The Band

Mike To ppins:  Banjo-

Mike has been in the band for nearly two years now.  He started out playing dobro with the group in March 2009 and moved to banjo in November of that same year.  Mike plays guitar from time to time, and also occasionally sings harmony.  He played steel guitar for Pam Tillis prior to coming to the X-Press, and with Whisperin’ Bill Anderson before that.  He’s produced and engineered several records, and is a master of his trade.  Incidentally, he’s also an expert mechanic!

Bobby Osborne Jr. (Boj):  Bass-

Bobby (more commonly known as Boj) has been with the group since December 2003.  He joined the Osborne Brothers’ band when Sonny had rotator cuff surgery and was no longer able to play banjo.  He started out playing guitar, and switched to upright bass in May of 2008 and started singing the second part in the harmony when Daryl took a small hiatus from the group, and switched back to guitar in December of that year.  He also has engineered and co-produced Bobby’s upcoming CD Memories.  In addition to playing in the X-Press, Boj worked along side his father and cousin in Hyden, Kentucky for three years as Technical Coordinator.  He also works with Takeharu Kunimoto, a famous actor, storyteller, narrator of children movies, and accomplished bluegrass musician on both mandolin and shamisen, and his group the Last Frontier.  He plays bass and sings with the group from time to time, and also engineered their last record, Soy Sauce Blues.

 Joe Miller:  Guitar-

Joe started with the group for a short stint originally in May 2008, and returned in May 2011.  Joe, originally from Maryland, has played with many groups, both bluegrass and country, including playing guitar and banjo for Tim Graves & Cherokee.  Joe is an excellent rhythm player, and we’re glad he’s back with the Rocky Top X-Press providing a solid rhythm section, and strong vocals.

David Crow:  Fiddle-

David has been a mainstay in the group since 1992.  He worked with the Osborne Brothers all the way until 1997, when he entered into law school.  He returned in 2001, but mostly just plays the Grand Ole Opry when Bobby and the band are in town.  David is currently a lawyer in entertainment.

James DeSpain:  Bus Driver and Merchandise Manager

James has been with us since 2006 when son Matt came to work in the group playing dobro.  He drives the bus, and runs the CD table while Bobby and the band are on stage.