The Kentucky Headhunters

The Kentucky Headhunters
Company type	Band
Industry	Music
Founded	1986
Headquarters	Edmonton, Kentucky, United States
Products	Southern rock, country rock music

The Kentucky Headhunters are a Southern rock and country rock ensemble originating from Edmonton, Kentucky, USA. The group consists of Doug Phelps (bass, vocals), Greg Martin (lead guitar, vocals), along with siblings Richard Young (rhythm guitar, vocals) and Fred Young (drums, vocals). The roots of the band trace back to 1968 when Martin and the Young brothers performed as Itchy Brother, which also included Anthony Kenney on bass and vocals. Itchy Brother remained active until 1982. In 1986, the members regrouped under the name The Kentucky Headhunters, incorporating Ricky Lee Phelps (lead vocals, harmonica) and Doug Phelps (bass, vocals) into the lineup.

Their inaugural album, Pickin' on Nashville, was released through Mercury Records in 1989 and produced four consecutive Top 40 hits on the country charts. The subsequent album, Electric Barnyard, did not achieve the same commercial impact, prompting the Phelps brothers to leave and form Brother Phelps. Anthony Kenney rejoined the band, and Mark S. Orr took over lead vocal duties for the 1993 release of Rave On!! as well as the compilation The Best of The Kentucky Headhunters: Still Pickin' before their departure from Mercury Records. After Orr's exit, Doug Phelps returned as lead vocalist in 1996 for Stompin' Grounds. He continued to front albums released on Audium Entertainment such as Songs from the Grass String Ranch and Soul, in addition to Big Boss Man and the compilation Flying Under the Radar on CBuJ Entertainment. Following Kenney's departure, Doug resumed bass responsibilities by the time of the 2011 album Dixie Lullabies.

Over their career, The Kentucky Headhunters have produced ten studio albums, three compilation records, and twenty-three singles. Their most successful single is a rendition of Don Gibson’s "Oh Lonesome Me", which peaked at number eight on the Billboard Hot Country Songs chart in 1990. The band has been honored with three Country Music Association awards, an Academy of Country Music accolade, and a Grammy Award in 1990 for Best Country Performance by a Duo or Group with Vocal for their debut album Pickin' on Nashville.

1968–1982: Itchy Brother

In the 1960s, Richard Young, his brother Fred Young, and their cousins Anthony Kenney and Greg Martin formed a band named Itchy Brother in Glasgow, Kentucky. Richard played rhythm guitar while Fred was on drums; Kenney handled bass duties and Martin was lead guitarist. Throughout the 1970s, Itchy Brother found regional acclaim within Kentucky, releasing singles including "Shotgun Effie" in 1973. Martin briefly left the group that same year but rejoined in 1976. The band nearly secured a deal with Swan Song Records, a label created by Led Zeppelin, but plans fell through after drummer John Bonham passed away. Itchy Brother dissolved in 1982; subsequently, Richard pursued songwriting with Acuff-Rose Music, Fred supported country artist Sylvia, Martin collaborated with Ronnie McDowell, and Kenney concentrated on writing songs.

1986–1990: Pickin' on Nashville

In 1986, Greg Martin reunited with Richard and Fred Young. Since Kenney chose not to rejoin, Martin invited Doug Phelps along with his brother Ricky Lee to complete the lineup. To avoid confusion with other bands named The Headhunters, they adopted the name The Kentucky Headhunters. They began performing regularly on WLOC radio based in Munfordville, Kentucky.

The band invested $4,500 to produce a demo featuring seven original tracks alongside covers such as Bill Monroe’s "Walk Softly on This Heart of Mine," Henson Cargill’s "Skip a Rope," and Don Gibson’s "Oh Lonesome Me." Initially sold during live shows, this demo eventually caught the attention of Nashville music executives. Producer Harold Shedd facilitated their signing with Mercury Records in 1989.

