Monte Gaylord

Monte Gaylord (1962-present) Monte was raised with a musical family.  His father played square dances, gatherings and jam sessions with area musicians, which gave Monte a love of music from an early age.  He received his first guitar at ae 4, and was entertaining in churches by age 8.  The family band “The Singing Gaylords” included Monte, his dad, his sister Kim and various others such as Shorty Midget.  Monte entered his first fiddle contest at age 14, became inspired to learn from the legendary Ace Sewell.  Not only did Ace have a huge impact on Monte's fiddling but became a father figure as well.  He traveled to contests and other venues with Ace and a deep bond was formed.  At age 16, he started to branch out and learn from such greats as Terry and Dale Morris who later became very dear family friends as well as musical influences.  Many musicians influenced Monte’s playing, and he has played professionally with Jody Miller, Ed Bruce, Russ and Becky Jeffers (the main band at the Opry Land USA), Hank Thompson, Janie Frickie, Brooks and Dunn, Asleep at the wheel, Clint Black, Franklin Graham (the son of the evangelist Billy Graham) and The Texas Playboys!  During these years on the road years he played with guests such as Porter Wagner, Roy Acuff , Lynn Anderson, Gene Crownover, Johnny Gimble, Willie Nelson, Jimmy Buffet, David Crosby, Edgar Winter, Tobi Keith, Charlie Daniels, Eric Johnson, Wade Hayes, and Vince Gill to name a few.  He shuffled family, music and ranching during this time and is blessed with five children ages ranging from 15 to 29, a daughter Sadie and four sons, Jesse, Acy, Eli and Monte Jo.   All love music! Monte still plays with groups and in contests as well as teaches both locally and over the internet via skype etc.  He plans to give to others as he was given in the early days so that the traditions and love of this wonderful music will carry on.


 

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