Biography
The Youngers emerged from Berks County in southeastern Pennsylvania, where they merge country’s grounded, sincere textures with rock & roll’s urgent drive. Lead singer, guitarist, and chief songwriter Todd Notobartolo had previously collaborated with the Stone Poets and backed singer-songwriter Tom Hampton before gaining notice on the Pennsylvania roots circuit through his role in the progressive bluegrass outfit Frog Holler. Seeking an outlet for his own material, Notobartolo assembled the Youngers alongside bassist and vocalist Randy Krater, whose prior credits include work with the Sonny Miller Band and Sand Creek. The initial roster included banjoist Michael Beaky and drummer Frank Orlando, yet Beaky soon gave way to multi-instrumentalist Jesse Nocera to sharpen the ensemble’s edge, while Orlando departed and Tom Hampton assumed the drum chair.
This configuration produced the band’s first release, Output, issued on the independent Obuck Records imprint in 2005. Although roots-music outlets greeted the album warmly, further lineup adjustments followed: Hampton exited, Justin Schaefer became the new drummer, Nocera was succeeded by guitarist Dax Bryan, and keyboardist James Harton began appearing regularly at performances. While preparing their next project, the Youngers secured the involvement of John Carter Cash, son of country legend Johnny Cash and producer of several of his father’s later works. Cash helmed the sessions for the 2008 follow-up Heritage at Cash Cabin Studios in Tennessee, where Ronnie McCoury of the Del McCoury Band and renowned pedal-steel guitarist Ralph Mooney, long associated with Waylon Jennings, contributed guest performances. Heritage earned strong notices and elevated the group’s visibility, resulting in shared bills with Wayne Hancock, Marty Stuart, David Allan Coe, and Levon Helm.
By the time the Youngers completed their third album, the personnel had shifted once more, leaving Notobartolo and Krater joined by guitarist Matt Thren and drummer Bruce Kissinger, with Nashville studio veteran Tony Harrell handling keyboard duties in the studio. Recorded with Grammy-winning engineer Chuck Turner at Sound Emporium in Nashville, the resulting LP Picture of You appeared in 2016.
This configuration produced the band’s first release, Output, issued on the independent Obuck Records imprint in 2005. Although roots-music outlets greeted the album warmly, further lineup adjustments followed: Hampton exited, Justin Schaefer became the new drummer, Nocera was succeeded by guitarist Dax Bryan, and keyboardist James Harton began appearing regularly at performances. While preparing their next project, the Youngers secured the involvement of John Carter Cash, son of country legend Johnny Cash and producer of several of his father’s later works. Cash helmed the sessions for the 2008 follow-up Heritage at Cash Cabin Studios in Tennessee, where Ronnie McCoury of the Del McCoury Band and renowned pedal-steel guitarist Ralph Mooney, long associated with Waylon Jennings, contributed guest performances. Heritage earned strong notices and elevated the group’s visibility, resulting in shared bills with Wayne Hancock, Marty Stuart, David Allan Coe, and Levon Helm.
By the time the Youngers completed their third album, the personnel had shifted once more, leaving Notobartolo and Krater joined by guitarist Matt Thren and drummer Bruce Kissinger, with Nashville studio veteran Tony Harrell handling keyboard duties in the studio. Recorded with Grammy-winning engineer Chuck Turner at Sound Emporium in Nashville, the resulting LP Picture of You appeared in 2016.
Albums
Singles