Mercury Records released this demo as their debut album titled Pickin' on Nashville, which generated four singles reaching the Top 40 on the Billboard Hot Country Songs chart. Key tracks included "Walk Softly on This Heart of Mine" (No. 25), "Dumas Walker" (No. 15), "Oh Lonesome Me" (No. 8), and "Rock 'n' Roll Angel" (No. 23). The album earned them a Grammy Award for Best Country Performance by a Duo or Group with Vocal, ACM’s Best New Vocal Group award, along with CMA honors for Album of the Year and Vocal Group of the Year. It achieved double-platinum status from the Recording Industry Association of America by shipping two million copies across the United States. Praised for its rock-infused sound within country music circles, the band subsequently toured alongside Hank Williams Jr. and Delbert McClinton following their breakthrough success.

1991–1992: Second album release and exit of the Phelps brothers

In 1991, the group unveiled their sophomore album, Electric Barnyard. This record achieved gold status from the RIAA and secured a second CMA award for Vocal Group of the Year. However, its singles did not receive as much radio exposure as earlier tracks, with none breaking into the top 40 on U.S. country charts. The album's lead single was a rendition of "The Ballad of Davy Crockett," timed to coincide with the 155th anniversary of Davy Crockett's passing; it reached number 49 after spending eleven weeks on the charts. Additional singles included "With Body and Soul," which peaked at number 30 in Canada and 56 in the U.S., "It's Chitlin' Time" at 63, and a cover of Waylon Jennings’ "Only Daddy That'll Walk the Line" at position 60. The collection also contained a version of Norman Greenbaum’s "Spirit in the Sky."

Critics offered mixed feedback on Electric Barnyard. Entertainment Weekly applauded its combination of sharp humor and varied musical influences, awarding it an A grade. Brian Mansfield from Allmusic rated it three-and-a-half stars, emphasizing the strength of the cover songs while considering the original compositions as sufficient but unremarkable filler. Randy Lewis of the Los Angeles Times characterized the album as a lighter take on "ZZ Top," featuring a festive and robust sound.

In 1991, The Kentucky Headhunters teamed up with Roy Rogers for "That's How the West Was Swung" on his Tribute release and contributed a rendition of Canned Heat’s "Let's Work Together" to the soundtrack of Harley Davidson and the Marlboro Man. Additionally, Martin lent his lead guitar skills to Canadian synthpop group Men Without Hats on their 1991 album Sideways, and temporarily replaced injured Lynyrd Skynyrd guitarist Ed King during their 1992 tour.

By June 1992, Ricky Lee and Doug Phelps exited the band due to creative disagreements. Richard Phelps described Ricky Lee’s period with the band as challenging because of disputes over musical style but admitted surprise at their departure, noting efforts to retain them. Ricky Lee favored a more traditional country approach and aimed to lessen the band's hard rock influence. Following their exit, Ricky Lee and Doug established Brother Phelps, focusing on mainstream country music. Brother Phelps released two albums through Asylum Records, achieving top 40 chart success with "Let Go" (reaching number 6) and "Were You Really Livin'" (number 28).

1992–1994: Revised lineup and diminished commercial impact

Kenney returned in 1992 to resume bass duties, while Mark S. Orr assumed lead vocal responsibilities. Their 1993 album, Rave On!!, featuring Orr and Kenney, shifted toward a stronger blues rock orientation. Although they toured alongside labelmate Billy Ray Cyrus, Rave On!! underperformed commercially and failed to produce a hit single among its three releases: "Honky Tonk Walkin'," "Blue Moon of Kentucky", and "Dixie Fried," with the latter two being covers of Bill Monroe and Carl Perkins, respectively. The album also included a cover of The Lovin' Spoonful’s "My Gal". Chart positions for "Honky Tonk Walkin'" and "Dixie Fried" were numbers 54 and 71 on country charts; "Blue Moon of Kentucky" did not chart.

Critical response was varied: Allmusic’s Mansfield assigned two stars, labeling the band as a "redneck boogie group," while Entertainment Weekly gave a C− grade, citing a decline in wit and spark compared to prior releases. Conversely, The Boston Globe regarded it as an appealing "car-stereo album," and Rolling Stone commended its rock-driven sound as an effective touring foundation.

