Sharon did it again ! Yup, she won her fourth Traditional Female Vocalist of the year in the SPBGMA 2010 Mid-West awards show in Jefferson City, Mo in January.

HERITAGE BLUEGRASS BAND is a Traditional Bluegrass group with the emphasis on rich four part harmony ballads and a generous layer of Gospel. A mix of standards plus some of their original songwriting efforts are presented with Banjo, Mandolin, Guitar, Dobro and Bass. Sharon Graeff now has 5 CDs to her credit, one of which won SPBGMA Album of the Year in 2002. 2 more Heritage Band CD projects are planned for the spring of 2010. Three of Sharons efforts were made with the Nationally know band LOST HIGHWAY out of Calif. Sharon is best known for her signature songs ON MY FATHERS SIDE and the tribute to our veterans entitled WITH LOVE FROM NORMANDY. Sharon Graeff is a four time winner of SPBGMAs Traditional Female Vocalist of the year. Max Cooley has twice been nominated for Dobro player of the year and Matt Allen has been nominated for Song Writer of the Year.

Sharon Graeff (Mandolin/Fiddle) is one of ten children that played professionally in the Elifrits Family Band of Fillmore, Missouri. Sharon then went on to polish her lead and harmony singing in several Country/Western Bands in the St. Joseph, Missouri area. Flatt & Scruggs, Reno & Smiley, Louvin Brothers, Porter Wagoner and Loretta Lynn are her heros, Sharon and Ray now live on a farm near Stewarstville, Missouri. (Gibson F5G Mandolin).

Matt Allen (Guitar). Is from Crescent, Iowa and formerly played with his mom, dad sister and brother in the Allen Family band. Matt was also a member of the Golden Harvest Band . His guitar and mandolin playing is distinctive and his high harmony and lead vocals hit the spot. (Custom Faris guitar)

Denny Reigsecker (Banjo) is a contract transport driver for Pepsi-Cola and he and his family live in Lincoln Nebraska. Dennys clean Scruggs style banjo playing really represents the aims of Sharon Graeff and Heritage. Denny has played with Lesters Choice and many area bands over the years

Max Cooley (Dobro) lives in Louisburg, Nebraska and has been playing music for most of his life. Josh Graves and Jimmy Martin are his idols and it shows in his playing and lead vocals (A Face In The Crowd). Max is a retired over-the-road truck driver. (1935 Dobro)

Ray Graeff (Doghouse Bass) Spent many years playing Classic Country in various Bands in the St. Joseph, Missouri area and changed to Bluegrass when Country evolved into something different. Sharon's husband Ray rounds out the crew singing the bass parts and playing Bass. (1963 ¾ Kay classic upright bass).

Sharon is strongly considering doing an old tyme country album, since she's had lots of requests for one. The studio here at the new house is finished and we're going to start recording sometime in the next month since the equipment is all moved over from our previous location at Osborn, Missouri. We like living in the country lots better since it's much quieter and we can watch the deer and turkey off our new back deck. The country album will be a lot of old favorites of Sharon's and she's really looking forward to doing it. We're hoping some of the people playing on it will be Vance Monday on pedal steel, Tim Dunagan on Lead Guitar, Tim's wife Jamie on drums and of course husband Ray on the old Fender Precision bass. We're not sure who the fiddle will be... and we'd really like some twin fiddles on the project. Then it will be time for another Bluegrass album too and we're still trying to pick some of the songs that will be on it. Possibly it will have some more of our original stuff on it, or maybe Mark Brinkman will write us something special, like he did last time with "Love From Normandy". Since the death of Ken Orrick has negated any possibility of Lost Highway working with Sharon, the new CD will be all Heritage, with her regular road crew.

Ken Orrick (leader of Lost highway) died at his home in Los Angeles Jan. 24th of 2009. Ken sang all the baritone parts on Sharon's recordings as well as playing all the rhythm guitar on all tracks. The Good Lord must be having one awesome jam session up there as Ken joins all the other bluegrass greats that proceeded him in death.

We're sure enjoying having Denny Riegsecker from Lincoln Nebraska pick with. We sure were proud that Denny joined us for the SPBGMA awards show in Jefferson City, Mo in 09 he's no doubt going to fit in great. Denny also does some finger-pick guitar work and we need him on that for a couple of Sharon's specialty songs (like "With Love From Normandy"). Another Sharon Graeff and Heritage project is being planned for spring of 2010. The upcoming project will make it six CDs for Sharon, seven if you count the "OLD DOGS AND CHILDREN" tape that she did with the Elifrits Family Band years ago.

