play some of the old Shenandoah music, too.”
In 2006, Loudermilk heard that Ray Deaton was leaving IIIrd Tyme Out and that opened up a whole new prospect for the bass-playing singer. “I’d been singing tenor for Rhonda and Marty and knowing that Ray was a great bass singer, I practiced really hard for that audition with Russell.” Loudermilk became the newest member of IIIrd Tyme Out, replacing Deaton in July, 2007. “I really love the music of this band,” stated Loudermilk. “Singing with Russell Moore is the compliment of my life because I don’t believe there’s a better singer anywhere.”
Edgar’s solo album, Roads Travelled, not only showcases his vocal talents and his solid bass playing, but also his songwriting skills, having written or co-written each of the 12 tracks on the project. In addition, he calls on the talents of his musician friends and bosses, former and current, as well. Accompanied by Tim Crouch; fiddle, Randy Kohrs; Dobro, Scott Haas; banjo and former Full Circle bandmates Ashby Frank; mandolin and Shane Blackwell; guitar, the musicianship on the CD is second to none. Guest vocalists include Marty Raybon, (duet on “Roads Travelled”),Cia Cherryholmes (duet on “It Just Might”), Rhonda Vincent (duet on “Can’t Live Life”), Russell Moore, Randy Kohrs and another former Full Circle band-mate, Glenn Harrell.
Edgar also wrote all 15 songs on on his October 2013 Mountain Fever Records’ release, My Big Chance Tomorrow. The album appeared on numerous radio charts and also appeared on the Roots Music Report’s Top 100 Bluegrass Albums of 2014 chart. His strong, confident bass playing, and vocal prowess is the foundation for this solid record.
In November 2013, Edgar joined Dave Adkins to form the new duo, Adkins & Loudermilk. Mountain Fever Records released their debut album on March 17, 2015 and since that time, the album has hit numerous Album and Singles charts including “Georgia Mountain Man” which Edgar wrote about his Grandfather.
On the trail on the highly successful A&L album, Edgar has struck out on his own with a solo project that he is very excited about. He is working with a new band called Edgar Loudermilk Band, Featuring Jeff Autry, and although the band name may be new, all of the members have played together for quite some time and have quite a chemistry and stage dynamic. Edgar’s former A&L bandmates, Jeff Autry (featured guitar player), Glen Crain (dobro) and Zack Autry (mandolin), complete his current band. They have just finished recording Edgar’s next album, titled “Georgia Maple” due out in July 2016, along with banjo picker, Chris Wade and are booked solid all over the United States and Canada throughout the remainder of 2016.
Look for these boys out on the road in 2016 and 2017, they won’t be hard to find with their busy tour schedule coast to coast!
www.EdgarLoudermilk.com
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