Our Story
The Chigger Hill Boys & Terri formed in the late summer of 2001, as a result of a songwriting session including Mike Richards (the group's original mandolin player) and Terri Argot Gore at Daywind Recording Studio in Hendersonville, TN. Mike was intrigued by Terri’s natural Appalachia vocal sound and asked if she’d be interested in putting together a Gospel Bluegrass group. Drawing from a vast variety of musical influences, the group developed a rather unique sound and a favorite compliment in their early years, was often heard “I’m not really a bluegrass fan, but I like you guys!” The group name is derived from a location in Burkesville, KY, called Chigger Ridge, where Mike’s family hailed from and where he inherited his love for the sweet Jesus mountain music.
The band signed a recording contract with Thoroughbred Records, a division of Daywind Music Group, in early 2002. After six studio projects there, the band transitioned to Great Escape Records in 2019 resulting in the project Songs Like Those For Days Like These, which yielded three top-ten singles, including the title track, as well as Tell The World That Jesus Saves, and God Is. In 2021, the band signed a contract with Morning Glory Music, part of the Mountain Fever Music Group.
More than two decades and multiple Dove Award Nominations after that initial writing session, there have been some personnel changes, but the message remains the same. The group continues to play and create strictly Gospel/Bluegrass music, adamant that God deserves the fruits of the gifts He has provided, and they should be used solely for His glory. 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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Terri Argot Gore (Lead Vocals)
Born and raised near the northern tip of the Appalachians in the Pocono Mountains of Pennsylvania, Terri came by that Bluegrass sound naturally. She began singing at a very early age, along with her musically-oriented family, as well as, at her small rural home church. She has a passion for singing and writing, and contributes much of the writing for the songs the band records.
Ricky Gore (Upright Bass)
Born in Fredericktown, Missouri, Ricky moved around with his family quite often while growing up, from VA, MO, LA, AL, 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 the group was formed.
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Jim Britton (Banjo/Backing Vocals)
Hailing from the great state of Virginia, Jim has worked with several famous groups including Larry Sparks, Jim and Jesse, and many others. He played professionally until August of 1999, and is now an assistant pastor in Carthage, TN. He has worked on many Bluegrass Gospel projects as well. Jim is married with 4 daughters and also has a family group, The Britton Family (www.brittonfamilymusic.com).
Jack Kincaid (Mandolin/Backing Vocals)
From Meadow Bridge, West Virginia, Jack spent seven years with Larry Sparks, and played on RFD the Cumberland Highlanders TV show recorded at Bill Monroe old home place in Rosine KY. His first professional show was with Larry Sparks in 1979. And he also played with the late Dave Evans and James Monroe.
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Ethan Tollison (Dobro/Backing Vocals)
Ethan was born in Sparta, Tennessee and lives there now. He started playing bluegrass when he was 13 years old. He has played banjo and dobro over the last decade with regional groups in the Sparta, TN area.
Justus Edde (Guitar)
Justus is from Carthage, Tennessee and joined the group in 2022. He started playing guitar when he was 13 years old. He is a pilot and enjoys snowboarding.
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Mike Richards
One of the founding members of the group, born and raised in Hendersonville, Tennessee, 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 won a Dove award for "He Still Looks Over Me", co-written by Rodney Lay, Jr.
Mike continues to participate in songwriting, studio production, and playing mandolin and guitar when he is able.