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We sure were proud to play on the Jefferson City, Missouri Awards show for SPBGMA in Jan. of 08 (and 2009) and were just getting warmed up, it seems, when our alloted time was over, we were having so much fun that we wanted to stay on stage a little longer. Sharon got to do "WITH LOVE FROM NORMANDY" and we were sure humbled to receive a standing ovation for the song.

We sure like "WITH LOVE FROM NORMANDY" and are glad that PRIME CUTS put it on their release to radio shipped March 15 of 08. We're glad to share the release with the likes of Audie Blaylock, Balsam Ridge, Cedar Hill, CrossPoint String Band, Jeff and Sheri Easter, The Lewis Family and Easter Brothers, Marci Salyer, Michelle Cupit, Mike Bentley, Palmer Divide, Runaway Freight and Wayne Taylor. Many thanks to Mark Brinkman for writing such a great song that is as relavent today as it was back in 1944.

Back in 07 we really had plans to attend the SPBGMA regional awards show in Jefferson City, Mo in Jan. 2007, but a severe ice storm kinda got in the way. Sharon was nominated for Traditional Female Vocalist of the Year, and "what do you know".. she won. This is the third time she has won the vocalist award and is extremely proud of the three plaques that now hang in her living room. She also won the "Album of the Year" award for her first project with Lost Highway entitled "Mom's Old Picture Book". Her first CD contained the song "On My Father's Side" which has brought Sharon much attention and has become her signature song.

Sharon's project "Once More" with LOST HIGHWAY is now released. This is Sharon's third with Ken Orrick and the guys and we think this one is the best, so far.

Decisions, decisions... after all the listening and talking we finally kept 12 songs that appear on the new CD entitled "ONCE MORE". Playing order and writers is the following; "PAPA WANTS TO GO BACK IN THE MORNING" by Allen Mills, "WITH LOVE FROM NORMANDY" by Mark Brinkman, "TWIN MOUNTAIN LOVERS' by Mike Evans, "KEEPER OF THE DOOR" by Larry and John Gillis, "OLD MAN IN THE PARK" by H. Poindexter, "A SOLDIERS REUNION" by Jerry Williamson, "YOUR OLD STANDBY" by Jim Eanes & Mike Perry, "RHYTHM OF THE RAIN" by John Gummoe, "DREAMING OF A LITTLE CABIN" by Wade Mainer, "A BEAUTIFUL LIFE" public domain, "ONCE MORE" by Dusty Owens, "BORROWED TIME AND RENTED LAND" by Jerry Williamson.

The project was recorded in Hesperia, Calif. in Eric Uglum's NEW WINE STUDIO. Produced by Ken Orrick, Mixed and Mastered by Eric Uglum.

After playing the Golden Valley Fest. at Clinton, Mo. with Lost Highway on the same show with us in 07, they followed us home and spent a few days. Ken worked on the bus a little and Eric and the rest of the band tinkered in Ray's studio laying down some tracks for a project they are working on.

Our mailing address has changed, Sharon and Ray have purchased some farm property at Stewartsville, Mo and moved Thanksgiving of 07. Both the phone number and email address changed. It's now Ray and Sharon Graeff... 9724 S.W. Taylor Road, Stewartsville, Mo. 64490. (816) 667-9112.. Our new house can be seen on the "Photos" page.

SHARON GRAEFF - (Mandolin) has grown up with music, since her family all played and sang professionally. She can't remember when she first sang with the family band, but it was probably at age 8 or 9. It's been a love affair ever since. Sharon has appeared with far too many country bands and shows to list here, but like her husband Ray, she decided to move over to bluegrass about 15 years ago. After doing local bluegrass shows for several year, Sharon attracted the attention of Lost Highway, and was invited to travel to California to do a CD project with them. It woked great. "Mom's Old Picture Book" won the SPBGMA Album of the year in 2002 and went to #66 on the European charts. She was also voted SPBGMA'S Traditional Female Vocalist of the Year (Traditional) in 2003. Sharon's "ON MY FATHER'S SIDE" has become a fan favorite and is know as her signature song.

