Sonya Stead  |   Crystal Richardson  |  Katie Springer  |  Sandy Whitley

Sweet Potato Pie Band History

Sweet Potato Pie Band History

Sweet Potato Pie formed in January of 2000, with Sonya Stead, Penny Oman, and Angela Murphy. Sonya was 7 months pregnant with her third child with a guitar strapped over her stomach, Penny had just bought her first banjo a few months before, and Angela had been away from music for a number of years and wanted to learn to play the bass. We were not your typical band by any stretch. We really were not planning on performing; we only wanted to play a little music. The first song we tried to play was “You are my Sunshine.” We couldn’t believe our ears. It really sounded like…music! Someone asked Sonya, “Why are you playing bluegrass?” Her response was simple, “Because Penny has a banjo!”

We spent the first three years learning the ropes, and playing at as many local venues as we could. Several people were very instrumental in helping us get started…Steve Bass, whose insight and encouragement have been priceless, Jan Johannson, who taught us the basic structure of bluegrass, Grace Naylor who gave us her honest and sometimes brutal input, but never ending support, and Steve Dilling whose expertise and kindness has brought us out of obscurity.

The Pie never tried to fit into one musical box; we just wanted to play the music that we enjoyed. Sometimes we took some heat because we didn’t sound like everyone else. Initially it was hard to stand outside the traditional bluegrass box where there are certain rules that everyone follows. We love the traditional bluegrass sound…but that was not what came out of our mouths when we sang. We eventually came to the conclusion that sounding different and looking different was not a bad thing. Our music hinged on the vocals which were full and smooth without the typical bluegrass twang.

In the early days of the Pie we were eager to learn everything we could about how to play and how to blend vocally. Kerry Reid and Bekah Black spent a short time with the group and were instrumental in laying the foundation for the lead vocalist.
In the spring of 2002, we were joined by Kevin Hopkins for a few seasons. Kevin was a dobro picker who had been away from music for 15 years and was looking for a place to plug back in. He pushed the girls to create their own sound…it wasn’t straight up bluegrass and it wasn’t country…it was a perfect blend of the two …we called it “sweetgrass.” Kevin played on two recordings, Tie’s the Bind and Patches of Blue.

In the fall of 2003, Missy Pyne joined the group and spiced up the vocals. Her smooth candy-like voice gave the vocals a new dimension which became a favorite with listeners.

We cut our first CD in early 2004, not long after Missy joined the group. Nine of those 13 songs were original tunes written by Sonya and created by the band. There was a warmth and genuineness that comes across in the “Ties that Bind” CD. You really can see the heart of the Pie in that first project.

In late 2006, just six weeks before we were scheduled to go into the recording studio for our second CD – “Patches of Blue.” Randolyn Emerson joined the group to play the fiddle. Randolyn was a classically trained violinist who wanted to lend her talent to the project. This album included 7 new original tunes and a few old favorites which fans loved.

In January 2007, Shannon Thorne joined the group and added an exciting dimension to our live shows. Shannon was a classical violinist with a country flair. She brought the “Fun” to the stage.

In October 2007, longtime friend and banjo player, Penny Oman bid farewell to the band. Penny had been key to the formation and development of the Pie. With an opening at the banjo position, we contacted long time friend , Steve Dilling for suggestions. He made a phone call and said, “I’ve got your girl, her name is Crystal Richardson”. Crystal came to the band with a deep bluegrass heritage. Her banjo expertise, songwriting skills and sultry vocals were just what we needed. She could do it all. The Pie was prepared to move to the next level.

In 2007 we teamed up with The North Carolina Sweet Potato Growers. It was a match made in heaven. We have the honor of singing their sweet potato jingle everywhere we go. Occasionally we are joined by "Spencer" their 8 ft. sweet potato mascot. Spencer is always a hit with kids of all ages when he makes his appearance at the festivals.

In the summer of 2008, Danny McLamb, soundman extraordinaire, joined the group. Danny wears many hats with the band… sound engineer, bus driver, equipment manager and Mr. Fix –it. He is often asked how he managed to get a job working with 5 women….he just smiles!

