Crandall Creek

Crandall Creek Celebrates 10 Years with Higher Ground, Honoring the Legacy of Jerry Andrews

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Moundsville, WV (August 7, 2026) – Bluegrass band Crandall Creek proudly celebrates the release of its new album, Higher Ground, a deeply personal collection that honors the life and musical legacy of the late Jerry Andrews while marking the band's 10th anniversary.

As founder, songwriter, guitarist, and creative driving force behind Crandall Creek, Andrews helped shape the band's signature sound by blending traditional bluegrass with contemporary themes and compelling storytelling. His songs connected with audiences across the country and became the foundation of the band's success.

Recorded before Andrews' passing, Higher Ground serves as one of his final musical gifts. He wrote nine of the album's ten songs, sang lead on “She's A Traveler”, and performed acoustic guitar throughout the project, leaving behind a lasting testament to his songwriting and musicianship.

While Higher Ground showcases the depth of Jerry Andrews' songwriting, Crandall Creek is encouraging radio programmers to spotlight the album's focus track, "Me and Johnnie." With its easygoing summertime feel, memorable melody, and nostalgic lyrics about young love on a riverbank beneath the stars, the song captures the carefree spirit of warm summer nights. It's an uplifting, feel-good bluegrass tune that is sure to connect with listeners and make a perfect addition to radio playlists. Radio programmers can download the complete album through AirPlay Direct and Hope River Entertainment.

The album closes with the emotional "Bluegrass in Heaven," written by lead vocalist Megan Paullet in the days following Andrews' passing. Inspired by the loss of her friend and bandleader, Paullet penned the song as a heartfelt tribute to the man whose vision brought Crandall Creek together and whose influence continues to guide the band.

Higher Ground Track Listing

1. Me and Johnnie (Jerry Andrews)
2. Head to Higher Ground (Jerry Andrews)
3. Ridin' That Train (Jerry Andrews)
4. Grandma's Kitchen Table (Jerry Andrews)
5. She's A Traveler (Jerry Andrews)
6. Cold Morning Rain (Jerry Andrews)
7. Comin' Home (Jerry Andrews)
8. Finally Over You (Jerry Andrews)
9. Old Appalachia (Jerry Andrews)
10. Bluegrass in Heaven (Megan Paullet)

Musicians Featured on Higher Ground

• Megan Paullet – lead & harmony vocals
• Jerry Andrews – guitar, lead and harmony vocals
• Dustin Terpenning – banjo
• Sav Nelson – bass
• Ray Bruckman – fiddle, guitar, mandolin
• Edwin McCoy – fiddle
• Josh Swift – Dobro
• Roger Hoard – guitar
• Andy Leftwich – fiddle, guitar, mandolin

Higher Ground was produced, mixed, and mastered by Jamie Peck in Wheeling, West Virginia.

As Crandall Creek begins its next chapter, the band recently welcomed accomplished multi-instrumentalist Robert Russell on guitar, fiddle, mandolin, and vocals, bringing new energy while continuing the musical tradition established by Andrews.

The band's music continues to earn national recognition. Crandall Creek received three nominations for the 2026 Josie Music Awards: Bluegrass Group of the Year, Bluegrass Song of the Year for "Cold Morning Rain," and Bluegrass Album of the Year for Color Me Blue.

Jerry Andrews' commitment to bluegrass extends beyond his music. Together with his brother-in-law Bruce Winges, he founded the Steve Gulley Memorial Scholarship through the Bluegrass Music Endeavors Foundation to encourage and support the next generation of bluegrass musicians. This year's scholarship recipient will be announced on August 13 at Nashville's legendary Station Inn, where Bruce Winges and Debbie Gulley will present the award before Crandall Creek takes the stage.

For more information about Crandall Creek, including tour dates, music, and news, visit their website and follow the band on Facebook, Instagram, and YouTube.

