George Hammonds
George Hammonds, who passed away on Oct. 9, 2007, was a well-known member of the local music community.
He played electric bass with such high-profile bands and musicians as Little Chicago, Blues Hangover, The GrooveMasters, King Moon Racer, Billy Crawford, and Lightnin' Charlie.
For several years, Hammonds was "The Nightfly," host of a late-night music program on East Tennessee State University's public radio station, WETS-FM, where he also served as operations director.
Friends and colleagues of Hammonds held a tribute concert in December at the Kingsport Renaissance Center. The program opened with a performance by Lightnin' Charlie, with whom Hammonds was working at the time of his death. Also appearing was international recording artist Deborah Coleman, featured in last year's HBO production "Blues Divas," along with Billy Crawford Band and the Thunderheads.
Rob Russell, who heads up the Sore Losers band and is director of ETSU's Writing and Communication Center, acted as master of ceremonies. Proceeds from the concert benefitted the Hammonds family.
