A Little Pickin’, A Lotta History

In 1925, a string band from Castalian Springs, Tennessee made history. Dr. Humphrey Bate and His Possum Hunters were the first string band to perform on the Grand Ole Opry, helping launch what would become the longest-running radio show in American history—and shaping the very sound of country and bluegrass music.

Originally introduced on WSM radio as “Dr. Humphrey Bate and His Augmented String Orchestra,” the band was soon renamed by announcer George Hay to the more rural-sounding “Dr. Humphrey Bate and His Possum Hunters.” The name stuck—and so did the legacy. In 1927, Hay officially renamed WSM’s Barn Dance the “Grand Ole Opry.”

Dr. Bate, soon dubbed the “Dean of the Opry”, led a band that broke the mold: a large, dynamic string ensemble with two fiddles, two guitars, a banjo, a cello, and a bowed bass. Their powerful sound and infectious energy earned them loyal fans across the eastern United States, where WSM’s AM signal reached millions on Saturday nights.

Their influence echoes across decades. Bob Dylan counted himself a fan, with the band’s hit “How Many Biscuits Can You Eat” on his iPod. They were also featured in Ken Burns’ acclaimed documentary “Country Music,” recognized for their foundational role in American roots music.

Then and Now: The Sound of Sumner County

To honor this legacy and celebrate the 50th anniversary of the Sumner County Museum, we’re partnering with Volunteer State Community College to release a one-of-a-kind tribute album. The project features The Lugnutts, a local bluegrass band with direct family ties to the original Possum Hunters, performing 13–14 of the band’s original songs.

🎙️ Recorded at Vol State's state-of-the-art studio, overseen by Grammy-winning engineer Steve Bishir.
📀 Released on the historic Dot Records label, now back home in Gallatin.
🎓 Mixed and mastered by audio production students, supported by a Sumner County Tourism and a grant from the Tennessee Arts Commission.

To commemorate this special project we celebrated with a good ole’ fashioned Barn Dance!

📀 Own the Album. Keep the Story Alive.

Limited first edition: 500 albums
All proceeds benefit preservation efforts at the Sumner County Museum.

Behind the scenes footage

Dr. Bates and the Possum Hunters

The Luggnutts