In September 2008, Ashley Davis joined the band to provide the bluegrass fiddle that was needed for the Pie's third CD project “Nothing’s The Same”. Ashley was young in years, but she played liked a seasoned professional. Ashley was steeped in traditional bluegrass and could light up the stage with her version of “Orange Blossom Special”.

As November rolled around, Angela Murphy, original bass player, announced her retirement from the band. Angela had seen us through 8 seasons and had set us firmly on a path to the top. Julie Brown was tapped to join the band in December 2008. Julie had played with several well-known bands over the years and was a first class musician. Her steady rhythm provided a firm foundation for the band. Along with Julie came her father, Rufus Mangum who provides band security (pie police), manages the tator tent and has been an all around support for the band.
In 2009, we signed with Mountain Fever Records where we recorded our first all gospel CD, “Journey Called Life.” This project produced our first charted songs:

– Shout Hallelujah - #10 on Bluegrass Gospel Chart for Powersource Magazine, Oct. 2010

– Her Father's Eyes - #2 on PowerGrass Radio, Mar. 2011

Mark Hodges of Mountain Fever Records says this about the Pie:
“these girls are like the Lennon Sister raised on bluegrass.”

Transporting a group of 6 with instruments and equipment can be a task so in January 2010 we found the perfect bus. She is affectionately known as “Barbara Jean ” after the TV character from the “Reba” show. On occasion the girls still take Sonya’s big RV known as “the Reba bus!” If you haven’t guessed, Sonya is a huge Reba McIntyre fan.

In Feb. 2010 with snow falling, we made our way to Nashville to participate in the International Band Competition at SPBGMA. The competition was amazing with lots of talented bands…we of course were the only all-female band to participate. When we made it to the finals we became the band to watch. We received our first prize money from competing…it was a rush. During that trip we played at the historic Ernest Tubbs Music Store with Larry Stephenson and his band. It was a surreal moment to stand on the stage where the “greats of country and bluegrass” music have performed.

In July 2010, Ashley moved to Johnson City, Tennessee which made room for newcomer, Katie Springer. Katie was recommended to the band by Mike Hartgrove of the Lonesome River Band. Not only is she an excellent fiddler, but her warm baritone vocals sweetens the Pie’s sound. Katie’s diverse musical styles and youthful enthusiasm is a great addition to the Pie.

After 8 seasons with the Pie, longtime bandmate Missy Pyne moved to California with her family. Missy was a fixture with Sweet Potato Pie and had worked with the band through 5 CD projects, multiple band configurations and lots of good times. It was hard to see her go.

For anyone who knows anything about the inner workings of the Pie, you know that God has always sent us the right people at the right time and this was no exception. While playing at the Red, White and Bluegrass Festival in July, Julie met a talented young mandolin player…her name was Savannah Roberts. When Missy told us she was moving, we contacted Savannah to see if she wanted to audition. She was excited about the opportunity and really hit the ground running. She has a hard driving mandolin style that punched up the music and added flair to our traditional repertoire. That along with her versatile vocal range made her a great fit for the Pie.
On April 2, 2011 the girls debuted on the PBS show - Song of the Mountains. We anticipated playing there for a long time and are grateful that the opportunity finally came. Now let’s see what America thinks of our music when it airs in the fall.

Officially we are now the longest running all-female bluegrass band on tour. Eleven seasons and still going strong…not bad for a bunch of girls! We are incredibly grateful to our Father in Heaven who continues to direct this little band. We are thankful for all the wonderful women we have worked with through the years…for their time and sacrifices, their love and concern for one another and their ability to work together for the success of the band. It really has been one for all and all for one. We are so fortunate to have families and friends who have supported us and encouraged us along the way. Our loyal Pie fans are amazing. We love and appreciate you. Your smiling faces keep us motivated to improve and progress.

What was once a dream is now a reality. We are woven into the fabric of American bluegrass just like baseball and mom’s apple sweet potato pie.

Stay tuned the best is yet to come!