The Greenbriar Boys
| Company type | Music group |
|---|---|
| Industry | Music |
| Founded | 1958 in New York City, United States |
| Founder | John Herald |
| Defunct | 1970 |
| Headquarters | New York City , United States |
| Products | Bluegrass music albums |
The Greenbriar Boys were a northern American bluegrass music ensemble established in 1958 in New York City. The band was initiated by guitarist and singer John Herald, with the original members including Bob Yellin on banjo and Eric Weissberg handling fiddle, mandolin, and banjo. Shortly after formation, Weissberg was replaced by Paul Prestopino, who was subsequently succeeded by Ralph Rinzler (mandolin), forming the lineup that achieved their greatest success. Regular performers in Greenwich Village, they were the first northern group to secure victory at the Union Grove Fiddlers' Convention, where Yellin also received top honors for his banjo playing.
Their contributions included guest performances on two songs from Joan Baez's 1961 release Joan Baez, Vol. 2. Their self-titled debut album came out in 1962 under Vanguard Records. Following releases featured Dián and the Greenbriar Boys (1963, Elektra), showcasing Dián James; Ragged but Right! (1964); and Better Late Than Never (1966), which introduced mandolinist and vocalist Frank Wakefield along with fiddler Jim Buchanan. Notably, the 1966 record contained the earliest known recording of Mike Nesmith's "Different Drum", later popularized by the Stone Poneys, plus "Up To My Neck In High Muddy Water," credited to Wakefield, Herald, and Yellin.
Following Rinzler’s departure in 1965 to head the folklife division at the Smithsonian Institution, Wakefield—already an established figure in bluegrass with performances at Carnegie Hall and collaborations with icons like The Stanley Brothers—joined the band, infusing southern Appalachian influences into their northern folk sound. During four years together, Wakefield’s mandolin and vocal work, alongside John Herald, Bob Yellin, and Jim Buchanan, yielded significant recordings and appearances on national television. By 1968, Wakefield had also brought Kentucky-born guitarist and lead vocalist Joe Isaacs into the group.
The Greenbriar Boys dissolved in 1970 when Wakefield opted for a solo path but reunited sporadically afterward. John Herald continued his musical career with The John Herald Band and released a solo work titled Roll On John in 2000 before his passing in 2005.
Studio albums
- 1962: The Greenbriar Boys (Vanguard)
- 1963: Dian & the Greenbriar Boys (Elektra)
- 1964: Ragged But Right! (Vanguard)
- 1966: Better Late Than Never! (Vanguard)
Compilations
- 1986: The Best of the Greenbriar Boys (Vanguard)
- 2002: Best of the Vanguard Years (Vanguard)
- 2003: Big Apple Bluegrass (Vanguard)