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Click here for a press photo
The
Cockman Family Bluegrass Gospel Group is made up of four
brothers, their sister and their Dad. They sing because they
believe that God has given them this talent to glorify Him.
The Cockmans have a unique bluegrass gospel style. Their
harmonies, original songs and original arrangements of the old
gospel songs have been immensely popular with their audiences.
Fans love their family-style entertainment as well. As
the family continues to grow, the grandchildren are also joining in on the tradition. They love to sing and they love the Lord. Their family ties are strong, and the warmth of that is
conveyed in their performances.
The Cockman Family is featured in an hour-long PBS television
program entitled "Maker of the Stars: A Cockman Family
Christmas." The special is shown on
American Public Television. They are also known in North Carolina as cast members on a
series of seven, one hour PBS television specials, "The
Arthur Smith Show, Now & Then." They also appeared on "George Beverly Shea and Friends," also produced by PBS.
The
Cockman Family has been nominated for Bluegrass Artists of the
Year, Instrumentalist of the Year and Bluegrass Band of the Year
by the Country Gospel Music Association (CGMA), and for Gold
Cross Bluegrass Group of the Year by the International Country
Gospel Music Association. The
Cockman Family was selected as one of "The 12 Most Creative Families In America" by American Greetings Cards and USA
Today Weekend.
The Cockman Family is listed in the North Carolina Arts Council
for North Carolina Touring and Resident Artist Directory, and
has produced a concert video that is aired regularly on the SET
(Southern Entertainment Television) 24 hour satellite gospel
programming network and other local TV stations around the
country.
 John
Sr. is the father and the
guitar player of the Cockman
Family. He is married to Jane, and
they reside in Sherrill's Ford. His responsibilities include radio
and television promotions, as well
as scheduling and advertising. He is also in charge of all the
emcee work for the group. John
Sr. recently retired from teaching cabinet making
in public schools and is also an
experienced guitar builder. He was
selected as the 1998-99 Maiden
High School Teacher of the year, and is currently teaching at North
Iredell High School.
Caroline isthe lead singer for the group.
She also shares harmony parts with her brothers.Daddy calls her the "little rose among the thorns". She is an avid song writer with a great ear for a melody. Caroline was voted "Female Vocalist of the Year" by Powergrass Internet Radio. Caroline is married to Kelly Fisher, and she stays at home taking care of Samuel and Lydia Jane.
John
Jr. sings bass and plays the fiddle in the group. His unique style of vocal arrangement has helped to strengthen the Cockman Family's sound. John is a Professor and Director of Laboratories in the Department of Physics and Astronomy at Appalachian State University He is married to Jennifer Cockman, and they are the proud parents of Arwen and Lorien (otherwise known as The Butterpats.
Billy sings lead and tenor and plays the banjo and guitar for the group. He also writes for the family. Billy is married to Jamie Cockman. They have a son, Jeremiah, and a daughter Emma. Billy teaches banjo, won the 2009 North Carolina State Banjo Championship hosted by Jens Kruger at the Carolina in the Fall festival, and also the 2010 South Carolina State Banjo Championship at Renofest in Hartsville. Billy has degrees in furniture manufacturing and furniture design, and is also a licensed contractor.
David is the bass fiddler and sings baritone for the group. He helps with the emcee work and provides lots of humor for live performances. David is most known for his smile as he always seems to light up the stage. He is married to Jessie Vallier, from Omaha, NE. She works from home as the administrator for Fiddlers Grove Ole Time & Bluegrass Fiddlers Festival. They have two sons, Joseph and Noah, and a daughter named Sophia Bella. David has degrees in furniture manufacturing and furniture design, and works as a manager for Lee Industries.
Ben is the youngest member of the Cockman Family. At 6' 7", he is also the tallest! Ben sings lead and baritone for the group and plays the mandolin and guitar. Ben is good at instrumental arrangements and has a hand in producing all of the songs we play. Ben is multi-talented and can play almost any instrument he puts his hands on. His special style of picking adds versatility and depth to the instrumentation. Ben is a professional music teacher, teaching mandolin, guitar, fiddle, banjo, and resophonic guitar. For lessons, please contact Ben at (828)320-3378 bencockman2000@yahoo.com. Ben plays a Murph mandolin, made by Mr. David Murph. Ben's wife Melissa is a professional photographer, and is available for weddings, family portraits, etc. Click here to view Melissa Cockman's photography!
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