Nashville, TN -- 101 Ranch Records will be releasing the first Band of Ruhks CD tomorrow, a group including Ronnie Bowman, Don Rigsby and Kenny Smith of the acclaimed Lonesome River Band. Originating from a successful Lonesome River Band reunion in 2010, the band’s self-titled, self-produced debut album is scheduled for release on March 17 followed by a reception and performance on Wednesday, March 18 at the Station Inn in Nashville. The album’s lead single, “Coal Mining Man,” features bluegrass legend Dr. Ralph Stanley.
“The members of Band of Ruhks have already had such accomplished and respected careers and we couldn’t be more thrilled to be working with them on this exciting new project,” commented Teresa Vinson, Vice President of Operations, 101 Ranch Records. “Along with Mark Collie and The Boxmasters featuring Billy Bob Thornton, they’re a welcome addition to the 101 Ranch Records family.”
Written by Bowman along with esteemed country artist Mark Collie, the band’s first single “Coal Mining Man” includes the unmistakable vocals of iconic bluegrass artist Dr. Ralph Stanley.
"I have known Ralph since I was a child and he is a lifelong friend,” said Don Rigsby. “We are thrilled to have worked with him on the single and, as always, he nailed it. Nobody else sounds like him."
Band of Ruhks deliver a fresh take on bluegrass with their debut album, all while drawing off of the prolific careers of its members. In addition to their time performing together in the Lonesome River Band, each member has developed a distinct individual career. In addition to receiving accolades for his solo albums, Bowman has scored #1 hits as a songwriter with artists such as Kenny Chesney and Brooks & Dunn. He has been recognized with three IBMA Male Vocalist of the Year awards, as well as awards for Album and Song of the Year.
Alongside his role as the first full-time director of Morehead State University’s Kentucky Center for Traditional Music, Rigsby has released six well-received albums, including Doctor’s Orders, his tribute to Dr. Ralph Stanley. And Smith has remained a staple in the bluegrass circuit, releasing eight albums with his wife Amanda and receiving a GRAMMY Award nomination along with two nods for Guitarist of the Year from the IBMA.