The lineup fronted by Orr also produced That'll Work, a 1993 collaboration with Johnnie Johnson, Chuck Berry’s pianist, released via Nonesuch Records. Created over four days, this project featured Johnson on piano and vocals, with Jimmy Hall contributing harmonica and saxophone parts. Allmusic observed the band’s heavy blues groove but criticized it for lacking some charm present in earlier works. In 1994, Mercury issued a greatest hits compilation titled The Best of The Kentucky Headhunters: Still Pickin' which included singles from their first three albums alongside covers such as The Beatles’ "You've Got to Hide Your Love Away." Shortly after this compilation’s release, the band parted ways with Mercury Records.

1995–2002: Doug Phelps Returns

In August 1995, Orr exited the group, prompting Doug Phelps to rejoin. This change led to the dissolution of Brother Phelps and Ricky Lee embarking on a solo career. After signing with BNA Records, the band released Stompin' Grounds in 1997, featuring Doug as the lead vocalist. Despite their efforts, the album did not enter the charts, with only a cover of Marty Robbins' "Singing the Blues" reaching number 70. To promote the release, they focused on radio stations in smaller markets where their audience remained loyal. Critical reception was mixed; some reviewers considered it potentially their finest work, while others felt it lacked the vigor found in earlier records.

The 2000 album Songs from the Grass String Ranch, issued through Audium Entertainment (Koch Records), showcased exclusively original compositions co-written by all band members. Fred and Richard Young contributed lead vocals on select tracks. The album’s title pays homage to their family farm's nickname. Its lead single, "Too Much to Lose," reached number 66 on Billboard’s country chart, but follow-up singles did not chart. Critics described the collection as enjoyable for fans yet somewhat ordinary.

2003–2006: Releases of Soul and Big Boss Man

Audium released Soul in 2003, which once again featured Johnnie Johnson along with guest musicians such as organist Reese Wynans and saxophonist Jim Horn. The album included singles like "Lonely Nights" and "Last Night I Met Carl Perkins," neither of which charted. It also contained covers including Eddie Hinton’s "I Still Wanna Be Your Man" and Eric Clapton’s "Have You Ever Loved a Woman?." Critics applauded its fusion of rhythm & blues and soul elements while maintaining the signature Southern rock guitar sound.

After Audium ceased operations, the band signed with CBuJ Entertainment in 2005 and released Big Boss Man, a collection entirely composed of cover songs funded by Sony/ATV Music Publishing to capitalize on their catalog. Richard Young played a key role in selecting tracks such as Jimmy Reed’s title track, Hank Williams covers, Bob Dylan’s "Like a Rolling Stone," The Beatles’ "I'm Down," and Patsy Cline’s "Walkin' After Midnight." Reviews highlighted its appeal to devoted followers with notable country interpretations but noted some limitations in vocal range.

2007–2021: Compilation and New Works Including Flying Under the Radar, Dixie Lullabies, Meet Me in Bluesland, and On Safari

In 2007, CBuJ issued the compilation Flying Under the Radar, which combined selections from earlier albums alongside fresh tracks. Around 2008, Kenney departed to pursue a career as a theater director, leading Doug to return to bass duties. To commemorate two decades since Pickin' on Nashville, a live album was released in 2009.

October 2011 saw the launch of Dixie Lullabies on Red Dirt Records following a tour with Jamey Johnson. Critics drew favorable comparisons between its sound and that of The Rolling Stones and ZZ Top.

In April 2015, they released another collaboration with Johnnie Johnson titled Meet Me in Bluesland through Alligator Records; this project originated from recordings made during the 2003 sessions for Soul. Their 2016 album On Safari featured previously written songs including "Crazy Jim," their first instrumental track "Governor's Cup," and a rendition of Alice Cooper’s "Caught in a Dream." Shortly before this album's release, Richard and Fred Young experienced the loss of their father.

2021–Present: That's a Fact Jack!

In September 2021, the band announced the release of That's a Fact Jack! scheduled for October under Practice House Records. The album included singles such as "How Could I," "Susannah," and the title track, along with a newly recorded version of "Shotgun Effie." After the album's launch, they made their debut appearance at the Grand Ole Opry in December 2021 and embarked on a supporting tour that kicked off in Corinth, Mississippi. Richard Young disclosed that back in 1990, despite Bill Monroe’s endorsement, they were denied opportunities to perform at the Opry due to their long hair.

