Who are the current members of The Kentucky Headhunters?

The Kentucky Headhunters are an American Southern rock and country band that first rose to fame in the late 1980s and early 1990s. For over 50 years, through various lineup changes, the group has entertained legions of fans with their eclectic blend of rock, country, blues and bluegrass. Here‘s an in-depth look at the current members keeping the Kentucky Headhunters‘ signature sound alive.

Richard Young – Lead Vocals, Rhythm Guitar

• Founding member of the Kentucky Headhunters since 1968 when he and his brother Fred formed the band (originally called Itchy Brother) in Edmonton, Kentucky
• Younger brother of drummer Fred Young – they have a brotherly musical connection spanning 5 decades
• Provided soulful lead vocals on hits like "Dumas Walker" (their highest charting single at #15 in 1990) and "Oh Lonesome Me" (#8 in 1990)
• Known for his enthusiastic frontman stage presence and country-tinged vocals compared to Gregg Allman
• Inducted into the Kentucky Music Hall of Fame along with brother Fred in 2015

Fred Young – Drums, Percussion

• Founding member and bandleader of the Kentucky Headhunters since forming the band in 1968
• Older brother of guitarist Richard Young – their tight knit relationship is key to the band‘s success
• Powerful, hard-hitting drummer with a dynamic yet steady style compared to Charlie Watts of the Rolling Stones
• Anchors the band‘s driving rhythms and backbeat with precision after decades behind the kit
• Elected to the Kentucky Music Hall of Fame in 2015 for his drumming excellence

Greg Martin – Lead Guitar, Lap Steel, Banjo

• Lead guitarist and vocalist since 1986 – the longest serving lead guitarist in the band‘s history
• Originally from Louisville, KY and played in rock bands locally before joining the Headhunters
• Skilled on both electric and acoustic guitar, lap steel and banjo – his versatility shines in concert
• Brings bluesy, melodic guitar licks reminiscent of influences like Chuck Berry, Keith Richards and Stevie Ray Vaughan
• Shines when soloing during extended jams at live shows, where he really stands out

Jessie B. Duke Young – Bass Guitar, Mandolin, Harmonica

• Joined the Kentucky Headhunters on bass in 1986 after Richard and Fred Young reformed the band
• Older nephew of brothers Richard and Fred Young, adding to the family element
• Covers bass, mandolin and harmonica duties – his harmonica solos are highlights
• Lays down thumping bass lines like a sturdy foundation for their southern rock jams
• His versatility across many instruments brings energy to their live performances

Early Days and Former Members

The Kentucky Headhunters story stretches back to 1968 in Edmonton, Kentucky, when teenage brothers Richard and Fred Young teamed up with guitarist Anthony Kenney and bassist Douglas "Candy" Tice to form the band. Originally known as Itchy Brother, they released one album in 1973 before disbanding in 1977.

In 1986, the Young brothers reunited to revive the band, this time joined by guitarist Greg Martin and bassist Jessie B. Duke Young. After recording their first album Pickin‘ on Nashville in 1989, they decided to change their name to The Kentucky Headhunters.

The album became a surprise hit, going gold in the U.S. It spawned multiple country chart hits like "Oh Lonesome Me" (#8), "Walk Softly on This Heart of Mine" (#25) and "Dumas Walker" (#15), establishing their fusion of country and southern rock. According to Billboard magazine, it was "one of the great country surprises of 1989."

Over the years, The Kentucky Headhunters saw various members come and go. Lead guitarist Douglas Phelps, brother of original bassist Doug Phelps, performed with the band from 1986 to 1992. Vocalist Ricky Lee Phelps, also related to Doug, provided lead vocals from 1997 to 2007 after brothers Richard and Doug Young departed.

Other former members over the decades include guitarists Mark Orr, Benny Bolton and Jimmy Hall, keyboardist Stan Munsey, bassist Harold Fields and drummer Wade Hayes, among others. But the core lineup of the Young brothers, Martin and Duke has remained intact since 1986.