Moundsville, WV (July 27, 2026) -- As Crandall Creek celebrates its 10th anniversary, the West Virginia-based bluegrass band is honoring the legacy of its beloved founder, Jerry Andrews, while beginning a new chapter. The band has released the deeply personal new single, "Bluegrass in Heaven," written in Jerry's memory by lead vocalist Megan Paullet, and is welcoming West Virginia musician Robert Russell to the Crandall Creek family.

"Bluegrass in Heaven" serves as both a farewell and a celebration of the man whose vision and passion for bluegrass music helped bring Crandall Creek together a decade ago. The single is available now on all major digital and streaming platforms and will also appear on the band's upcoming album, Higher Ground, releasing August 7, 2026.

Inspired by the grief of losing her friend and bandleader, Megan wrote "Bluegrass in Heaven" as a heartfelt tribute to Jerry and the musical family he created. The song offers a moving reflection on faith, friendship, loss, and the hope of hearing bluegrass music once again beyond this life.

Joining Megan Paullet on "Bluegrass in Heaven" are Dustin Terpenning on banjo, Sav Nelson on bass, Edwin McCoy on fiddle, and Roger Hoard on guitar. The song was produced by Jamie Peck.

As Crandall Creek carries Jerry's legacy forward, the band is pleased to welcome Robert Russell on guitar, fiddle, mandolin, and vocals. A native of Buckhannon, West Virginia, Robert brings high-energy musicianship, high-lonesome vocals, and a deep respect for traditional bluegrass to the group. His extensive experience includes performing with Ralph Stanley II & The Clinch Mountain Boys, Seth Mulder & Midnight Run, Larry Efaw and The Bluegrass Mountaineers, Jeff Parker & Company, and Ole Smokey Bluegrass Band in Pigeon Forge.

The band's 10th anniversary year also brings continued recognition for its music. Crandall Creek has received three 2026 Josie Music Award nominations: Group of the Year – Bluegrass, Song of the Year – Bluegrass for "Cold Morning Rain," and Album of the Year – Bluegrass for Color Me Blue.

"Bluegrass in Heaven" is available now on all major digital and streaming platforms. Radio programmers can access the single through AirPlay Direct and Hope River Entertainment.

With its 10th anniversary, the upcoming release of Higher Ground, and Robert Russell joining the lineup, Crandall Creek moves forward with a renewed commitment to the music and friendships that have defined the band for the past decade. Jerry Andrews' influence remains at the heart of that journey, through the music he helped create the band he founded, and the opportunities he helped provide for the next generation of bluegrass musicians.

For more information on Crandall Creek, please visit their website and follow them on Facebook, Instagram, and YouTube.

As Crandall Creek carries Jerry's legacy forward, the band is pleased to welcome Robert Russell on guitar, fiddle, mandolin, and vocals. A native of Buckhannon, West Virginia, Robert brings high-energy musicianship, high-lonesome vocals, and a deep respect for traditional bluegrass to the group. His extensive experience includes performing with Ralph Stanley II & The Clinch Mountain Boys, Seth Mulder & Midnight Run, Larry Efaw and The Bluegrass Mountaineers, Jeff Parker & Company, and Ole Smokey Bluegrass Band in Pigeon Forge.

Moundsville, WV (September 25, 2025) – Copper Mountain Records is proud to announce the radio release of Crandall Creek’s haunting new single “Along the Shenandoah.” Inspired by actual events from the Appalachian region, the song brings history to life through Carly Greer’s exquisite vocals and the songwriting of band leader Jerry Andrews. Greer, a 2025 International Bluegrass Music Association (IBMA) Momentum Vocalist of the Year Nominee, delivers a performance that captures both the beauty and the tragedy of the story behind the song.

Andrews explained the song’s inspiration:

“I was watching a movie about the Mary Ingles Draper story, about her escape from captivity on the American Appalachian frontier in 1755. The story is true, and I really connected with it. The song was born out of that Appalachian time period.”

