NASHVILLE, TN (Jan 13, 2025) – Thoroughbred Records, a division of Daywind Music Group, proudly announces the signing of The Chuck Wagon Gang, who for nearly 90 years has influenced Gospel music with an instantly identifiable sound that seamlessly blends Southern, Country, and Bluegrass Gospel and has captivated generations throughout their incredible history. With this partnership, they will continue to honor their legacy while working towards future projects and collaborations with fresh perspective.

“With a rich history of nearly 90 years, it is a sincere honor to have the opportunity to work with and represent The Chuck Wagon Gang, as they continue to keep the unique sound and legacy of this legendary group alive for future generations to enjoy and appreciate,” said Jerry Salley, Creative Director and A&R at Thoroughbred Records.

Throughout their incredible career, The Chuck Wagon Gang has been recognized with numerous accolades, including the great honor of being inducted into the Gospel Music Hall of Fame in 1998, performinginthe White House, and having albums become part of the Smithsonian Institution's permanent music collection. They have received multiple awards throughout their tenure, solidifying their place as one of the most influential groups in the genre. They have also sold millions of records and songbooks. Now consisting of members Shaye Smith (alto and granddaughter of the group’s original alto. Anna Carter), Melissa Kemper (soprano), Josh Garner (lead), Nick Poe (banjo) and Cody Shaneyfelt (upright bass), the group continues to carry forward its remarkable legacy.

“For decades, the question has been asked, 'How do you categorize The Chuck Wagon Gang?' The truth is, you can’t,” said Shaye Smith. “We have a foothold in Southern, Country, and Bluegrass Gospel. Thoroughbred Records recognizes this and has given us a tremendous platform to expand upon our rich history, exploring new territory while keeping the traditional Chuck Wagon Gang sound.”

Fans can look forward to upcoming projects that pay homage to the band’s roots while embracing fresh, creative growth. Stay tuned and follow the group at thechuckwagongang.net or on all social media and streaming platforms. 

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ABOUT THOROUGHBRED RECORDS

Thoroughbred Records is home to the Chuck Wagon Gang and Chosen Road, two of the top Bluegrass Gospel artists in the genre. Thoroughbred emerged in 1995 as a premier outlet for Bluegrass Gospel music, featuring such artists as the Lewis Family, the Easter Brothers, and the Chigger Hill Boys and Terri. The Lewis Family, Hall of Famers in both the Bluegrass and Gospel genres, recorded for the label from 1995 until shortly before their retirement in 2009. The Easter Brothers, a Mt. Airy, NC, mainstay in the genre featuring brothers Edd, Russell, and James Easter, followed and were later joined on the label by the Chigger Hill Boys and Terri in 2003. Along with these tremendous artists, the label directed attention to the Gospel side of Bluegrass during the period of tremendous resurgence of the Bluegrass genre following the release of the blockbuster movie, O Brother, Where Art Thou, through its two-volume collection of Bluegrass Gospel music, O Lord How Great Thou Art, which featured cuts from notable artists including Bill Monroe, Ralph Stanley, Bluegrass Cardinals, Alison Kraus, Ricky Skaggs, and many more. Thoroughbred culminated its successful initial run with an audio and video collaboration featuring Jeff and Sheri Easter, the Lewis Family, and the Easter Brothers aptly titled We are Family. Chosen Road re-launched the label in late 2022, and, now,Thoroughbred Records welcomes the Chuck Wagon Gang.