The Kentucky Headhunters Discography and Style

• Pickin‘ on Nashville (1989) – Breakthrough debut featuring their smash cover "Oh Lonesome Me"
• Electric Barnyard (1991) – Their highest charting album at #22, with southern rock anthems like "Honky Tonk Walkin‘"
• Rave On!! (1993) – Cover album of classic 1950s rock songs, like "Lucille"
• Stompin‘ Grounds (1996) – Rowdy, hard-driving southern rock and blues
• Songs from the Grass String Ranch (2009) – Return to a country/roots sound
• Meet Me in Bluesland (2015) – Collaboration album with blues legend Johnnie Johnson

The Kentucky Headhunters blend elements of rock, country, blues, gospel and jam band improvisation into a distinctly southern sound. Their concerts feature extended guitar jams, four-part harmonies, rolling piano and plenty of twang.

Richard Young‘s raspy, soulful voice provides a bluesy edge on rockers like "Dumas Walker" and "My Daddy Was a Rock & Roller." Meanwhile, Greg Martin‘s inventive guitar work nods to influences like Chuck Berry, Keith Richards and Stevie Ray Vaughan.

Over a six decade career, The Kentucky Headhunters have cultivated a loyal fanbase attracted to their authentic, good-time sounds and freewheeling live shows. Nearly 15 albums and 30 members later, the current lineup keeps the Headhunters‘ musical legacy alive into the 21st century.

Richard Young: The Heart and Soul of the Band

As a founding member and the longtime frontman of the Kentucky Headhunters, Richard Young is considered the heart and soul of the band. Young provides lead vocals with his signature raspy, blues-tinged style that gives the music extra grit.

During live shows, Young energetically engages the crowd with his friendly, down-home charm. He‘ll often tell stories about the band‘s history and funny anecdotes when introducing songs. Fans are drawn to his warm personality and enthusiasm, much like a preacher captivating his congregation.

Young also supplies rhythm guitar in the studio and on stage, effortlessly locking in with his brother Fred‘s drumming. According to Guitar World, Young‘s rhythm playing is inspired by pioneers like Chuck Berry, Scotty Moore and Keith Richards.

Now in his 70s, Richard Young has no plans to slow down. He says the Kentucky Headhunters will just keep picking and grinning as long as they can. For Young, the joy of playing music outweighs anything else.

Greg Martin: A Guitar Slinger Supreme

Greg Martin has been the Kentucky Headhunters lead guitarist for over 35 years, joining in 1986. His versatile guitar skills are a huge asset to their eclectic style.

During extended solos, Martin injects plenty of sly licks, seamlessly shifting between Chuck Berry-esque riffs to soaring Stevie Ray Vaughan-inspired blues lines. His fluid fingerpicking adds new layers to the group‘s classic covers of folk and rockabilly tunes.

On albums like Stompin‘ Grounds, Martin‘s ferocious playing drives hard-rocking southern anthems. And his slide guitar and banjo work on acoustic bluegrass numbers demonstrates his broad talents.

In an interview with Premier Guitar magazine, Martin cites guitarists like James Burton, Keith Richards and Roy Buchanan as key influences. Though now in his 60s, he still plays with fire and passion after all these years.

Martin‘s longtime chemistry with the Young brothers produces magical moments of improvisation, where their decades of experience really shine through. He remains an integral part of the Kentucky Headhunters‘ spirit.

Jessie B. Duke Young: The Heartbeat of Southern Swagger

Bassist Jessie B. Duke Young has provided the heartbeat of the Kentucky Headhunters‘ southern swagger for over 30 years. Joining the band alongside guitarist Greg Martin in 1986, Young locked into the rhythm section led by his uncle Fred Young on drums.

Young lays down thumping bass lines on classics like "Dumas Walker" that chug along like a well-oiled muscle car. And his sliding sixths and catchy riffs help give tunes infectious hooks that stick in your head.

On softer acoustic numbers, Young‘s upright bass tones complement the country and folk flavors. His harmonica solos also lend additional texture to songs in the studio and live.

During concerts, Jessie B. Duke Young adds charismatic energy, engaging the crowd with his animated stage presence. Along with drums and percussion, his bass provides the foundation for the band‘s extended improvisational jams.

Though he entered the band as a fresh-faced 20-something, Young has evolved into a versatile multi-instrumentalist and vocalist with an astute musical ear. His rock-solid grooves are essential to the Kentucky Headhunters‘ signature roots rock stew.