The history of Curtis Blackwell & the Dixie Bluegrass Boys is long and intriguing...

It started in 1960 when seventeen-year-old guitarist/singer Curtis Blackwell, along with his brother Haskell on bass fiddle and banjoist Junior Crowe (father of The Crowe Brothers) won a talent competition sponsored by WNEG in Toccoa, Georgia. The prize was a performance on The Grand Ole Opry. Shortly thereafter, Curtis was joined by four other talented musicians including Sam Cobb on bass and baritone vocals, Larry Jefferson on mandolin and tenor vocals, banjo virtuoso Al Osteen, and well-known north Georgia fiddler, Randall Collins, with Charles Hudson occasionally joining on second fiddle. Together they formed the classic Dixie Bluegrass Boys and quickly developed into a topnotch bluegrass band.

They began performing extensively throughout the eastern US at many of the historic early bluegrass festivals of the 1960's and early 70's. These included: Bean Blossom in Indiana; Shoal Creek in Lavonia Georgia; Lake Norman in North Carolina; Watermelon Park in Berryville, Virginia and many of the early bluegrass festivals made famous by promoter Carlton Haney. They also began performing at large package shows where they shared the stage with many of the country music greats and played for large audiences. In 1970, they received first place in the band contest at the prestigious Union Grove Fiddler's Convention. Quickly attaining a reputation for quality and originality in the world of bluegrass music, they became one of the top bands in the southeast.

Curtis Blackwell's powerful and high, lonesome voice, comparable to that of Bill Monroe or Bobby Osborne, formed the foundation for this influential band. Along with Sam Cobb's great baritone vocals and bass playing, Larry Jefferson's strong tenor vocals and precise mandolin work, Al Osteen's skillful and revolutionary banjo playing, and Randall Collins' expert fiddling, the band formed a sound that few ever achieve. In April of 1970, the band reached a milestone with the recording of an album in New York City on the County label (County 728). They also produced several singles during this time. The band continued to perform on the festival circuit until 1972. Curtis, Al, and Larry all had previously performed and recorded with Charlie Moore. Curtis also later served a stint with Bill Monroe as lead singer replacing Peter Rowan. Fiddler Randall Collins later performed with Bill Monroe, James Monroe, Jim and Jesse, and The Boys from Indiana among others. Banjoist Al Osteen went on to play with Jim and Jesse and the Virginia Boys.

During the mid 70's, Curtis Blackwell and the Dixie Bluegrass Boys regrouped and developed into an extremely versatile, highly skilled Bluegrass band. The personnel varied somewhat during this time with South Carolina fiddler, Verner Foster, joining the band and Curtis's son Terry Blackwell stepping in on mandolin and tenor vocals. Most of the banjo work was supplied by Tom Roach during this time. Other musicians including banjoist Eddie Hoyle and guitarist/fiddler Wallace Crowe of The Crowe Brothers performed with the band during the 70's. The Dixie Bluegrass Boys remained extremely busy during these years performing throughout Georgia and South Carolina and occasionally in western North Carolina. During the mid and late 80's, the band members found themselves somewhat returning to the Bluegrass festival circuit playing festivals in the southeast. The group has recently produced several recordings. The newest is a CD entitled "Where Did the Good Times Go", which was released in April of 2003. Curtis Blackwell has also recently been inducted into the Georgia Bluegrass Music Hall of Fame.

Present members include: Curtis Blackwell - Guitar; Lead and Tenor Vocals Sam Cobb - Bass; Baritone Vocals Vic Blackwell - Mandolin; Lead and Tenor Vocals Charles Wood - Banjo (1999 Winfield National Banjo Champion, 1998 Merlefest Banjo Champion, etc.) Dr. Pat Welsh - Fiddle; Bass Vocals

Based on the traditional bluegrass sound, the band also possesses a progressive repertoire and is characterized by powerful vocals, tight harmony, excellent instrumental work and overall superb performances. They are among the most versatile of bluegrass bands.

After more than 40 years of playing bluegrass music, Curtis Blackwell still captivates audiences with his high, powerful voice and the sincerity expressed in his singing. Along with the Dixie Bluegrass Boys, he has achieved what few Bluegrass bands today do: a purely unique, versatile, professional sound.

Curtis Blackwell and the Dixie Bluegrass Boys is a band with the personality and vitality necessary to capture the attention and praise of even the most elite Bluegrass audience. With every performance, the band seizes the devotion of new fans and rises above the expectations of its old ones.