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From the mountains of eastern Kentucky to the stages of the Grand Ole Opry and Carnegie Hall, Raymond W. McLain is a dynamic performer of traditional and original bluegrass and Appalachian music. Director of the Bluegrass and Country Music Program at East Tennessee State University |
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Raymond’s 40+ years of entertaining have taken him to performances in all 50 states and 62 foreign countries, including touring as a musical ambassador of the U.S. State Department. Breaking new ground, combining various acoustic music styles, Raymond is a breath of fresh air at symphony orchestra "pops" concerts, residencies, and a variety of music events. For 21 years, as a mainstay of The McLain Family Band, Raymond was featured internationally at 1000s of festivals and concert halls, as well as a soloist in over 230 appearances with orchestras across the US and internationally. Also, after being a 10 year member of Jim & Jesse’s Virginia Boys, Raymond is a bluegrass and old-time music festival favorite. Raymond performs currently with Canadian harmonica whiz, Mike Stevens, five time "Entertainer Of The Year" for Central Canada and an innovator of bluegrass harmonica. Together, Stevens and McLain play a new and unique combination of musical styles reflecting their background in bluegrass, blues and old time country music. Check out their awesome duo performances! Exciting solo concerts showcase Raymond's his love of music and entertaining. Recordings of Raymond's solo work include "Kentucky Mountain Banjo (old time songs and instrumentals)" and his award-winning recording, "A Place of My Own". Now, in addition to performing, producing & recording, Raymond is the Director of the Bluegrass and Country Music Program at East Tennessee State University, sharing his knowledge & music with students interested in bluegrass & traditional music, culture, history, instruments & performance.
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Television appearances include: NBC TODAY SHOW CBS MORNING NEWS TNN NASHVILLE NOW BBC CBC MUSIC CITY TONIGHT GRAND OLE OPRY LIVE CROOK & CHASE |
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Newspaper QUOTES: "...talented and musically imaginative." "A joyous celebration of Americana." Washington Post, Washington, DC "His fiddling is simply incredible, a whirlwind of spirit and motion that can fill any hall." Richmond News Leader, Richmond, VA "...smoothly professional and bursting with talent." Courier-Journal, Louisville, KY "...could take the wrinkles out of a pruneface." Oak Ridger, Oak Ridge, TN |
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"His ideas are unlike anyone else’s and the execution is flawless." Sonny Osborne, Masters of the Five String Banjo "...enormous instrumental skills and diversity." Daniel E. Harman, The Hornpipe "There is some fancy playing, but not for the sake of tricks. It’s music first." John Hartford, linernotes for Kentucky Mountain Banjo |
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Raymond performs a variety of original & old-time songs and instrumentals in a classy & entertaining style. He has fun with music and enjoys sharing the pleasure! |
Listen to the audio or watch the video!
Videos to watch
The McLain Family Band - Christmas On The Farm
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Raymond
Kane McLain
(Raymond's father)
Beatrice Kane
McLain
(Raymond's grandmother) |
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Photos |
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Photo Credits:
photo of
Raymond with fiddle was taken by Jim Sledge, ETSU
photo of Raymond with banjo was taken by
Ruth McLain Smith
© 2000-2009 Website made for Raymond W. McLain by sister, Ruth McLain Smith
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