About Blue Horizon

Ask someone from the state of North Carolina to list the top five things produced there; no doubt bluegrass music would have to be included. Fiddler’s Conventions, Festivals and Bluegrass concerts can be found all over the Tar Heel State.

From the Mountains to the Coast there’s definitely no shortage of Pickers. Located around the central area in Montgomery County, is a band that’s on the Horizon, “BLUE HORIZON” that is.

It all began when some friends got together to work on some songs for a revival and thus Blue Horizon was born. That was in 2000 and today 4 of the 5 original members are still going strong.

Phillip Hearne is on guitar and lead vocals, his brother Joel Hearne is on bass and also does lead vocals; Rodney Haywood is on the 5-string banjo and is becoming known as a top-notch picker. On mandolin and tenor vocals is Jeffery Greene. Jeff often keeps the crowd entertained with his joke telling.

In 2002, Blue Horizon welcomed two new members, one of which was fiddle player Tim Furr. Tim had played mandolin for several years for another band before joining the group. He also adds baritone vocals, along with his fine fiddling. Michael McDonald, who runs sound, is the other newest member. He met Blue Horizon when they came and performed at his church, where afterwards they asked him to join. Michael agreed and has never missed a show since.

Blue Horizon has performed for Weddings, Festivals, Churches, and Benefits and of course plenty of jam sessions. This past year they played at the 2004 Southern Coastal Bluegrass Festival in Wilmington, N.C. and opened for IIIrd Tyme Out, James King Band, and the Country Gentlemen at the 2004 Thickety Creek Bluegrass Festival, they have also played at the N.C. Annual Peach Festival and the Albemarle Market Station for the past 3 years.

Not only are the member’s talented musicians and singers, but also several of their tunes were written by individual members or collectively as a band. A perfect example is the title track of their debut CD. “CALL OF THE ROAD” which the group wrote. When they’re not together writing songs or jamming, you’ll find them hard at their day jobs. Phillip & Joel are both barbers, Rodney works in his family’s logging business, Jeff is with the U.S. Forestry service and Tim is a carpenter/brick mason. And last but not least, Michael has his own hauling and grading business.

All of the Blue Horizon members enjoy using their god given talents and hope that their music will brighten and encourage the lives of those that hear it.

Article Written By:

Rickey Dunn – NC Artist and Songwriter