Current Heritage Band Members,

Matt Allen - Guitar/mandolin,

Max Cooley - Resophonic guitar (dobro),

Denny Reigsecker - Banjo

Ray Graeff - Bass,

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SHARON GRAEFF PROJECT "MAKIN MEMORIES"

The Tracks for the CD are - MAKING PLANS, STONE COLD HEART, MEMORIES, TOO OLD TO DIE YOUNG, WHAT ABOUT JOSEPH(an original gospel), A FACE IN THE CROWD, ARE WE THERE YET(a Sharon original), (a very up-tempo version of)SING ME BACK HOME, I'M THE ONE(the womans answer to LONG BLACK VEIL adapted by Ray Graeff), STEEL RAILS, FAR SIDE BANKS OF JORDAN, SLIPPERS WITH WINGS, OLD TIMERS WALTZ, MAMA'S MAGIC COOKSTOVE(original), YOU'RE THE ONE FOR ME(original by Matt Allen), AND.. T-BONE(Barney's original banjo tune).

KEEP ON PICKIN !

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SHARON'S ALL GOSPEL CD... "FROM CRADLE, TO CROSS, TO CROWN" TRACK LIST- WHERE THE SOUL NEVER DIES, ONE DAY AT A TIME, THE OLD CROSSROADS, THE CROSS ACROSS THE STREET, MEDALS FOR MOTHER, LEANING ON THE EVERLASTING ARMS, THREE MEN ON A MOUNTAIN, KEEP THE CANDLES BURNING, NOT AFRAID, YOU GO TO YOUR CHURCH, FROM CRADLE TO CROSS TO CROWN, I WAS I AM I WILL.

YOUR CAN ORDER THE GOSPEL PROJECT RECORDED WITH SHARON'S ROAD BAND HERITAGE, OR SHARON'S "MOM'S OLD PICTURE BOOK" OR "FROM THE HEART" WITH LOST HIGHWAY GET FREE SHIPPING ON ANY SHARON GRAEFF PROJECT WHEN YOU CALL US DIRECT CDs $15.00... TAPES $10.00

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SHARON GRAEFF PROJECTS ARE ALSO AVAILABLE AT

COUNTY SALES, FLOYD VIRGINIA... (540) 745-2001 WWW.COUNTYSALES.COM

or

You'll probably find Sharon at home to order your CDs directly from her by calling (816) 667-9112

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BE SURE AND CLICK ON "PICTURES" SO YOU CAN SEE LOST HIGHWAY, THE BUS AND BUNCHES OF OTHER STUFF...

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WHEN YOU SEE THAT GREEN SILVER EAGLE...

honk and wave real big... so we can wave back. Catch us at a festival and we'll give you a tour of our faithfull steed. We'd be plum proud to show her off.

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ORIGINAL LYRICS BY SHARON AND RAY...(RECORDED BY SHARON)

FLOWERS AND STONE by Ray Graeff

I'm no different, I guess, to think my Mom's th best I suppose everyone's just the same. You know that when supper is ready. You'll hear that sweet voice call your name. But there'll come a time, for no reason or rhyme When she will be called to her rest. Then you'll be alone, in the family home, And her raisin' is put to the test.

CHORUS Flowers and Stone cannot hold you, And say everything is alright. You'll miss her fried chicken and gravy, And knowing, she's there every night. Honor and be kind to your mother, It's just too late when she's gone. She'll answer you not, from the graveyard When you speak to the flowers and stone

You think back to the time, of a nickle or a dime, When Mom gave you all she possessed. Got the last piece of pie, from the look in her eye, You knew that she loved you the best. And when you would fall, she would answer your call, And a kiss and a hug would suffice, Well, pay her back now, for in a little while, You'll wish you had taken my advice.

50 YEARS..... by Ray Graeff

Was it really 50 years, back when we said.."I Do" I can't believe how time has flown, it seems like just a few. I still remember everything, about that joyful day, When we stood before our Lord, and gave our hearts away.

CHORUS----- You're still pretty as a picture, Just like our wedding day. You've always been my faithful friend, Through years of work and play. I can't believe my luck to earn, the partner that I found, I'll love you till the very day, they lay me in the ground.

The things we've gathered through the years, we'll step back to admire. Our keepsakes and unfailing love, all tempered by life's fire. Our children live successful lives, all doing very well, In future generations, our love story they will tell.

