With Boggs acting as patriarch and musical mentor, the group put together a timeless repertoire that ranged from Texas swing and classic standards to new country.

(As the personnel of the band has changed over the years, so has the music---they now cover everything from Hank Williams Sr. to The Commodores, Patsy Cline to Kid Rock, and any kind of music their fans ask for, including original material.)

"The Mix" was called to back up or open for an incredible list of artists including Lynn Anderson, Kenny Baker, Asleep at the Wheel, Blackhawk, the Charlie Daniels Band, Roy Clark, Jerry Clower, Linda Davis, T. Graham Brown, Earl Thomas Conley, Kevin Denney, Holly Dunn, Sara Evans, Leroy Van Dyke, Josh Graves, The Girls Next Door, Great Plains, Clinton Gregory, Andy Griggs, Highway 101, The Kendalls, the Judds, the Kentucky Headhunters, Laurie Lewis, Johnny Lee, Patty Loveless, Perfect Stranger, Ronnie McDowell, Reba McEntire, John McEuen, Ronnie Milsap, Willie Nelson, Juice Newton, Tim O'Brien, Mark O'Connor, Johnny Paycheck, Ray Price, Eddie Rabbitt, Eddie Raven, Ronna Reeves, Dan Seals, Ricky Skaggs, Ricky Van Shelton, Connie Smith, Nat Stuckey, Aaron Tippin, Steve Wariner, Shelly West, Keith Whitley, and Yankee Grey - to name just a few.

One of the highlights of "The Mix" is that they are able to play with anyone and are versatile enough to cover just about any crowd, type of music and situation which might arise. The demand is growing for the band that is complete, exciting, and electrifying. Their warmth and special contact with the audience literally lights up any place they appear. The Southern Mix Band is total entertainment, a true credit to any kind of music they perform.

Gradually, the focus shifted to Gary's talented son, Billy. Blessed with a warm, resonant voice and equally competent on guitar, fiddle, banjo, harmonica, dobro, bass and keyboards, Billy assumed the role as frontman.

Billy was born in Ohio and raised in Tennessee, where he met and learned so much from the great musicians he met through his father. After graduating high school in Madison, TN, Billy moved to West Virginia to be near his Dad and eventually become part of the Southern Mix Band. He likes many different kinds of music and has many favorite artists---you can hear their influence in his music.

With impeccable musicianship, vocals and a sense of humor, "The Mix" (as they are known to their fans) has earned the reputation as one of the most talented, versatile, and hardest working bands around.

For more of Billy, click here.

In addition to Billy Boggs, the band features a man long recognized as one of the most solid and versatile bassists in the Tri-State Region: John Thornton, who anchors the rhythm section of "The Mix" with chops developed through many years of work with country, rock and blues bands from West Virginia to Florida.

A native of Putnam County, West Virginia, John comes from a musical family with influences ranging from gospel to bluegrass. John also absorbed the southern boogie and blues/rock styles of the early Allman Brothers Band and Lynyrd Skynyrd, as well as the traditional country sounds of Haggard and Jones.

Along with bass work that is tasteful and commercial, with just the right amount of flash, he also contributes great vocals, both lead and harmony. An asset to any band, John has been an integral part of "The Mix" sound for over a decade.

For more of John, click here.

The newest and youngest member of the Mix, from Sutton, WV, is Gary Joe Boggs II--Billy's son and grandson of band patriarch Gary Boggs.

Gary Joe has been around the Mix since birth and has been playing drums as long as he has been able to hold the sticks. When the Mix was looking for a new drummer, Uncle John suggested Gary for the job, and it proved to be a great recommendation (as you will be able to hear when you catch the Mix).

Gary becomes the Mix's 12th drummer in over 22 years and is doing a great job, we believe he is here to stay (or we'll ground him...lol) and we know Granddad is smiling down on him saying, "That's my boy."

For more of Gary Joe, click here.

Also playing with the band when his schedule will allow is longtime Southern Mix guitarist Robert Shafer. After winning numerous regional guitar and mandolin championships, the first half of Shafer's career culminated in a win at the National Flatpicking Championship in 1983 (which he won again this year). Switching to electric guitar, he became a protege of the late Danny Gatton. Shafer's reputation has spread quickly across state lines. He landed his own deal with Upstart Records, a subsidiary of Rounder Records, and his debut album (featuring musician/producer Don Dixon on vocals) was released in early 1997.

Playing the steel guitar when he can get away is Allen "Hook" Moore from South Charleston, WV. Allen has performed and recorded with many country and gospel bands, both on steel guitar and drums. His music has been influenced by the gospel he grew up listening to, as well as the high school jazz ensemble in which he played trombone. His steel influences include Paul Franklin, Buddy Emmons, Gary Boggs and any other great players he happens to hear. Although Allen prefers classic country and western swing music, he is equally adept at the more modern, contemporary styles. His smooth, tasteful playing adds tremendously to the Southern Mix sound.