Austin Toy comes from a family with well-established roots as artists and writers. He has received his degree in Creative Writing. His profound poetic sensibilities combined with music and visual art allows Toy to express his art form through rap.

He accepts the challenge to make an impact on his audiences, whether in live performances or through intricate music videos. This artist writes lyrics, composes music, and arranges graphics.  Austin Toy ... the total package!  

In Memoriam  1943-2008

A long time resident of Hickman County, guitarist Charlie Garner was a member of the Del Reeves' band, the Good Time Charlie's, for 26 years.  

He was the founder of the Grinders Switch Radio Hour on KIX 96.7 FM.  For four years he was the host of this live radio broadcast in Centerville, TN. The show featured many musically talented friends from the Grand Old Opry who performed along with community musicians.  This nostalgic tradition continues to grace our town square every weekend at the Hickman County Chamber of Commerce.

Visit:  www.GrindersSwitchHour.com

Daniel Bey is a rare combination of music professional, educator, counselor, and group leader.

As a popular free-lance musical artist, Bey has performed with Bob Hope, Porter Waggoner, Bernadette Peters, The Drifters, The Four Tops,  and The Manhattans. In addition, he has performed in many live and studio productions.  Because Bey is proficient in many styles of music, he remains active on a professional level.

Most recently, Bey created Jazz Is Here!; which are live concerts of riverboat style music. The concerts also include music from The Great American Songbook; a rich library of Americana created by the likes of Cole Porter, George Gershwin, and Irving Berlin.  It has been said that the concerts are "Middle Tennessee's Best Kept Secret." 

Daniel Bey ... a world class musician!

To view Jazz Is Here! performances, visit: http://www.facebook.com/JAZZISHERE44 

In Memoriam 1918-2014

Ernest Ferguson is remembered as one of the best country mandolin pickers of the 40's.

Born in Bon Aqua, TN, Ferguson moved to Nashville in the 30's, where he became friends with Jack Anglin and Johnnie Wright. Knowing that Ferguson could play both the guitar and the mandolin, Jack Anglin suggested that he focus on the mandolin; after all, there were already too many guitar players.

Prior to making his home in Fairview, TN, Ferguson played with Hickman County natives Paul Warren and Emory Martin. He joined the Bailes Brothers band; later in his career, played with Grandpa Jones. He also cut a mandolin instrumental album for Old Homestead Records.

Ferguson passed away in his sleep on the morning of October 19, 2014.

Songwriter Joan Jacobs received her training at the Boston University School of Fine Arts.  She has uplifted many hearts with her angelic voice and healing music. She has shared her talents with those in Southern California, the Northeast, and the Mid-South by performing at TPAC,  playing at expos, coffee houses, ecumenical venues, and private parties. A classically trained musician, she accompanies herself on piano and guitar.

As a resident of Hickman County, Jacobs continues her career as a musician and an actress. In addition, she teaches music to aspiring students; some of which have become recording artists. 

"A wonderfully sweet yet powerful vocalist, Joan Jacobs fills the ears with poetic songs of impeccable fullness."-Ramana Das, Yoga Journal.

"Joan Jacobs ... cream of the New Age singer songwriters ... best this vocal genre has to offer ... sensual and sophisticated."-Ken Gruen, New Frontier Magazine.

“I’ve always wanted to live and work in the country. I have found that piece of paradise here, in Duck River, TN,” says Mark Baczynski, Hickman County’s resident fiddle player. “I often bring my fiddle out to the front porch to practice and listen to the sound of the stream running by the house as I play. I swear the birds and frogs sing along with me sometimes.”

Raised in a suburb of Chicago, Baczynski has been fiddling for over thirty years. He first picked up a fiddle during his senior year in high school. From there, he proceeded to teach himself how to play; and  he hasn’t stopped since.

Baczynski considered himself to be more than just a fiddle player. He was a performer, too, and he yearned for the stage. His theater career began in Branson, MO, when he was called to perform fiddle and tic tac bass in a new production about the music of Patsy Cline. It was here that Baczynski found his niche and from there, his theater credits continue to grow.  He has performed in: Lost Highway, Big River, A Closer Walk with Patsy Cline, and Fire on the Mountain just to name a few.

Currently, Baczynski hits the road several times a year as a member of a four-piece band for Jason Petty (who is also a Hickman county native).  When he is not traveling, he is restoring old fiddles or giving lessons at his home.