The Couchmatics is name of our family's ever changing BAND. We get together whenever we have family functions. Whoever is there..Plays!.
It all started with my Grandpa Vickery and my Mother, Cherry Couch. I grew up with music in my family. My mom, Cherry, was an outstanding entertainer. She told me stories about how she and Pa Vickery would entertain at local square dances in Winfield. She was a natural talent. When she was in her late teens, she sang on the radio in Baton Rouge, LA. A record producer discovered her and wanted her to go to Nashville and make records. She did not pursue that because her family did not think that would be a good life for her. I remember one-time when I was 10 years old. I was at my cub scouts meeting at a local auditorium. There were about 250 people there. Someone knew my mom played guitar and sang. She got up on a small stage , with no amps or PA, just her acoustic guitar, She played and sang and brought the house down. The people just loved her. She taught me how to play the guitar and how to harmonize vocally. She was the main reason my interest in music began.
Regardless of where we lived, we always went back to Winfield, Alabama for Christmas. It eventually became a tradition. In the 60’s I remember watching my Mom, Pa Vickery, My uncle Bill Vickery and sometimes even my dad and Hilburn play blue grass and country music at the old Farm house. I so much wanted to be part of that!
Another strong influence on my musical interest was my cousin, Tony Couch. When I was a little kid, Tony was “the man.” He was like the 1950’s James Dean of the family. I use to hear him play and sing and wanted to be just like him. Tony is another of our family’s outstanding talents!
My brother and I eventually started a band in South Florida, Blue Mist, and over the years as my musical talent was honed and I became a more accomplished player I joined in and helped keep the musical tradition alive.
Today we have numerous participants in the Couchmatics. Depending on the time of year, members will vary. My Mom, Tony and I were the main musical players in 1970’s and 1980’s. Eventually the next generation, all of our kids, began to get into music and joined in. So today, we have many different players and we truly have a blast when we get together at Christmas time. I will attempt to list all musical members of the Couchmatics, In order of Age! I think?
Spiritual Alumni:
Jess " Pa" Vickery- Fiddle, Banjo, Vocals
Cherry Vickery Couch - Guitar and Vocals
Kathleen Vickery Greenwood- Percussion/Vocals
Active:
Bill Vickery - Guitar and Voclas
Tony Couch - Guitar, Bass, percussion, vocals
Dexter Smith - Steel Guitar
Mike Couch - Bass, ( sometimes vocals :)
Steve Couch - Guitar, Banjo, vocals
Nancy Miles - Vocals, percussion
Joey May - Guitar and Vocals
Jon May - Guitar and Vocals
Jeff Couch - Guitar and vocals
Jak Nobel - Guitar and vocals
Ally Couch - Vocals and percussion
Tricia Couch - Guitar
Nicole Couch - Vocals, percussion
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| where it all started!-The "Orginial" CouchMatic - Pa Vickery- picking on the front porch at the old farm house- Winfield, Alabama 1967 |
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| My Mom, Cherry Couch,(3rd from Left) with her band that played on the Radio in Baton Rouge, LA 1939 |
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| Left to Right: My Mom, Cherry, Pa Vickery, Aunt Kat |
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