The Ezells

The Ezells are a four piece acoustic group with roots deep in gospel, bluegrass, and old country music. They endeavor to deliver a varied and tasteful presentation of well blended lead and harmony vocals, comedy, and showmanship. Whether to a crowd of thousands or to a small private company dinner gathering, they wilt deliver.

Don, the founder. plays rhythm guitar and occasionally plays bass and mandolin. tie is M.C. for the band. and without a doubt adds a unique blend of humor and tall tales that's sure to tickle the funny bone.

Barge, Don's wife. plays bass and sings lead and tenor. To quote Sam Blackwell. of Southeast Missourian newspaper, "Marge has a honey-dipped voice that enables her to deUver a heartrending version of "Faded Love' or toe tapping arrangement of "WalkIn' After Midnight". Marge has also authored several songs that are quite popular with fans, such as "Baby I Do!" Marge has been honored with SPBGMA's mid-western female traditional vocalist of the year in 1995. 1996, and 1998. She also yodels and whistles which are always crowd pleasers.

Rory Ezell. Don's and Marge's eldest son, plays mandolin, lead guitar. and banjo. He also sings lead and harmony vocals. Rory has written several instrumentals and songs that add to the band's repertoire. such as "Lonesome Cory" and 'Ro-Zone" Among his many talents, Rory has quite a knack at the arrangement of materials that makes new and old tunes fresh and exciting. Rory's had the pleasure to play lead and rhythm guitar when appearing in a special on Iowa Public Television with Rhonda VIncent in the past year. More recently. he participated it the 1999 National Mandolin Competitions in Winfield, Kansas. As a first time applicant. Rory was blessed with a third place Wilt which included a beautiful trophy and a great new Summit mandolin. Rory's influence and originality has helped make the Ezells a band to be enjoyed by people of all ages.

Formerly a member of the Second Exit band. Darrell Hatfield Joined the Ezells in August of 1999. Darrell plays 5-string banjo and sings harmony vocals with the Ezells. A finer musician and harmony singer. the group could not hove asked for. He also plays guitar and mandolin on occasion for the group. ells smooth rolls and great licks keep the audience clamoring for more.

The Ezells have been together for 10 years playing music since 1989. They went full time in 1999 and hope to become even busier now, as a result. When one sees the Ezells one thing is certain: above all else, they perform professionally and can be depended upon to entertain a crowd.