Arkansas’ got talent

It’s a fact of life that great guitar players can be found just about anywhere.  Arkansas is no exception.  Sure, a majority of the “biggies” often come from California, because it’s a shorter drunk-driving ride to all the big music labels and recording studios in Hollywood.  But here in Arkansas we have a lot of great players, too.

On MusicMates.com, there’s a page that lets you nominate and vote for the best Arkansas guitar player, and so far (at this moment) Jerry McCoy, of Star City, Ark., has 119 votes which makes him first place.  Second place is Bill Gillum, from Crossett, Ark., with only 56 votes.  Third place is Jeremy Vinson, from Rowell, Ark., with 16 votes.

Clearly people like McCoy.  So we wanted to put up a few things by him and his band, which is called “The Hammers.”  And it’s interesting to note that on another MusicMates.com page where you can vote for the best Arkansas cover band (a band that plays other people’s songs), McCoy and the Hammers are currently in seventh place, way behind #1 Cousin Eddie, but still on the list. 

Here’s McCoy playing a song called “I Still Got The Blues For You.”

And here’s McCoy playing “La Grange” made famous by ZZ Top. 

Finally here’s McCoy doing “Rock Me Baby,” a song many great artists have done including Jimi Hendrix and B.B. King.  McCoy holds up well against the competition on this one.

Arkansas has a strong tradition in music, with bluegrass and Country being only two styles that are popular here.

 Ellie and I hope you like watching and listening to our #1 Arkansas guitar player, Jerry McCoy.

Get musical.  Support our Arkansas talent.

Nick & Ellie