Mountain Smoke bio_

FIFTY years of music, spanning six decades, and the sound is as fresh now as when they began. Mountain Smoke is original, unpredictable, and their audiences are as varied as the music they will encounter. Built with elements of country and folk, the power of newgrass, and the sweet flow of mountain ballads, the music is timeless. As songwriters and musicians, they remain on the leading edge of acoustic music.

In 2019, Mountain Smoke was honored to be included in episodes 7 and 8 of Ken Burns new documentary series "Country Music" with the song "July You're A Woman" and photos of the group.  Over the years, the band has been twice selected "Oklahoma's Favorite Band" by the reader's poll in the 'Daily Oklahoman', and "Oklahoma's Best Country Band" by the 'Oklahoma Gazette' Music Awards. Playing a mixture of their original songs, and music they have adapted to their unique style, Mountain Smoke will take you on a musical journey. With a smile, they will tell you, “We have played at the White House in Washington D.C., in the Round Barn in Arcadia Oklahoma and most everywhere in between.”

In addition to performing at The Carter White House and for future Presidents Gerald Ford, Ronald Reagan, and George H.W. Bush,  Mountain Smoke has entertained every Oklahoma Governor since 1973. The band's list of performance credits reads like a who’s who in bluegrass and country music. Appearing with Alabama, Asleep At The Wheel, Hoyt Axton, Barefoot Jerry, The Bellamy Brothers, Blood Sweat & Tears, Jimmy Buffett, Roy Clark, Vassar Clements, Commander Cody and The Lost Planet Airmen, Charlie Daniels, Elvin Bishop, Larry Gatlin and The Gatlin Brothers, Arlo Guthrie, Merle Haggard, Emmy Lou Harris, John Hartford, Richie Havens, Chris Hillman, Larry Raspberry and The Highsteppers, Willie Nelson, New Grass Revival, The Nitty Gritty Dirt Band, Gary P. Nunn, Pure Prairie League, Leon Redbone, Ricky Skaggs and Kentucky Thunder, Ralph Stanley, Rhonda Vincent & The Rage, George Strait, Shoji Tabuchi, Three Dog Night, Mel Tillis, Jerry Jeff Walker, Hank Williams, Jr., and of course, the history making “KISS” concert. A soundtrack credit includes the theme song "Another Dusty Road" for the motion picture "Savannah Smiles."

The latest Mountain Smoke CD, “50” is available direct from this website as well as performances. Our CD's “Roads Well Traveled”, "Bluegrass Hop", "The River Road", "Sing and Dance Again" and early record LP's, "On Blue Ridge" (featuring Vince Gill) and “Lettin' It Slip Away” are now available on an audio USB Card!  The new “50” album will be available in vinyl in early 2024!  

Mountain Smoke is Billy Perry (banjo, mandolin, guitar, and vocals), Tom Bergman (guitar, banjo, and vocals), Kenny Davis (resonator and pedal steel), Randy Sanders (fiddle and vocals), Richard Sharp (bass guitar), Katie Barrick (fiddle and vocals), Steve Short (drums and percussion), Floyd McCuistion (keyboards and bass), and founding member Hal Clifford (guitar, harmonica, and vocals).

The group is also known for launching the musical careers of Vince Gill, and David Coe (with Michael Martin Murphy).