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ARCHTOP SILVERTONE .... by Sharon Graeff

I'm just too tired tonight kids, Sometimes my Dad would say. He wouldn't really feel like, taking time to sing and play. But he knew what we were up to... When we'd start to sing out loud. He'd say, that ain't th way it goes, here, let me show you how.

CHORUS.... That old archtop silvertone, my daddy used to play, I can see and hear it in my mind, at the closing of each day. I've heard the best, and all the rest, No kingdoms ever know. The music that my Daddy made, on his Archtop Silvertone.

That old Silvertone is silent now, His voice we'll hear no more. But, memories of the past are sweet, they echo o'er and o'er. Sometimes when singing those old songs, I hear him even now, You know that ain't th' way it goes, here let me show you how. REPEAT CHORUS....

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I NEVER WANTED THE ROSES... by Sharon Graeff...

The summer sun shown brightly, on a love I thought so true. But storm clouds soon would gather, for I was losiing you. I tried to walk beside you, but pride caused us to part. I never wanted the Roses, Bring me your broken heart.

Chorus...... You wanted to send me flowers, while roses were in bloom. But my love outweighed misfortune, I only needed you. Now, I understand dear, why our world was torn apart. I never wanted the roses, Bring me your broken heart.

I don't care for riches, or mansions for all to see. Wildflowers on the hillside, will prove your love for me. Come share the dreams together, we'll make a brand new start. I never wanted the roses, just bring me your broken heart.

REPEAT CHORUS...

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CROSS ACROSS THE STREET Ken Quigley/Sharon Graeff

There's a cross, across the street from me, In the window, for everyone to see. As I sit and read God's book, I can also sit and look, at the cross, across the street from me.

CHORUS

I can vision Jesus nailed upon the tree, where He died to save a sinner, such as me. He arose, He paid the cost, when He died upon the cross, like the cross, across the street from me.

On the Cross our Savior died, some would laugh, believers cried, they had placed a crown of thorns upon His head, for you and I, His blood was shed

REPEAT CHORUS.....

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I AM THE ONE (ADAPTATION OF LONG BLACK VEIL) by Ray Graeff

Ten years ago, I was a battered wife, He was drunk every night, I feared for my life. My husband's friend, was gentle and so kind, and in his arms, was the only love I'd find.

My husband was killed neath the town hall light and one who was wrong, took revenge on that night. My love looked like, the one that used the knife, and with no real proof, they took my true love's life.

CHORUS.... I wander these hills, in a long black veil. I visit the grave, as the days light fails. Nobody knows, th' wrong that was done, Nobody knows, I'm the one.

I hurried there to meet my lover on that night. My husband followed me, and then began to fight. Too drunk to know, he didn't see th' knife, At the town hall door, I took my husband's life. REPEAT CHORUS.

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WHAT ABOUT JOSEPH by Sharon Graeff

We've heard the story of Mary, and the burden she had to bear. We know of the life of Jesus, of the love He taught us to share. But there's one whose life is a myster, his story so often untold. Though he was the one who loved Mary and the son he raised as his own.

CHORUS.... Joseph, Joseph, What do we know about Joseph? He was the one who loved Mary and the Son he raised as his own.

BREAK.

When he heard the voiece of the angel, and learned of the path he must take, He questioned his God's mighty wisdon, still knowing the path he must take. He never once tried to turn away, from the task he must claim all alone. He couldn't because he loved Mary, and the Son he raised as his own.

Did he know of the path God intended, as he taught the carpenter's trad. Could he forsee the pain Jesus would know, before man's debt would be paid. Did he understand what his sacrifice meant, in a world where mistrust had been sown. Did he know of the walk up Calvary's Hill, for the Son he had raised as his own. ..REPEAT CHORUS.... END.

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ARE WE THERE YET by Sharon Graeff

While driving on the highway, old memories flood my mind, Of happy hours and childhood dreams, I spent upon the farm. And I recall how mom and dad, would smile and answer, soon, at the same words from the backseat of my own impatient youth.

CHORUS... Are we there yet daddy, hey ! How much longer will it be? Until we get Grandpa's, How much longer Mommy, please? I can't wait to chase the chickens and to climb the apple tree, I know my Grandpa's waitin' How much longer will it be?

Visions from my ytounger days bring loving thoughts to share, Of fishin poles and swimmin' holes, of life without a care. Of chasin' frogs, and puppy dogs, mud pies and old red barns, Of children running wildly into Grandpa's waiting arms. REPEAT CHORUS..