The Lilly Mountaineers - Band Biographies

AWARDS and HONORS

2009 Vandalia Award
(Everett Lilly)

2008 Winners of the IBMA Recorded Event of the Year

2008 WV Music Hall of Fame Inductee (Everett Lilly)

2002 IBMA Hall of Fame Inductee (Everett Lilly)

1986 Massachusetts Country Music Hall of Fame Inductee (Everett Lilly)

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MEET THE BAND

The award-winning Lilly Mountaineers are comprised of some of the finest artists you will find anywhere in the country.

Brothers Daniel and Mark Lilly are the core members of the band. Having toured with national acts around the country and appearances on the Grand Ole Opry, the brothers carry on the tradition started by their father, the legendary Everett Lilly.

Living-legend Everett Lilly is one of the forefathers of bluegrass music. A former Grand Ole Opry star performing with Flatt & Scruggs, he made his mark on music history performing with his brother “B” as The Lilly Brothers. Honored by the International Bluegrass Music Association (IBMA) as an inductee in 2002 in their Hall of Honor, he and The Lilly Mountaineers were recipients of their 2008 Recorded Event of the Year award.

Singer, songwriter, and official band cut-up, Daniel Lilly keeps the audiences entertained with his vast repertoire of songs, and laughing with his outrageous on-stage antics. Daniel was a member of industry-favorites, the Nashville Pickers. He was invited to join the legendary Jim and Jesse on the Grand Ole Opry, and toured the country with national recording artist Stella Parton.

Multi-talented brother Mark wows the audience with his vocals and electrifying guitar picking, as well as taking his turn on the banjo, fiddle, mandolin, and steel guitar. A singer and songwriter, Mark toured with country-legend Stonewall Jackson, making several appearances with him on the Grand Ole Opry. He also toured the country with Stella Parton, sister of the great Dolly Parton.

Musician Rad Lewis has won multiple banjo championships, including the state championships in Ohio and West Virginia. His banjo-picking thrills audiences night after night. Having performed with multiple artists in the state, he makes his home with the Lilly Mountaineers.

Performing in his first professional band at age 15, Steve Sparks is a well-known and highly sought-after musician from southern WV. He has performed live with innumerable bands around the state of West Virginia and beyond. He has appeared on multiple CDs as a studio drummer with artists such as Russ Hicks and Charlie McCoy.

Singer and songwriter Beth Sparks is featured on lead and harmony vocals. A singer and musician since childhood, she has been a favorite with audiences everywhere. She has performed throughout West Virginia, and made appearances on the east coast from Washington DC to Myrtle Beach to Pigeon Forge, TN.

Guest Artists

Having learned to play the fiddle at age 12, Dorse Sears has gone on to become proficient on the mandolin, guitar, upright bass, and banjo. He has played with other notable area bands, including Ernie Thacker and Route 23.