Eddie Hoyle
Eddie Hoyle, a banjoist from Ellijay, Georgia, began playing at age nine with the support of his parents, Max and Jean Hoyle. In addition to performing with his family band, he began touring, at the age of 14, with Curtis Blackwell & The Dixie Bluegrass Boys, a group with ties to Bill Monroe. That same summer, Eddie performed with Earl Scruggs and others during a filmed segment of the landmark documentary “Bluegrass Country Soul,” distributed by Time-Life and later archived at the Bluegrass Music Hall of Fame.
Eddie’s award-winning Scruggs/Crowe style has garnered first place honors at Fiddler’s Grove at Union Grove, Asheville Folk Festival, and Mars Hill Folk Festival. In addition to performing a two-week stint at the 1982 Knoxville World’s Fair, Eddie has also recorded with numerous artists throughout his musical career, including two cuts from Edgar Loudermilk’s 2013 CD, “My Big Chance Tomorrow.”
Eddie’s corporate career as a banking executive officer has always prevented him from pursuing bluegrass music as a full-time career. However, Eddie most recently retired from a distinguished 43-year banking career. He is very excited to be joining the Edgar Loudermilk Band and looking forward to bringing his banjo style and harmony vocals to the band.
Tucker McCandless
Twenty-eight years ago, Tucker and Edgar Loudermilk were bandmates and they’re excited to once again be singing and performing together. Tucker was raised in western North Carolina and has been playing bluegrass since 1996. Since that beginning, Tucker has traveled the bluegrass scene and performed with many bands. In 2001, he made his move to Pigeon Forge, TN, where he has been fortunate to perform with legendary Dolly Parton and work in many of the popular theatre shows in that area. Tucker served as band lead and Musical Director of the popular Hatfield & McCoy Dinner Theatre for a five-year stint. Twenty-two years of performing in the East Tennessee region has showcased Tucker’s powerhouse tenor and lead vocals, as well as establishing his unique guitar talent. Tucker McCandless is pure pleasure when he steps up to the microphone bringing the high lonesome sound to the music.
Clint Coker
The Edgar Loudermilk Band is very excited about the return of former bandmate, lead guitarist Clint Coker. Clint previously performed, toured, and recorded with the Edgar Loudermilk Band for almost three years. In December of 2021, Clint departed the band for a playing opportunity with Terry Baucom & The Dukes of Drive. In addition to performing on stage, Clint has established himself as a highly sought-after guitar instructor, with a solid base of students. Most notable on Clint’s playing resume, is when on November 26, 2023, he had the opportunity of a lifetime to play at the Grand Ole Opry with the award-winning Opry members, Dailey & Vincent. Clint grew up watching some of the greatest country musicians of all-time and the invitation to step out in the circle at the Grand Ole Opry, was a “bucket list” moment.
Bryce Griffin
Bryce has had a mandolin in his hands since he was five years old when his dad, Josh, turned him loose with one. Fast forward 15 years and he’s now stepping out with the Edgar Loudermilk Band. Bryce hails from Waycross, Georgia, and his resume includes playing with Ernie Evans & The Florida State Bluegrass Band. In addition, Bryce played with Remedy Tree for a few years, where he left his stamp on an album he recorded with them. Bryce’s versatility also includes filling in from time to time with the ever-popular southeast group, Backline.