“Along the Shenandoah” marks the first single release from Crandall Creek’s upcoming 2026 album. The band continues to receive accolades for its acclaimed album, Color Me Blue, released this year. In a recent review, Bluegrass Unlimited Magazine praised the project: “The song arrangements stay close to a traditional bluegrass sound with a bit of a modern touch. The powerful and impressive lead vocals from Greer are showcased throughout, with some backing vocals from Lesnock. All the instrumentation and lead breaks are tight, and along with the vocals, give this new project a nice look at the ongoing career of this band.”

Crandall Creek’s current line-up includes:

• Carly Greer – lead vocals, mandolin
• Jerry Andrews – rhythm guitar, vocals
• Dustin Terpenning – banjo, vocals
• Sav Nelson – bass
• Ray Bruckman – fiddle, lead/harmony vocals

“Along the Shenandoah” also features notable contributions from Roger Hoard (guitar), Andy Leftwich (fiddle, mandolin), and Producer Jamie Peck (bass).

The band has enjoyed an impressive year on tour, holding a residency in Elkins, West Virginia, and performing at numerous festivals, including the Gettysburg Bluegrass Festival, as well as appearances at prominent venues such as City Winery in Pittsburgh.

The band’s artistry has also been recognized with numerous honors. Crandall Creek picked up six 2025 Josie Music Award Nominations, including Group of the Year (Bluegrass), which they won last year. In addition, they earned multiple individual nominations including: Dustin Terpenning for Musician of the Year (Banjo), Sav Nelson for Musician of the Year (Bass), Jerry Andrews for Songwriter of the Year (Personal & Pitching – Male), and Carly Greer for Songwriter of the Year (Personal & Pitching – Female) as well as Vocalist of the Year – Modern Country. In 2024, the group also won the coveted Josie Music Award for Music Video of the Year for their powerful single “Just 18.”

Stream or download “Along the Shenandoah” on your favorite app, or visit crandallcreek.com to purchase. Radio programmers can download “Along the Shenandoah” at Airplay Direct or by request to penni@hoperiverentertainment.com.

Nashville, Tenn. (August 14, 2025) – This year’s $5,000 Steve Gulley Memorial Scholarship was awarded to Audrey Neel during Crandall Creek’s sold-out show at the world-famous Station Inn in Nashville last night.

“That’s so exciting,” said Audrey, a Hillsboro, Missouri native, upon learning she had won. “I am so honored to receive this scholarship.”

The Steve Gulley Memorial Scholarship honors the late Steve Gulley, a beloved singer and songwriter who made lasting contributions to bluegrass music before passing away from cancer in 2020. Established by Crandall Creek and administered through their affiliated nonprofit, The Bluegrass Music Endeavors Foundation, the scholarship is awarded annually to a student who best represents the future of bluegrass music.

Jerry Andrews of Crandall Creek and Bruce Winges, both from the foundation, along with Steve Gulley’s widow, Debbie Gulley, presented the award. Debbie also performed during the Station Inn show.

Audrey is a junior at East Tennessee State University (ETSU), where she studies bluegrass, old-time, and roots music along with business management. She is the only female vocalist and guitarist in the ETSU Bluegrass Pride Band.

“I grew up in Missouri, where my love for music began as I listened to my older sister play fiddle and sing at school,” Audrey said. She opened for Rhonda Vincent and The Rage when she was just seven years old.

Audrey aspires to further develop her skills on guitar and fiddle and to grow as a songwriter. She describes her fiddle playing as “advanced” and her voice as “an instrument in itself,” while noting her guitar technique has improved significantly during her time at ETSU.

She studies under Grammy Award-winning guitarist Tim Stafford, who helped her create her own composition, Seesaw. Tim and Audrey performed the song together during last night’s show at the Station Inn.

“I know without a shadow of a doubt that Audrey would be Steve’s ideal choice for this scholarship,” Tim said.

