Mike Bentley & Cumberland Gap Connection

MIKE BENTLEY

Lead Vocalist/Guitarist, MIKE BENTLEY is from the mountains of Eastern Kentucky, and was exposed to music and singing early on in life. He began singing at a very young age, and like many folks in the mountains, learned a lot from singing in church. Being raised in a hollow in Pike County, learning to sing and play bluegrass music seems only fitting. Mike is quick to tell anyone that his favorite singer is Keith Whitley, but he is also partial to singers such as Larry Sparks, Marty Raybon, George Jones, and so many others. His musical resume includes being a member of bands such as Dismal Pike, Allen Amburgey and the Kentucky Mountain Grass, and Ernie Thacker & Route 23, just to name a few. Mike writes a lot of original tunes and takes great pride in his songwriting, as well as his vocal and instrumental parts with the band. His songs have been recorded by some very familiar names in bluegrass, such as Grasstowne and Lou Reid and Carolina. Since beginning with Cumberland Gap Connection, Mike has continued to help define the band's sound with his vocal work and songwriting.

ROD SMITH

Banjo/Dobro player and harmony singer ROD SMITH started playing the banjo at the age of 14. Born and raised near the town of Belfry in Eastern Kentucky, he was introduced to music at an early age by one of his most important musical influences, his grandfather, Orison Smith. As well as his grandfather, Rod names Terry Baucom as his major influence from the time he began playing the banjo. He attributes his love for the dobro as being sparked by local musician, Earshel Hatfield. He has played with some reputable bands such as Dismal Pike, The Timmy Cline Band, and Bits and Pieces. Rod helped to form Bits and Pieces who, in the late 1990s, won the annual Bill Morris Band Competition help at the Mountaineer Opry House in Milton, West Virginia. He also spent time as a member of Ernie Thacker & Route 23, with whom he performed at some of the largest venues in bluegrass music, such as the IBMA Awards Showcase, Poppy Mountain Bluegrass Festival, and the Bean Blossom Bluegrass Festival. Rod began his stint with Mike Bentley & CGC in early 2009, and remains a major contributor to the band's style.

CHAD HURLEY

Mandolinist and harmony vocalist, CHAD HURLEY, is a seasoned bluegrass musician, who has been playing mandolin for more than 30 years. Having grown up in Hurley, Virginia, which he still calls home, bluegrass music came very natural to him. His major musical influences are Doyle Lawson and Quicksilver and IIIrd Tyme Out. Chad says that Adam Steffey, Doyle Lawson, Alan Bibey and Wayne Benson, are the mandolin players who have influenced him most on the instrument. He is also a very capable musician on banjo, guitar and bass. He started out playing in a family band called the Gospel Heirs, then moved on to the group, The Masters 4. Most recently he has performed with Stateline Junction, and the well known gospel group, The Jackson Family. When asked about joining Mike Bentley & CGC, Chad says "I am beyond excited to be joining the band, and am thankful to be able to play with such a great group of guys. The talent and enthusiasm they play with makes me want to be a better musician."

JEFF SMITH

Bass player and harmony vocalist, JEFF SMITH, another East Kentucky native, was raised near Stone, Kentucky. He began playing music over 30 years ago, focusing mainly on bass & guitar. He was brought up listening to the music his dad and family played, so it was a natural fit for Jeff to fall right in and start playing along. His dad, and other family members, were a big influence for him as he was coming up in the music. He also says that one of the most important musical influences for him is his nephew, Mike Bentley & CGC Banjo player, Rod Smith. The two have played music together for many years, and will be able to continue that tradition with CGC. Jeff has been a member of several bands, including, Stone Coal Grass, Bits and Pieces, Gospel Review & Lost Mountain Bluegrass. Jeff’s experience on bass, and his familiarity with the band, makes him a perfect fit. He says, about joining Mike Bentley & CGC, that he is honored to be a part of the band, and is looking forward to the future with great expectations.

Ryan Lester

ALL about Lead Guitarist, Ryan Lester, coming soon!