JEFF TURNER

The Chuck Wagon Gang, one of gospel music’s longest-running groups, has announced a new addition to their band. Ronnie Parker has joined as their new upright bass player. Many talented musicians applied for the role, but Ronnie’s skills and experience made him stand out.

Ronnie Parker was raised in a musical family and picked up the upright bass at just ten years old. By the age of 13, he was already playing professionally with the bluegrass gospel band, New Highway. His early start and deep roots in gospel and bluegrass music made him a perfect fit for The Chuck Wagon Gang.

The group is working on a new project. Shaye Smith spoke about the special sound that fans have come to love and how it’s created both on stage and in the studio.

“Well, when we come into the studio, we still keep the acoustic guitar and the upright bass, which we use on stage when we sing live,” Smith explained. “But when we come in the studio, there are other instruments added that add to the thickness of the sound.”

She shared how subtle additions bring a new depth to their recordings. “There’s a little mandolin on a few of them, a little bit of fiddle. There’s a couple of songs with a little banjo on them, so that that gives a thicker texture, kind of helps pick it up a little bit.”

With Ronnie Parker joining the line-up and a fresh project in the works, The Chuck Wagon Gang continues to honour their rich history while adding new layers to their sound.