Biography

Van Ramey – Guitar, Vocals

Singer/songwriter Van Ramey grew up in eastern Kentucky playing guitar, mandolin and banjo. He resides in Winchester with Suzan, his wife of thirty years. Van has been in a number of bands over the years from Waterwheel, a rock band in the early seventies to Backwaters a bluegrass band in the eighties. More recently, he was a member of the house band at the Leeds Center for the Arts. When Van and Steve put together Custom Made, he found a place to get back to his roots in playing as well as writing bluegrass music.As a teacher, Van used songwriting to teach and to motivate students in the portfolio writing process. In his songwriting, each verse creates a snapshot which creates a visual image of the characters and settings in the song. The powerful use of character and setting imagery created by the lyrics in MOUNTAIN BRIDE leaves the listener with the visual imagery of a three hour movie.

While using this form of songwriting, the human condition also becomes a “snapshot”. The soldier with post traumatic stress in A SOLDIER’S WISH shows the listener the human condition from the viewpoint of the soldier as he continues to serve his country. Character sketches would be incomplete without the wisdom handed down through the generations. Songs are no different. Van’s use of the character sketch is apparent in songs like AUNT OLLIE AND JIM CROW. They describe the homespun genius in the aunts and uncles of every listener. Again, Van uses those colorful snapshots to create visual imagery that stays in your mind and your heart.Traditional is a most often used to describe music written long ago. Yet, Van’s music gives the listener a traditional bluegrass feel while creating the modern visual imagery usually reserved for DVDs.

Ron Bowling – Mandolin, Vocals

Born and raised in Jackson County, Kentucky, Ron is proud of a rural heritage and close family ties which influence his songs. He got his first guitar at age 12 and at 15 started playing banjo. His was motivated by Saturday afternoon and evening television featuring Flatt and Scruggs, Porter Wagoner, The Wiburn Brothers and others as well as Friday and Saturday night Grand Ol’ Opry shows.

Ron graduated from Eastern Kentucky University, spent almost eight years on active duty in the Army and followed that up with another 20 years in the active Army Reserve. He earned a Law degree from the University of Kentucky and practices in Lexington. He is a founding member of the group, plays mandolin and sings lead and harmony.

Ron Bowling and his wife Charlene live in Georgetown and between them have five children. Ron’s songwriting reflects Bluegrass, traditional Country, and Gospel roots. He feels the best compliment he can get is that one of his songs sounds too old fashioned!

Steve Maynard – Dobro, Vocals

Steve was raised near Pikeville, Kentucky and is a Marine combat veteran. Over the years he has played with numerous bluegrass bands throughout Central and Eastern Kentucky.

Steve is married to his wife, Crystal and they have two kids, Addison and Carter.


Kevin Chilton – Banjo, Vocals

I was born 5/21/1965 in Harrodsburg, Ky. and was raised in Lawrenceburg Ky. I developed a love for the banjo at 14 years old and my dad Leon Chilton was the biggest influence with my banjo playing because he was also a great banjo player. I am the 4th generation banjo player in my family. I have played for Clyde and Marie Denney, and Uncle Josh Graves from the Flat and Scruggs band. My most recent play has been over the past 12 years with the group Stringtown , we have four CD’s. The last one is entitled Medals for Mothers which was in honor of all our mothers that have passed. Our CD was produced by Ron Stewart. Ron also played fiddle on that CD. I endorse Gibson and Sullivan banjos. I use Sammy Shelor finger picks. I use Calton Cases. Over the years I have played many festivals and I have got to meet a lot of great people. I would like thank each and every fan because without you none of this would have been possible for me.

A few of my biggest influences in Bluegrass music were Bill Monroe, Earl Scruggs, JD Crowe, Don Reno and Butch Robins. I am now looking forward to new adventures with Custom Made Bluegrass. Looking forward to seeing and visiting with you at future festivals… Kevin Chilton

Barry Boggess – Bass

He was born and raised in Versailles, KY. Barry began playing guitar at age 6. Through the years he learned to play several other instruments. His early influences were classic rock bands of the 60’s and 70’s. At age 14 he began traveling with a gospel group and for many years after that he played southern gospel music. He is a long time member of his church’s worship team. He has strong family roots and loves traditional acoustic music. His grandfather, mother, aunt and uncle performed live on WVLK radio and at various churches and other events in the early 1940’s. Barry and his wife Janet reside in Nicholasville, KY and have 3 children.