Hard Times Dixie Holiday LP Bluegrass East Tennessee MAG Records RSR 1190

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Authentic East Tennessee bluegrass straight from the heart of the Blue Ridge—this is Hard Times by Dixie Holiday, a 1980s gem packed with mountain harmonies, stellar instrumentation, and back-porch soul. Featuring the talented lineup of Keith and Mynabelle Williams, Jerry and Susie Keys, and G.C. Matlock, this album delivers homegrown tradition with every note. Recorded at Maggard Sound Studio in Big Stone Gap, Virginia, and released on MAG Records, this LP captures the sound of bluegrass at its best—tight harmonies, crisp banjo rolls, and heartfelt vocals.

Track List:

Side One:

1. Skinny Dippin’ – 1:21
   Jerry Keys – Pub. Greasy Creek Music – BMI

2. Maples and Blue Blue Skies – 2:10
   Randall Hylton – Pub. Greasy Creek Music – BMI

3. Handsome Molly – 3:03
   G.B. Grayson

4. Your Love Is Like a Flower – 2:54

5. Bad Reputation – 3:03
   B.C. Holmes – Pub. Greasy Creek Music – BMI

6. Dixie Holiday – 2:04
   Randall Hylton – Pub. Greasy Creek Music – BMI

Side Two:

1. Walking on New Grass – 2:45

2. Old Old House – 2:54

3. Carolina Back Roads – 1:46
   Randall Hylton – Pub. Greasy Creek Music – BMI

4. These Old Blues – 2:24

5. The Great Flood – 3:11
   Arranged by Keith Williams

6. Katy Hill – 2:37 (Traditional)

Personnel and Instruments:
A. Keith Williams

• Fiddle

• Mandolin

• Lead Vocals

• Bass Vocals

B. Mynabelle Williams

• Bass

• Banjo

• Lead Vocals

• Tenor Vocals

C. Jerry Keys

• Banjo

• Bass Vocals

D. Susie Keys

• Tenor Vocals

• Bass

E. G.C. Matlock

• Guitar

• Baritone Vocals

Liner Notes:
The band has been together since March of 1980. Drawing from deep East Tennessee roots and Blue Ridge traditions, Hard Times showcases a rich repertoire that spans new and traditional bluegrass styles. Their sound, described as the "sound of authentic East Tennessee music," features tight harmonies and rich instrumentation that echo across the Smoky Mountains.

Biographical Highlights:

• Keith Williams: From Luttrell, Tennessee, a musical prodigy raised on fiddle and mandolin, with a custom Gene Horner instrument.

• Mynabelle Williams: A powerful bassist and banjoist from Ottway, Tennessee, mentored by Buddy Rose.

• G.C. Matlock: Veteran guitarist known for rhythmic strength.

• Jerry Keys: Born in Gray Station, Tennessee, raised in a family of clawhammer specialists, builder and player of classic banjos.

• Susie Keys: Known for her sparkling vocals, also doubles on bass, daughter of George Hazelwood.

Additional Info:
Photography by Nancy Matlock
Recorded at Maggard Sound Studio, 220 Railroad Ave., Big Stone Gap, Va. 24219
Label: Mountain and Grass
Catalog Number: RSR-1190