THE DEFINITIVE COUNTRY COLLECTION
Piano/Vocal/Guitar songbook

101 must-own country classics, including: Abilene · Amazed · Any Old Time · Blue · Boot Scootin' Boogie · Breathe · Coward of the County · 94 more!

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Inventory #311555
Book $29.95 (US)





Lou Toomey

Faith Hill's Guitarists
Lou Toomey

Lexington, Kentucky native Lou Toomey was 13 years old when he received the Jimi Hendrix Experience as a birthday gift. The album would have a powerful impact on his life. Influenced by the music of Hendrix, as well as that of the Beatles, Rolling Stones, Cream, Aretha Franklin, Wilson Picket, and many others, Lou was moved to the point of begging his parents for a guitar. They gave in. He picked it up and has never put it down.

Lou did not realize it at the time, but his father also gave him another powerful gift, the musical influence of what his father referred to as real music. The music of Buck Owens and the Buckaroos, Merle Haggard, Loretta Lynn, Bill Monroe, as well as having the radio tuned to the Grand Old Opry every Saturday night. Although he rebelled against the country music his father listened to at the time, it proved to be as influential to his passion for guitar playing as Hendrix and the others were. The combination of Hendrix and Buck became the foundation of Lou's musical career as a guitar player.

When Lou was 14 years old, he began joining in on jam sessions, and was soon playing in local Rock, R&B, and country bands. He quickly developed a following and was in demand in central Kentucky recording studios, the stomping ground for notable musicians such as Ricky Skaggs, Boonecreek, Exile, J.D. Crow and the New South, which featured a young veteran of the Central Kentucky Bluegrass scene - Keith Whitley.

Lou and Keith's paths crossed one night at a local nightspot and they soon became mutual fans. Keith's decision to cross over to main stream country eventually led him to success with the 1988 hit album Don't Close Your Eyes. Soon afterward, Keith called and asked Lou to join him on the road as his lead guitarist in support of the album, which spawned four number one hits and a U.S., Canadian, and European tour. Lou worked with Keith until Keith's untimely death in 1989.

Throughout the 90's Lou continued to tour and record with numerous artists, including Faith Hill, Brooks & Dunn, and Jessica Andrews. He is still moved by the same artists who influenced him when he began playing at 13, and his passion for guitar and music continues into the new millennium.

Thanks to Lou Toomey for photos and information.

Dan Kelly (fiddle and acoustic guitar)

Dan Kelly plays fiddle, mandolin and guitar. He was born and raised in Connellsville, Pennsylvania, and has been in Nashville for 15 years. In 1983 Dan won the Grand Masters Fiddling Championship, an accomplishment which he counts as a highlight of his career. In addition to the Faith Hill Band, he's worked with Roy Acuff at the Grand Ole Opry, Steve Wariner, James Bonamy, and Pam Tillis. His influences include Mark O'Connor and Stephan Grapelli.

Kevin Marks (acoustic and rhythm guitar)

Kevin is From Lexington, Kentucky, and played with John Michael Montgomery up
until starting with Faith Hill in 1998. He is currently working with Jessica
Andrews.