| The Cockman Family | |
|---|---|
The Cockman Family |
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| Background information | |
| Genres | Christian |
The Cockman Family is a bluegrass/Gospel band from Sherrills Ford, North Carolina, United States. They have been nominated for Bluegrass Artists of the Year, Instrumentalist of the Year, and Bluegrass Band of the Year by the Country Gospel Music Association (CGMA) and for Gold Cross Bluegrass Group of the Year by the International Country Gospel Music Association, and were named one of the "12 Most Creative Families in America" by American Greeting Cards and USA Today Weekend. Caroline Cockman Fisher won "Female Vocalist of the Year" by Powergrass Radio Internet for 2006.[1] They were also featured in a PBS special program entitled Maker of the Stars: A Cockman Family Christmas,[2] and are known in North Carolina as cast members on a series of seven, one hour PBS specials, The Arthur Smith Show, Now & Then. Billy Cockman won the 2009 North Carolina Banjo Champtionship at The Carolina in the Fall Festival in Wilkesboro,[3] and also the 2010 South Carolina Banjo Championship at Renofest in Hartsville, SC.[4] They are currently promoted by Homeland Entertainment under the Heartwarming label.[5]
The Cockman Family has developed a distinct bluegrass gospel style that has gained audiences throughout the Southeast. Their arrangements of old gospel songs have been very popular. Their tight harmonies and original songs have been applauded for their unique sounds.[6]
The Cockman Family is made up of a sister, four brothers, and their father: John Cockman Sr. on guitar, Caroline Cockman Fisher on lead vocals, John Cockman Jr. on fiddle and bass vocals, Billy Cockman on banjo and tenor vocals, David Cockman on bass and baritone vocals, and Ben Cockman on mandolin and baritone vocals.
The Cockman Family has recorded nine records. Nine of their songs have been released as singles to bluegrass and gospel radio stations. Their newest album, All About Love, was released in 2009 and features the title track and seven original songs.[7]