Danny Ray Cole has been successfully entertaining audiences for several years now, offering music fans his eclectic skills on fiddle, guitar, banjo, mandolin, and harmonica. Complementing his instrumental talents is a smooth voice either carrying the lead or blending it in harmony with the likes of Bill Monroe, Spencer Crossing, Wade Quick, and various other national and regional acts that have used Danny’s skills to showcase their performances. From Bluegrass and Cajun to Country and Celtic music, Danny Ray Cole has just about performed it all, including his own original songs. Capturing the spirit of his home in Georgia’s Blue Ridge Mountains, Danny’s songwriting is gaining critical acclaim with radio stations and listeners alike. Songs from his first two CD releases, “Georgia Gold” and Thunder Road” are already receiving regional airplay and providing him with a new fan base. And while building a audience for his music pleases Danny, becoming a “star” is not something that occupies his mind or all of his time. Entertaining crowds, large or small and staying close to the people is what Danny considers most important. In any given week you might see Danny playing in front of thousands on a national concert stage and the next day at a private birthday party for a local neighbor. Anywhere a crowd appreciates great music is where you’ll find Danny gladly performing. You can’t even check his ego at the door, because he honestly doesn’t have one. And well he could. Having toured with Bill Monroe, and his son James Monroe, a stint with Giant Records recording artists “Spencer Crossing”, the “Tribute to Garth Brooks” showcase, a Central American U.S.O tour, and so much more, Danny Ray Cole’s resume would swell the head of most other musicians. But Danny’s feet are firmly planted and dedicated to remaining a local boy no matter where the music business make take him. Residing in Dawsonville, Georgia, Danny’s love for music first came from his grandfather, Fred Gibbs of Toccoa, Georgia who encouraged the young man to learn the fiddle. Accepting his grandfathers advice, Danny has turned his love of the instrument and the music into a professional career. A choice that has not only pleased his family but music audiences worldwide. And you can bet that Danny Ray Cole will continue to entertain crowds as long as there is a listening ear. Most recently, Danny finished work on his first two music videos. "Whispering Waters" a single from the "Georgia Gold" CD and "Thunder Road" the title cut from his second album. Both video's are being used for promotional tools and may be appearing on popular Country Music networks very soon. The "Whispering Waters" video highlights the beauty surrounding the Etowah river in North Georgia while the "Thunder Road" production blends live footage of Danny performing with exciting dirt track racing. Both video's are well produced and extremely entertaining. Whether performing solo, with his own group, or playing as a sideman to other artists, Danny Ray Cole has certainly established himself as one of North Georgia’s premier talents. -------------------------------------------------------------------------------- Career History and Highlights Awards/Associations Winner of the 1989 North Georgia Fiddler contest - Atlanta, Georgia Member of the AFM (American Federation of Musicians) Instruments Fiddle/Violin, harmonica, mandolin, mandocaster, rhythm guitar, slide guitar, and banjo Skills Lead vocals, 3rd part harmony, formal notation, Nashville number system, square dance calling, children's educational shows, strolling performer and concerts Performance History 2000: Danny Ray Cole & The Cajun Boys - Atlanta, Georgia Cajun and Country Music Band for clubs and festivals 1999 - 2000: Danny Ray Cole (Solo Performing Artist) - Atlanta, Georgia Solo performances including full backing tracks for concerts, clubs and strolling work 1998 - 2000: Danny Ray Cole & The Georgia Gold Bluegrass Band - Atlanta, Georgia Southeastern bluegrass band for corporate functions, square dances and festivals 1998: Old South Music - Atlanta, Georgia Area convention entertainment group 1998: Old South Music - Atlanta, Georgia Area convention entertainment group 1997: The Griswolds - Atlanta, Georgia Southeastern club and festival circuit band 1996: Dixie Creek Band - Atlanta, Georgia National college and club circuit band 1996: Southeastern Events - Marietta, Georgia A Tribute to Garth Brooks Showcase 1995: U.S.O. Guns for Hire - World Tour U.S. Military Band tour of Central America 1995: The Nashville Folks - Nashville, Tennessee National Duet performing for retirement communities 1994: Bill Monroe/James Monroe - Nashville, Tennessee Father & Son 1994 National Bluegrass Tour 1994: Spencer Crossing - Nashville, Tennessee Giant Records - High energy country rock band 1993: Leon Everette/Hurricane Band - Aiken, South Carolina Featured Concerts at Cadillac Ranch 1992: Shotgun Band - Atlanta, Georgia Various Clubs, Benefits, Y106/Y104 radio promotions and the George Bush presidential campaign