For the 20th anniversary of Big Boss Man, the band independently reissued the album in November 2025 via Practice House Records, releasing its title track as a single.

Collaborations with Other Artists

Members of the group have been actively involved in projects beyond their own discography. Richard Young served as co-producer on Flynnville Train’s eponymous debut album (2007) and co-authored the song "Truck Stop in the Sky." Greg Martin pursued a gospel rock side venture called The Mighty Jeremiahs (2007), which featured contributions from Jimmy Hall, Jeff Beck, Phil Keaggy, Darrell Mansfield, among others; he also participated in Hall’s tribute album Build Your Own Fire. Additionally, Martin initiated another side project named Rufus Huff, releasing an album through Zoho Music in 2009.

Richard Young co-wrote Tracy Byrd’s 1998 hit "I'm from the Country." His son John Fred Young performs as the drummer for rock outfit Black Stone Cherry, which practices at the same farmhouse previously utilized by The Kentucky Headhunters.

Musical Style

The Kentucky Headhunters fuse elements of country, rockabilly, blues, Southern rock, and heavy metal into an energetic, guitar-driven sound. Lead vocalist Doug Phelps’ singing combines the intensity of blues legends like Jimmy Rushing with a relaxed delivery reminiscent of Glenn Frey from Eagles. Their early records showcase an eclectic mix of covers ranging from Bill Monroe to Carl Perkins to The Lovin’ Spoonful. The 2003 release Soul emphasized R&B influences through prominent use of Hammond organ and horn arrangements. Their original compositions frequently draw on themes reflecting their Southern heritage.

Greg Martin’s signature lead guitar tone is notable; since 1993 he has played a Gibson Les Paul once owned by Hank Williams Jr., featured extensively on Kentucky Headhunters’ albums and side projects.

During their early 1990s prominence, they were considered underdogs within country music due to their rugged sound and rural persona achieving mainstream success. Critics recognized their capacity to reshape country music throughout that decade. Billboard described them as possibly the most consistently outstanding Southern rock band worldwide.

Band Members

Greg Martin (born March 31, 1954) – lead guitar, vocals (1986–present)
Doug Phelps (born December 15, 1960) – bass guitar/background vocals (1986–1992); lead vocals/rhythm guitar (1995–2008); lead vocals/bass guitar (2008–present)
Fred Young (born July 8, 1958) – drums, vocals (1986–present)
Richard Young (born January 27, 1955) – rhythm guitar, vocals (1986–present)

Former members

Anthony Kenney (born July 14, 1956) – bass guitar/harmonica/background vocals (1992–2008)
Mark S. Orr (born April 22, 1957) – lead vocals (1992–1995)
Ricky Lee Phelps (born January 17, 1953) – lead vocals (1986–1992)

Discography

Albums in the Studio

Pickin' on Nashville (1989)
Electric Barnyard (1991)
Rave On!! (1993)
That'll Work (1993)
Stompin' Grounds (1997)
Songs from the Grass String Ranch (2000)
Soul (2003)
Big Boss Man (2005)
Dixie Lullabies (2011)
Meet Me in Bluesland (2015)
On Safari (2016)
That's a Fact Jack! (2021)

Grammy Awards

|- |1991 |Pickin' on Nashville |Best Country Performance by a Duo or Group with Vocal | |- |1992 |Electric Barnyard |Best Country Performance by a Duo or Group with Vocal | |- |1993 |"Only Daddy That'll Walk the Line" |Best Country Performance by a Duo or Group with Vocal |

American Music Awards

|- |1991 |The Kentucky Headhunters |Favorite Country New Artist | |- |1992 |The Kentucky Headhunters |Favorite Country Band/Duo/Group |

TNN/Music City News Country Awards

|- |1991 |The Kentucky Headhunters |Vocal Group of the Year |

Academy of Country Music Awards

|- |1990 |The Kentucky Headhunters |Top New Vocal Group or Duet | |- |1991 |The Kentucky Headhunters |Top Vocal Group of the Year | |- |1992 |The Kentucky Headhunters |Top Vocal Group of the Year |

Country Music Association Awards

External links

Honorary Kentucky Headhunter
Greg Martin Interview NAMM Oral History Library (2021)