The Country Gentlemen are a bluegrass band originating in the area of Washington, DC, United States. The band started on July 4th 1957 as a replacement group for Buzz Busby’s Bayou Boys when several members of that band were injured in a car accident. The band’s original members were Charlie Waller on guitar and lead vocals, John Duffey on mandolin and tenor vocals, Bill Emerson on banjo and baritone vocals, and Larry Lahey on bass. After a few early changes, the band settled into a somewhat permanent lineup consisting of Waller, Duffey, Eddie Adcock on banjo, and Tom Gray on bass. This lineup eventually became known as the "classic" Country Gentlemen.
Several things set The Country Gentlemen apart from other bluegrass bands of the time. Charlie Waller possessed an exceptionally rich, resonant baritone voice, considered by many to be the best in the history of the genre. John Duffey had a startling vocal range, and was a truly innovative mandolin player. Eddie Adcock’s banjo playing style was completely different from his peers, combining traditional Earl Scruggs style playing with a unique single string technique. He was also a strong baritone singer. Tom Gray evolved into one of the most influential bass players in bluegrass, playing in a style that has been imitated by many since.
Over time, the band’s membership changed several times, to include such notables as Doyle Lawson, Ricky Skaggs, Bill Emerson (again), Jerry Douglas, Norman Wright, Bill Yates, and many others. Charlie Waller remained the sole original member until his death in August, 2004. After his death, his son Randy Waller continued with a reconstituted version of the band.