Past scholarship recipients include Maddie Murray of Kentucky and Lillyanne McCool of Arkansas

For questions and inquiries regarding the Steve Gulley Memorial Scholarship, email gulleyscholarship@gmail.com.

Moundsville, WV (February 14, 2025) –– Copper Mountain Records has released a beautiful new single, "Falling in Love Forever," written by band member Jerry Andrews and his wife Sharon Andrews. Carly Greer's vocals on this tune show why this extremely talented vocalist received a 2024 International Bluegrass Association Momentum Vocalist of the Year nomination and the band was awarded the 2024 Josie Music Award for Group of the Year in Bluegrass.

“The motivation for this song came from the chance meeting I had with my wife at the local YMCA when we were both right out of high school,” said Jerry Andrews. “We did not have a relationship then, but we had met. Years later, after college and starting jobs, we met again; this time, it was for good. Raising daughters and watching them have their own children helped form an everlasting bond that made us realize this was all forever.  This song literally sums up how we feel about everything that has happened in our lives.  When my wife heard me writing it, she cried happy tears, then added two lines in verse two and it was perfect!

"Falling In Love Forever" includes Carly Greer on lead vocals, Jerry Andrews on guitar, Dustin Terpenning on banjo, Jamie Peck on bass, and Andy Leftwich on fiddle, lead guitar, and mandolin.

The band’s other recent release, "Court'n Katie” is #8 on the Bluegrass Today Top 20 Song Chart today. Other hot singles include "Don't Come Knockin,'" and "Color Me Blue." In addition, please check out the video, How An Idea Becomes A Song, filmed by fellow Copper Mountain Records artist Bruce Winges in Elkins, West Virginia. 

Crandall Creek's music is readily available to radio programmers at AirPlay Direct and Hope River Entertainment. Music fans and radio programmers will find their current album, 'Ain't Love Somethin', a captivating listen, with each tune crafted by one or more Crandall Creek band members. The band's upcoming album, Color Me Blue, is scheduled for release this spring.

Moundsville, WV (January 17, 2025) –– Just two months after Crandall Creek's triumphant win at the Josie Music Awards, where they were crowned the Bluegrass Group of the Year, this talented band is ready to kick off the new year with a new original tune, 'Court'n Katie.' This new tune, penned by members Jerry Andrews and the 2024 IBMA Momentum Vocalist of the Year Nominee Carly Greer, is a testament to their growing success as performers and songwriters.   

"The haunting new single, 'Court'n Katie,' by Crandall Creek, is another fine example of the band's skill in collaborative writing, spearheaded by Jerry Andrews and the ability of their lead singer, Carly Greer, to make you stop whatever you're doing and listen all the way to the end of the ballad and leave you wanting more. This new offering from the band is a welcome addition to the category of Appalachian dark ballads depicting the hard life of the mountain folk," said Greg Blake, 2023 IBMA Male Vocalist of the Year (3x nominee), Vocals & Guitar with The Special Consensus. 

"Court'n Katie" features members Carly Greer (lead and harmony vocals), Jerry Andrews (guitar), and Dustin Terpening (banjo), with guests Andy Leftwich (fiddle, lead guitar, mandolin) and Darin Vincent (bass). 

"A good song should be one that, when you hear it for the first time, really makes you listen to the lyrics and the melody at the same time," said Glen Harrell, lead vocalist and fiddler with IBMA Award-Winning band, Volume Five. "When I heard 'Court'n Katie' for the first time, I could just envision a young Appalachian girl, maybe back in the 1930s or 1940s, sitting on her porch playing claw hammer banjo and telling this sad, lonesome story. A great job and an excellent song choice!" 

Shannon Slaughter, who collaborated with Crandall Creek on a previously released single, "Refrigerator Homemade Picture Show," says, "Carly Greer delivers a haunting vocal performance on 'Court'n Katie,' a song that sounds like it could have been written in the early 1900s. The arrangement by Crandall Creek fits the song perfectly."

