The Chigger Hill Boys & Terri formed in late summer of 2001, originating in the Hendersonville, TN area. Mike Richards and Terri Argot Gore, began writing songs together earlier that year when Mike commented on Terri’s “bluegrass-sounding” voice. He asked if she’d be interested in putting a group together and entering the Cumberland River Bluegrass Festival band competition in Burkesville, KY. The rest of the band, Ricky Gore, Rodney Lay Jr. and Tom Fuzzy Hughes, were brought in to record a five song CD (in Terri’s living room) and prepare for the competition. At the festival, the group sold enough copies of the five-song CD to buy gas to get back home and took 4th place in the band competition. The band’s first single and #1 hit came from that EP; “Face To Face With Amazing Grace” began receiving airplay and climbed to #1 on the Christian Country Music Charts in early 2002. The band signed a recording contract with Thoroughbred Records, a division of Daywind Music Group in early 2002.
Now 10 years and 7 Dove Award Nominations later, there have been a few personnel changes, but the message and the humor remain the same. The group continues to perform and create strictly Gospel / Bluegrass music. The members maintain a fun-lovin’ and crowd-pleasin’ attitude focused on the message of the gospel of Jesus Christ.
Please visit the Awards Page to view the band’s discography and accolades.
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Mike Richards (Mandolin / Guitar) Born and raised in Hendersonville, TN, Mike developed a love for Bluegrass, and in particular, Gospel Bluegrass at an early age. Much of Mike’s family lived in Kentucky and he was strongly influenced by the rural KY Bluegrass scene. He is also an accomplished songwriter with songs recorded by numerous bluegrass and southern gospel groups as well as contributing much of the songwriting for the group. Mike is one of the founding members of the band. |
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Terri Argot Gore (Lead Vocals) Born and raised near the northern tip of the Appalachians in the Poconos of Pennsylvania, Terri came by that Bluegrass sound naturally and honestly. She began singing at a very early age along with her musically gifted family, as well as at her small rural home church. She implements a traditional mountain vocal style reminiscent of the early works of Dolly Parton. Terri is also one of the original members of the group. |
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Ricky Gore (Upright Bass) Born in the town of Fredericktown, Missouri, Ricky moved around with his family quite often while growing up, from VA, MO, FL and back again. Ricky began his musical career as a drummer, which he stayed with for 20+ years. With his love for rhythm, he moved seamlessly to the acoustic bass when joining the band. Ricky too is an original member of the CHB&T. |
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Mark Dunham (Vocals, Guitar) Born in Independence, MO, Mark came to join the band in 2003 while they toured in support of their 2nd release, “Will Play For Pie”. His high tenor voice beautifully complimented the group’s vocally focused arrangements. He has served as Producer and Engineer on the last two CHB&T projects. Mark also serves as Music Minister at Rosedale Baptist Church in Nashville, TN. |
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Bobby Stangenberg (Guitar, BG Vocals) Hailing from Hendersonville, TN and now a resident of Carthage, TN, Bobby joined the group in 2006 just before the band went into the studio to record their 3rd release, “Soul Central Railroad”. Bobby has been playing guitar since he was eight and had been a member of several regional bands before joining The Chigger Hill Boys & Terri. |
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Charles Lackey (Banjo) The newest member, born and raised in Ashville, AL and now a resident of Mt. Juliet, TN, Charles joined the group in 2011. After just two rehearsals, Charles, being a quick study, was playing live with the band and in the studio with them recording their 6th album! He credits James Keener, Craig Dobbins and Robert Kitchens with getting him started and he played in various bluegrass bands in AL and GA. He has been playing banjo for nearly 30 years. |
