Goose Creek Symphony
Goose Creek Symphony found its roots in the Phoenix, AZ, area originally as a countrified side project for Richie Hart and the Heart Beats. Vocalist and guitarist Charles Gearheart (aka Richie Hart) spent his childhood “up Goose Creek Hollow” in Floyd County, KY, and when he put together his good-time country-rock group, he drew upon his home’s rich musical heritage as well as its name.
In 1970, Gearheart and a group of local studio musicians assembled a handful of songs and presented them to Capitol Records. Capitol signed his project, forcing Gearheart to assemble a touring group. Banjo player and fiddler Fred Wise was brought in to compliment existing guitarists Paul Spradlin (listed as “Paul Howard” on the album), Bob Henke (”Williard”), Mike McFadden (following the breakup of his psychedelic group Superfine Dandelion), as well as a rotating cast of bassists and drummers.
With a sound very similar to what the Band was doing at the same time, Goose Creek Symphony were rock & rollers who played a very faithful brand of country music, all the while layering rhythms and harmonies along the same lines as Buffalo Springfield and the Grateful Dead. They released albums through the mid-’70s, with that streak ending in a long hiatus from 1976 to 1990, when the group decided to re-form and record again.
Isn’t Doug Dotson, Knoxville, a friend of ya’ll’s. Tell him to call Pat Hardin, please.
Charlie, I have heard your music and liked it very much even the long ones. The main reason I am leaving this message is that I am Devin Godsey’s father and we will be there Friday, June 26th to see Goose Creek Symphony perform in person and maybe meet the band. Devin is also excited that you will be there. We still line in Kingsport Tn.
Sincerely,
Col Henry R. Godsey USAF (ret)
FAR-OUT, I’ve seen you in Kingsport (Sports Club), Johnson City, (Down Home),somewhere in south Va., and GOOSE ON THE LAKE, Yee Haw. Gonna try to make it to Song of the Mountain, God and Gearheart Willin’ See Yaw There!, Butch and his old lady “Van” PEACE!!!
Charlie, you use to play at my club…Kingsport sports club in kingsport TN..I just found out your going to be playing at the song of the mountains.So much for retirement.Ill see you there God bless. Larry