Crandall Creek has been on a roll with many successful singles, all written by the band, including "Don't Come Knockin,'" (their most streamed song), "Color Me Blue," "Pieces," "Little White Church," "Don't Cry Mary," "Just 18," and the delightful duet "Lazy Sunday," by Carly Greer and Greg Blake. Crandall Creek also recently released a short documentary video, "How An Idea Becomes A Song," filmed by fellow Copper Mountain Records artist Bruce Winges in Elkins, West Virginia. 

Crandall Creek's music is readily available to radio programmers at AirPlay Direct and Hope River Entertainment. Music fans and radio programmers will find their current album, 'Ain't Love Somethin', a captivating listen, with each tune crafted by one or more Crandall Creek band members.

Get ready for the much-anticipated release of Crandall Creek's upcoming album, set to debut in early 2025. For more updates, visit their website at crandallcreek.com and follow them on Facebook, Instagram, YouTube, and TikTok @crandallcreek.

Moundsville, WV (November 8, 2024) –– Copper Mountain Records proudly announces Crandall Creek's new single, "Less or More," written by written by members Jerry Andrews, Kathy Wigman Lesnock, Carly Greerannounce, and Dustin Terpenning. The band, well-known for writing and performing original music, continues to impress radio programmers, fellow musicians, and fans this year by releasing hit after hit. The band members are frequently asked about their songwriting, so they proudly announce an accompanying documentary video, "How An Idea Becomes A Song." Bruce Winges filmed the footage in Elkins, West Virginia, last month.

After the success of singles like "Pieces," "Don't Cry Mary," "Just 18," "Love the Thrill" from their album, Ain't Love Somethin' released in March, they delighted their fans with the single and video, "Lazy Sunday," a delightful duet with Carly Greer and Greg Blake (2023 International Bluegrass Music Association Male Vocalist of the Year and three-time nominee in that category).  

During the summer, they released the fun "Don't Come Knockin'," which continues to be a fan favorite, especially at their live shows that never fail to excite.  Then, last month, fresh from their exciting International Bluegrass Music Association's (IBMA) Official Showcase performances at the IBMA World of Bluegrass in Raleigh, they announced two more new singles, "Color Me Blue" and a bluegrass gospel song "Little White Church."

All tracks feature lead vocals by Crandall Creek's Carly Greer, nominated for the 2024 IBMA Momentum Award for Vocalist of the Year. She is joined by fellow members Jerry Andrews (guitar), Kathy Wigman Lesnock (harmony vocals), and Dustin Terpenning (banjo), with guests Andy Leftwich (fiddle, lead guitar, mandolin) and Darin Vincent (bass). Jamie Peck Productions produced the songsmie Peck Productions. 

On October 27, 2024, Crandall won two Josie Music Awards, including Group of the Year in Bluegrass and Music Video of the Year for "Just 18." They received a total of five nominations this year, including Jerry Andrews for Songwriter of the Year, Carly Greer for Best Performance in a Music Video in "Just 18", and Carly Greer for Country Female Vocalist of the Year.

Crandall Creek's music is readily available to radio programmers at AirPlay Direct and Hope River Entertainment. Music fans and radio programmers will find their current album, 'Ain't Love Somethin', a captivating listen, with each tune crafted by one or more Crandall Creek band members.

 Visit our VIDEO page to watch “How An Idea Becomes A Song.”

During the Josie Music Awards held at the Grand Ole Opry House in Nashville on October 27, 2024, Crandall Creek took home two awards, including Group of the Year in Bluegrass and Music Video of the Year for "Just 18." The awards were accepted by three Crandall Creek band members, Jerry Andrews, Carly Greer, and Dustin Terpenning. 

Bruce Winges filmed the “Just 18” music video at the home of band member Kathy Wigman Lesnock and her husband, Doug Lesnock, in West Finley, Pennsylvania. Hope River Entertainment edited and produced the video, which can be viewed on YouTube and Facebook.

