Local band draws on country, blues, and rock ‘n' roll
By Staff
John Hicks FCT Staff Writer
You can tell by the number of cars parked outside Hee Haw, the local community center on County Road 79, that something big is going on inside.
On Friday nights in the East Franklin community, Hee Haw is the place to be if you want to kick up your heels.
Some nights, said Hallman, the family-friendly community center takes on the air of a talent show.
musicians who stop by Hee Haw.”
The Southern Bluz Band is fronted by Hallman and Bobby Long, who also plays guitar and sings. The Franklin County natives spent time growing up in Chicago, where they both learned to play guitar from Long's uncle, Chuck Long.
Hallman said he and Long crossed paths again at a gig in Tennessee about a year ago and liked each other's approach to music.
In addition to the band's original songs, Hallman and Long perform standards and hits from a variety of musical genres.
Long cited Eric Clapton, Edgar and Johnny Winter, and Hank Williams Sr. as musicians whose work had inspired him.
In addition to Elvis Presley sideman Scotty Moore, Hallman also mentioned Hank Williams Sr. as an important influence on his style.
One of the band's original compositions is titled, “The Blues Ain't Nothing But A Good Man Feeling Bad.” Hallman and Long are currently recording original songs at Luke Walden Studio in Russellville.
The other members of the Southern Bluz Band are Bill Waldrep on bass, Tony Gardner on drums, and Dustin Patterson on rhythm guitar.
The band has toured around the Southeast region, and has upcoming shows in Georgia and Mississippi. But Franklin County music fans can catch them at Hee Haw on most Friday nights.
Hee Haw is located southeast of Russellville on County Road 79, just off Highway 243.
