Meet the Band Members
Les Deaton
Guitar, lead vocalist and songwriter, from China Grove, NC, the son of Bill and Edna Deaton and originally from Kannapolis, NC. He comes from a family of musicians and credits his dad with teaching him how to play the guitar. With so many family members that sang or played in various bluegrass bands, country bands or gospel groups, there was no getting away from great music. Yes, front porch pickin’ was a regular way to pass the time. Les started playing the guitar and bass at the young age of 9. He began performing in his dad’s band and went on to play with AL Wood & The Smokey Ridge Boys in 1974, recording several albums with Rebel Records.
Over the years, Les has performed and traveled with numerous notable bands such as, The Bluegrass Cardinals, Lou Reid and Carolina, The Country Gentlemen, Jimmy Martin, The Bobby Hicks Band and Larry Sparks, and appeared on stage with legendary musicians such as: Earl Scruggs, Doc Watson, Marty Stewart, Mac Wiseman and many others. He also enjoyed his time being a D.J. at WFMX FM Radio Station’s Sunday Evening Bluegrass Show. Les is married to wife, Sarah, and they have 4 children and 6 grandchildren.
Les is excited for what lies ahead for the band and this talented group of musicians!
Ronnie Elwood
Bass and Vocalist from Kannapolis, NC, is the son of Ralph and Helen Elwood and has 2 children, 3 grandchildren, and 1 brand-new great-grandson. Ronnie started playing bass at the young age of 12. Ronnie originally thought he wanted to play fiddle but says when he picked it up, his wife and daughter would get in the car and leave. A dear friend encouraged him to put the fiddle down and pick the bass back up, and Ronnie feels the bass has been a blessing to him ever since.
The first real band Ronnie played in was with Dewey Farmer and Powder Creek, he continued on with David Leatherman and Stone Country, where he played across the Midwest as part of the R.F.D TV Cumberland Highlander Series. Ronnie most recently played with The Grass Strings and considers his time with them an awesome journey and was honored to record a number-one song with them on the Bluegrass Jamboree. Ronnie is excited about this new adventure with The Dusty River Band, as his love for music has brought him this far, and he looks forward to continuing great bluegrass and connecting through music with many new and old friends.
David Pendley
Mandolin and vocalist from Morganton, NC, is the son of Eddie and Margaret Pendley, and is no stranger to bluegrass and acoustic music, having performed in bands since he was 14 years old. David spent the last 10 years traveling nationally and internationally with Australian sensation Kristy Cox, a multi-award winner and IBMA (International Bluegrass Music Association) nominee. He has also performed with notable musicians/vocalists such as Kathy Mattea, Clinton Gregory, Stella Parton, and guitar great Tommy Emmanuel. David’s accomplishments have been recognized by the Blue Ridge National Heritage Area.
David is married to wife, Kimbra, and has 2 children and 3 grandchildren.
David is excited about joining The Dusty River Band and looks forward to performing great bluegrass with both new and old friends.
Danny Spann
Banjo and Vocalist, from Western NC, where bluegrass music played a significant role in his upbringing. His grandfather, Carl Spann, was an accomplished musician, mandolinist, and luthier who instilled in Danny the fundamentals of music—timing, tone, taste, drive, and the importance of teamwork. Danny began playing guitar at age ten, mentored by his grandfather and performing in bands alongside him. For many years, they played together in a band called Carolina Connection, which deepened Danny's love for the genre.
Among his many influences, a standout moment was seeing the Bluegrass Album Band, featuring legendary guitarist Tony Rice and expert banjo player JD Crowe. After hearing Crowe and “that sound,” Danny became hooked, embarking on a lifelong quest to master the music. He has also drawn inspiration from icons like Earl Scruggs and Bill Emerson, all renowned for their mastery of tone, timing, and drive.
Danny is married to wife, Rebecca, and they have five beautiful children. Danny continues to honor the traditions passed down to him and looks forward to creating great music and camaraderie with The Dusty River Band.