Possum Hunters Record Project Marks Anniversaries of Sumner Museum, Legendary Band

By JANET SCOTT

(Reprinted with permission of the Gallatin News)

During a recent evening of old-time music and community celebration at the Sumner County Museum’s 50th anniversary Barn Dance, Museum Executive Director Ryan Baker and Vol State President Dr. Wendi Tostenson proudly announced the launch of the Possum Hunters Record Project — a centennial tribute to one of Tennessee’s most influential string bands.

But the idea for the Possum Hunters Record Project burst upon audio engineer Cole Shepherd when he participated in the “Night at the Museum” fundraiser for the Sumner County Museum. It was Feb. 3, 2024.

“I was on the Museum board, and that night I acted the part of a 1930s gas station attendant,” Shepherd began. “During a break, I was watching the Luggnutts Bluegrass Band play. They were standing underneath a huge portrait of the original Possum Hunters — and the idea hit me like a lightning bolt. I thought, ‘We should record the Luggnutts Bluegrass Band as the Possum Hunters, make records and sell them as a fundraiser for the Sumner County Museum.’”

Shepherd approached Sumner County Museum Executive Director Ryan Baker with the idea, and Baker thought it would be an ideal project to commemorate the 2025 celebration of the museum’s 50th anniversary.

Shepherd was uniquely positioned to assemble the pieces of the project. He had been on the Sumner County Museum Board of Directors since 2020 and was also a student at Vol State, studying audio engineering.

Shepherd broached the idea with the Entertainment Media Department at the school.

“They thought it would make a great student project, and loved the local and historic connection,” he said. “So, next step, Ryan Baker and I asked the Luggnutts if they would be willing to do the record.”

The Luggnutts Bluegrass Band is a seven-piece string band from Lafayette with some members who are descendants of the original Possum Hunters. The Luggnutts have been known to portray the Possum Hunters, particularly for history-related events, and they agreed to provide the music for the recording project.

“At this point, I learned some new facts about the Possum Hunters, which made the project even more meaningful,” Shepherd said. “First of all, the Possum Hunters were the first band ever to play at the Grand Ole Opry — and that happened in 1925. So, this year is the 100th anniversary of that debut.”

Known for their distinctive, complex string compositions, Dr. Humphrey Bate and His Possum Hunters brought old-time music into living rooms across the eastern U.S. via the powerful AM signal of WSM Radio.

“Then, I learned that the Possum Hunters were historically significant,” Shepherd continued. “They were featured in Ken Burns’ country music documentary. Also, Bob Dylan kept their tune ‘How Many Biscuits Can You Eat’ on his iPod.”

Shepherd’s next step was to reach out to Chris Dyer, owner of Towne Square Comics & Records in Gallatin.

“I knew that Chris had recently acquired the rights to the Dot Records label, a once-famous record label started by Gallatin’s own Randy Wood. Chris agreed to release our tribute album under the Dot Records label,” Shepherd explained. “So, this ends up being a project that highlights two of Sumner County’s major contributions to American music history — the Possum Hunters and Dot Records.”

In keeping with the local involvement, Baker reached out to the nationally known Sumner County artist David Wright, who agreed to do the album’s cover art alongside local artist Chuck Creasy.

Baker began applying for funding to cover the costs of pressing 500 vinyl albums and received a substantial grant from the Tennessee Arts Commission, which attributed their contribution to the historical and artistic significance of the Possum Hunters to Tennessee’s music heritage. The Sumner County Tourism Board also contributed to the project.

Recording began in October 2024 at Vol State’s prestigious recording studio. Students were responsible for recording, editing, and mixing, all under the supervision of Steve Bishir, the multi-Grammy-winning Vol State Entertainment Media Production Chair. The recording sessions were completed in December 2024.

Shepherd was the executive producer of the project under the supervision of Bishir and served as an audio engineer alongside Vol State student Wyatt Williams.

The public can now preorder the album, which will be released on vinyl and digital platforms this summer. Special collector’s editions will include archival photos, liner notes, and the story of this historic band. Only 500 vinyl records will be pressed in this initial limited run.

Proceeds from album sales will directly support the Museum’s preservation and educational programs, ensuring the Possum Hunters’ music continues to inspire future generations.

Preorders can be made by visiting the Sumner County Museum’s website at www.sumnercountymuseum.org.

(Chronicle Note: Macon County Luggnut member Chris Ballou is the great-grandson of Possum Hunter Shorty Presley and Luggnut Andy Scruggs is the nephew of Possum Hunter Monk Scruggs.)