Dave Evans

William "Dave" Evans (July 24, 1950 - June 26, 2017) was a tenor singer, banjo player, composer, and bluegrass band leader. He was noted for his powerful tenor vocal range and for his style which bridged traditional and contemporary bluegrass. Notable songs written by Evans include "One Loaf of Bread," "Highway 52," "99 Years is Almost for Life," and "Be Proud of the Grey in Your Hair." who played old time banjo, but Evans preferred the Earl Scruggs style of playing. In his teens, he began singing and writing songs. Evans' first professional band was in 1968, with Earl Taylor and the Stoney Mountain Boys. Following the death of Evans' mother, he returned to Ohio for several years.

Larry Sparks In 1972, Evans joined Larry Sparks and the Lonesome Ramblers. He spent three years with Sparks, then worked with other acts such as the Goins Brothers, Red Allen and the Kentuckians, and The Boys From Indiana, Lillie Mae, and the Dixie Gospelaires.

River Bend In 1978, Evans formed his own band: Dave Evans and The River Bend. Initially they recorded for the Vetco label in Cincinnati, then Evans recorded nine albums for Rebel Records with his band and as a solo artist. In 2010, Evans announced his retirement from touring due to health issues and he died on June 26, 2017.

Last of the Breed Last of the Breed is a documentary film about the life and music of Evans, telling his story through interviews with those who knew him. It is produced by Matthew Pellowski, with Tom T. Hall as an associate producer. The project is in the fundraising phase.

Discography Solo albums 1982: A Few More Seasons (Rebel) 1997: Just Look At Me Now (Neon) reissued in 2003 by Rebel 1998: High Waters (Neon) reissued in 2003 by Rebel 2000: Bad Moon Shining (Rebel) 2001: Hang Out A Light For Me (Rebel) 2007: Pretty Green Hills (Rebel)

As a member of Dave Evans and River Bend 1979: Dave Evans And River Bend: Highway Fifty Two (Vetco) with River Bend 1980: Call Me Long Gone (Vetco) with River Bend 1981: Goin' Round This World (Rebel) with River Bend 1983: Poor Rambler (Rebel) with River Bend 1984: Bluegrass Memories (Rebel) with River Bend 1985: Close To Home (Rebel) with River Bend

Collaborations 1980: Playing it Simple (Vetco) Josh Graves with Dave Evans, Buddy Griffin, and David Pinson 1984: Don't Let Me Cross Over (Rutabaga) as Emma Smith and Dave Evans

Compilations 2008: The Best of the Vetco Years (Rebel)

With Larry Sparks and the Lonesome Ramblers 1974: The Footsteps of Tradition (King) 1974: Portrait of a Fiddler (Old Homestead) with Joe Meadows 1975: Pickin' & Singin''' (Pine Tree) 1982: Dark Hollow (Rebel) 1983: The Testing Times (Rebel)

As composer 1978: Raintree - Wind in the Mountains (Green Mountain) - track 9, "Highway 52" 1985. Delia Bell and Bill Grant - A Few Dollars More (Rounder) - track 1, "Foggy Mountain Home"

Also appears on 1983: Ralph Stanley and Friends - Live at the Old Home Place (Rebel) 2007: Jim Lauderdale - The Bluegrass Diaries (Yep Roc) 2011: various artists - Let the Light Shine Down: A Gospel Tribute to Bill Monroe (Rebel) - track 13, "Mansions For Me"

Documentaries TBD: Last of the Breed: The Dave Evans Story'' (Red Line Studios)