Bill and Libby Hicks have been mainstays of the traditional music scene for decades. Bill is a founding member of the Red Clay Ramblers and a recording member of the Fuzzy Mountain String Band. A songwriter as well, Bill learned fiddling techniques from such masters as Burl Hammons and Tommy Jarrell. Partner Libby Hicks is likewise an accomplished artist. During the 1970s she performed in a variety of venues, serving as the “harmonizing half” of a duet with North Carolina blues artist Lightnin’ Wells. In 1982 Libby teamed with Bill Hicks, creating a vibrant fusion of guitar, fiddle, and keyboard interpretations of Appalachian tradition and old-time string band singing.

Over the years, Bill and Libby have continued to expand their musical horizons. They perform at music festivals and at special events across the country. By their own admission, their latest recording “reflects 18 years of life together. It includes old-time fiddle tunes, blues, original songs, and an old hymn. When I listen, I can hear how our musical styles have merged and morphed through all these years of playing and singing together. But mostly what I hear is how blessed Bill and I were to come from families who valued music and from an area of the country where the tradition has always been to sing your way through work and play, hard times and good times, tragedy and foolishness, oppression and freedom, poverty, love, and loss. Through the “valley of the shadow” on into “sweet heaven.” Daughter Anna who harmonizes on several tracks and handles the lead vocals on Tear Stained Eye joins Bill and Libby. Significantly, Bill supplies four of the tunes.