With her impressive lead vocals on the song and video, lead vocalist Carly Greer takes us on a heartfelt journey – "She left home at just 18, with 100 bucks and a youthful dream." Carly received additional 2024 Josie Music Award Nominations, including Best Performance in a Music Video for a Female Actress and Female Country Vocalist of the Year. 

"Just 18" was written by Crandall Creek band leader, vocalist, and guitarist Jerry Andrews, who received a 2024 Josie Award Nomination for Songwriter of the Year, totaling five nominations for the band this year. The track appears on the band’s album Ain’t Love Somethin,’ and includes Kathy Wigman Lesnock on harmony vocals and Dustin Terpenning on banjo. Guest musicians include Darrin Vincent on bass, Andy Leftwich on mandolin, and produced by Jamie Peck. 

It's been a fantastic year for Crandall Creek. The band has released numerous chart singles, continues their residency in Elkins, West Virginia, where they perform at sold-out shows, and was chosen as an official 2024 International Bluegrass Music Association Showcase Artist this year and performed last month during the IBMA World of Bluegrass in Raleigh. Carly Greer also received an IBMA Momentum Award Nomination for Vocalist of the Year. 

For more information on Crandall Creek, please visit crandallcreek.com and join the band on Facebook, YouTube, and Instagram @crandallcreekband. 

Radio programmers can download Crandall Creek's latest singles, "Don't Come Knockin,'" "Little White Church," “Color Me Blue,” and “Less Or More” at AirPlay Direct. 

Bruce Winges filmed the “Just 18” music video at the home of band member Kathy Wigman Lesnock and her husband, Doug Lesnock, in West Finley, Pennsylvania. Hope River Entertainment edited and produced the video, which

Moundsville, WV (October 7, 2024) –– Crandall Creek, fresh from their exciting International Bluegrass Music Association's (IBMA) Official Showcase performances at the IBMA World of Bluegrass in Raleigh, is proud to announce two brand new singles. The new bluegrass tune "Color Me Blue" and a bluegrass gospel song "Little White Church." These releases come on the heels of the band's recent accolades, including Carly Greer’s 2024 IBMA Momentum Award Nomination for Vocalist of the Year.

The band's music is a testament to their unwavering dedication to storytelling. They intricately weave tales of life, love, and faith through their original compositions, inviting listeners to immerse themselves in their narratives. "Color Me Blue" was penned by Crandall Creek band members Jerry Andrews and Kathy Wigman Lesnock and "Little White Church" was written by Andrews. Both songs feature Carly Greer (lead vocal), Kathy Wigman Lesnock (harmony vocal), Jerry Andrews (rhythm guitar, harmony vocal), and Dustin Terpenning (banjo), with guests Andy Leftwich (fiddle, lead guitar, mandolin) and Darin Vincent (bass).  

In addition to the band's recent IBMA accolades, Crandall Creek has been nominated for five 2024 Josie Music Awards. These include Crandall Creek for Group of the Year (Bluegrass), Jerry Andrews for Songwriter of the Year, "Just 18" for Music Video of the Year, Carly Greer for Best Performance in a Music Video in "Just 18", and Carly Greer for Country Female Vocalist of the Year. The 2024 Josie Music Awards will be announced on Sunday, October 27, 2024, at the Grand Ole Opry House in Nashville, Tenn. 

Crandall Creek's music is readily available to radio programmers at AirPlay Direct and Hope River Entertainment, including their recent single, "Don't Come Knockin.'"  Music fans and radio programmers alike will find their current album, 'Ain't Love Somethin', a captivating listen, with each tune crafted by one or more Crandall Creek band members. Another recent single and video, "Lazy Sunday," is a delightful duet with Carly Greer and Greg Blake (2023 International Bluegrass Music Association Male Vocalist of the Year).  With their music easily accessible, there's no better time to discover the unique sound of Crandall Creek. 

For more information on Crandall Creek, please visit CrandallCreek.com