Virginia Cross Ties Bios

The Virginia Cross Ties (being formed in May of 1995) hold to the rich sound of Mountain Bluegrass Gospel, in which the area of Southwest Virginia is well known for.

Millard Edwards of Coeburn, VA. Plays the 5-string banjo for the group. Millard also adds that high lonesome tenor to the harmony that is as good as it gets ( and some of the lead vocals ). He is the soundman, bus driver, booking agent, and public relations man. It is safe to say he is the work force behind the group. He was a member of a Regional group, The Brickey Brothers for 17 years, and worked with a local band for 3 years before helping to form the Virginia Cross Ties. Millard is the host of a bluegrass radio show on 50,000-Watt WAXM-FM in Norton VA every Wednesday from 6:00 PM until midnight.

Darrell Brickey on guitar is the newest member of the group. He has been playing since an early age and in 1974, with his brother formed a regional Bluegrass band, The Brickey Brothers. They worked many major festivals in the mid-eastern states and recorded 3 Albums. His nickname is Tater-man which was given to him by Ralph Stanley many years ago.

Darrell was born and raised in Scott County, VA and has lived in Norton, VA for many years.
His love for the music and his vast knowledge of songs makes him a great asset to the band.

Josh Jessee of Wise, VA is the youngest member at age 19 and plays mandolin and sings the bass vocals. Josh has been with the band for 2 years and is doing a great job. This is his first band experience, but he has very good timing and an excellent ear for the music. Josh shows promise of becoming a great musician (he also plays guitar and banjo). He is attending the University of VA and is planning a career in Pharmacy.

Al Domingue from Handcock Co. TN is the newest member playing Bass and sharing some of the singing duties. Al is no stranger to the music, having sung, recorded and worked with Ralph Stanley. He sings lead and tenor on part of the Still Working CD, and on stage, does some of the baritone. Al has been with the band for over a year and says he has found a home.

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The tight harmonies of the Virginia Cross Ties have that Appalachian Mountain sound described by some as "High Lonesome". Almost all their material is done in 4-part harmony.

In April 2001 The Virginia Cross Ties signed a recording contract with Crosscut Records and their debut album "No Back Door" was released in Sept. 2001. It contained 50% new material, all written by members of the group. This was their fourth album, the previous three being self-produced. A fifth one titled "Step of Faith" released in Feb. 2003. "Still Working" is their latest album released in May 2005 with We-R-One Records containing 12 original songs written by current and former band members, and 2 traditional old time favorites.

What started, as a local group to sing in area churches has now become a favorite Festival band in several states. As a result of their popularity the Virginia Cross Ties are now available for Festivals, Concerts, and Churches in the Continental USA.