Mickey Galyean was born and raised around bluegrass music. He is the son of legendary musician Cullen Galyean, a prominent 5-string banjo player who was part of a very active bluegrass scene in a time when the music was gaining prominence in the Southeast. Upon the passing of Cullen in 2010, Mickey felt a strong desire to keep the beloved music of his father alive and in 2011, formed Mickey Galyean & Cullen’s Bridge in his dad’s honor. The group released one independent CD, Rolling with Tradition, before signing with Rebel.

Rebel Records owner Dave Freeman is excited to be working with another member of the Galyean family. “It is a unique and very special event for Rebel Records to present this release by Mickey Galyean and his fine group Cullen’s Bridge. Mickey’s dad, the late Cullen Galyean was a special musician—one of the best 5-string banjo pickers of his era. As a young bluegrass fan, I was mesmerized by his picking. I became a friend and a follower, often driving long distances to hear him play. After starting our County Records label, we arranged to record his then current band The Foot Hill Boys, as well as a later record by the Border Mountain Boys. Mickey has absorbed and inherited everything he needs from his dad and his family, and we are excited to be a part of handing down this great musical tradition, from father to son.”

In addition to playing rhythm guitar, Mickey—with his strong and powerful voice—sings lead. He is joined by Brad Hiatt who plays acoustic bass and sings some baritone, tenor, and lead, and contributes original material for the band. Billy Hawks is a veteran fiddle player who has won the Galax fiddle competition and has played with a number of prominent acts, including Doyle Lawson & Quicksilver, Big Country Bluegrass and Junior Sisk & Ramblers Choice. Rick Pardue plays banjo and sings tenor for the group. He is an excellent songwriter who won IBMA’s “Song of the Year” award in 2012 for the popular Bluegrass hit “A Far Cry from Lester & Earl.” Most recently, he won the prestigious Chris Austin Songwriting Contest at MerleFest.