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Mickey Galyean and Cullen's Bridge

Mickey Galyean and Cullen’s Bridge

Bluegrass band Low Gap, NC (Surry County)

Mickey Galyean and Cullen’s Bridge plays bluegrass music in a style established by regional bands like Cullen Galyean and the Stanley Brothers, in addition to creating their own original music rooted in these traditions.

After the passing of his father, Cullen Galyean, in 2010, Mickey felt a strong desire to keep the music of his father alive.  Cullen left a deep musical legacy in the region, including a long list of traditional mountain bluegrass songs that have been become part of the bluegrass cannon.  The band makes an intentional effort to honor the music and the people from the region who developed the style.

Mickey grew up in Surry County playing all kinds of music, from rock-n-roll to country gospel.  Mickey eventually turned his attention to traditional bluegrass music, playing guitar and singing lead with Rich In Tradition before helping start Mickey Galyean and Cullen’s Bridge.

Brad Hiatt grew up in a musical household, with banjos, fiddle, guitars, and mandolins commonplace around the home.  Brad was also part of the Rich In Tradition band before helping start Cullen’s Bridge.  Brad plays an old Kay bass that used to belong to Cousin Jake of the Foggy Mountain Boys.  He also writes songs and sings lead and harmony parts in the band.

Rick Pardue has been playing bluegrass music for more than 50 years.  Rick is known for his excellent bluegrass banjo playing, and over the years he has picked with many artists and bands including Roy McMillan, Sugarloaf Ramblers, Long & Pardue, and Carolina Road.  Rick is also a songwriter, and the recipient of the 2012 International Bluegrass Music Association “Song of the Year” award.

Billy Hawks, from Dobson, NC, started traveling on the road at age 15, playing in a bluegrass gospel band.  He spent several years competing in conventions around the region and country, including winning the prestigious Galax bluegrass fiddle competition.  He toured with Big Country Bluegrass for six years before joining Junior Sisk and Ramblers Choice, touring around the country and Canada.

Mickey Galyean and Cullen's Bridge
Mickey Galyean and Cullen’s Bridge