The Kentucky Colonels were a legendary California bluegrass band of the 1960s that achieved national prominence. Born in Maine to French Canadian parents, the White Brothers (Roland, Clarence and Eric) moved to Southern California in the 1950s. As youngsters, they won a talent contest which landed them a job as regulars on a Los Angeles television show called “The Town Hall Party.” In 1957, banjo player Billy Ray Lathum joined the band, the group had been renamed as The Kentucky Colonels, and in 1959, they began playing regularly at the Ash Grove, one of L.A.’s most prestigious folk clubs. Fiddler Scott Stoneman was added and Eric White was replaced by Roger Bush on bass. LeRoy Mack (McNees) also joined the group, playing Dobro. In 1960, they appeared on one episode of the Andy Griffith TV Show. Their albums included Appalachian Swing (World Pacific, 1964), Long Journey Home (1964, reissued on Vanguard in 1991), Livin’ in the Past (1964 live recordings released 1975 on Sierra Records). The Kentucky Colonels  broke up in 1966 but reunitedin 1973  for a European tour, with Herb Pederson playing banjo.

Clarence became a session musician in L.A. and later joined the Byrds. He died in 1973 at the age of 29 in an auto accident. He is credited with bringing the guitar into prominence as a lead instrument in bluegrass. Tony Rice was inspired by Clarence and owned Clarence’s Martin D-28 guitar that I believe is now owned by Billy Strings. Roland went on to work with Bill Monroe and the Blue Grass Boys, Lester Flatt and the Nashville Grass, The Country Gazette and The Nashville Bluegrass Band. Billy Ray Lathum joined the Dillards in the 1970s and worked with Herb Pederson in an L.A. band The Laurel Canyon Ramblers. He also had a San Diego-based group called Banjovi. Roger Bush joined fiddler Byron Berline to form The Country Gazette. LeRoy Mack formed a gospel group called Born Again Bluegrass and later, Gloryland. He has also recorded several solo projects and continues to tour, performing at festivals and churches.

In 2016, Clarence White was inducted into the IBMA’s Bluegrass Music Hall of Fame. In 2017, Roland White was inducted into the IBMA’s Bluegrass Music Hall of Fame. In 2019, the Kentucky Colonels (as a band) were inducted into the IBMA’s Bluegrass Music Hall of Fame.

This album tribute to The Kentucky Colonels offers up twelve classic songs like “If You’re Every Gonna Love Me,” “Roll in My Sweet Baby’s Arms,” and “I Might Take You Back.” A number like “Little White Washed Chimney” might be more associated with Bill Clifton. I wished that “Nine Pound Hammer” and “I Am A Pilgrim” would’ve included vocals, but the instrumental arrangements are true to those originally played by The Kentucky Colonels. There are also several other standard originals such as “Listen to the Mockingbird,” “Soldier’s Joy / Ragtime Annie,” “Alabama Jubilee,” “Clinch Mountain Backstep” and “Farewell Blues.” The tribute album has one constant, Roland White on mandolin and lead vocals. It’s especially nice to hear the variety of guitar pickers featured, including Drew Matulich, Billy Strings, Molly Tuttle, Jon Stickley, Josh Haddix and David Grier. Each brings their signature styles to the table while still channeling the legacy of Clarence White. There are five different fiddlers featured, as well as five different banjo players. It might have been nice to include some flavorings of resophonic guitar to acknowledge LeRoy Mack’s contribution to the original group. Something like “Leroy’s Ramble” or “Buck’s Run” would’ve been pretty special. And perhaps a gospel song like “I Hear Him Calling” with 4-part vocal harmony could’ve recognized the original band’s prowess in that department.   

That said, “A Tribute to the Kentucky Colonels” is a solid effort and enjoyable listen. Released in 2018, this may have been Roland White’s last album as he passed away on April 1, 2022 just a few weeks shy of age 84. It’s a fine tribute, and it also will surely stimulate one’s curiosity about the original Kentucky Colonels and their legacy. Be sure to check out that material recorded in the early 1960s too. (Joe Ross, Roots Music Report)