POTD: Johnny Staats & the Delivery Boys

Johnny Staats and the Delivery Boys: The Melodic Messengers of Bluegrass

In the heart of West Virginia, where the Appalachian Mountains nurture the soul of American bluegrass, resides a mandolin maestro who works as a UPS driver during the day. Johnny Staats and his band, The Delivery Boys, deliver more than just parcels; he offers the high-energy, soul-stirring melodies that define the spirit of bluegrass music.

Photo Courtesy of Susie Neel

The Man Behind the Mandolin

Born into a family where music was as natural as breathing, Johnny Staats started playing the mandolin at seven. With his mother on the piano, his father on the guitar, and his sister playing the banjo, it was only natural for young Johnny to join the family ensemble. Staats is not just a mandolin virtuoso; he’s also skilled with the guitar and fiddle, displaying versatility as impressive as his speed on the strings.

The Delivery Boys: A Band of Brothers

The Delivery Boys are more than just a backing band; they are integral to the Johnny Staats experience. With Butch Osborne on the banjo, Ray Cossin on the fiddle and vocals, Doug Cossin on guitar and vocals, and David Vaughn on bass and vocals, the group forms a cohesive unit that’s tight in rhythm and rich in harmony.

Music That Moves

Staats’s music blends traditional bluegrass with a modern twist. His original composition, “Catch Me If You Can,” showcases his ability to craft catchy and complex tunes. The band’s repertoire is a testament to their skill and Staats’s songwriting prowess, with each performance brimming with energy and precision.

A Local Hero with National Acclaim

Despite his local hero status, Johnny Staats has garnered national attention. He has appeared on popular TV shows like NBC’s Today Show, been featured in People Magazine, and has even performed at the famous Grand Ole Opry. His dedication to performance and community is evident in his support for local instrument makers and his annual Johnny Staats Bluegrass Festival, bringing fans from all over to celebrate the genre he loves.

Photo Courtesy of Susie Neel

The Sound of Staats

To listen to Johnny Staats and the Delivery Boys is to hear the heartbeat of bluegrass. Their music reminds fans of the genre’s roots and ongoing evolution. Whether through the rapid-fire plucking of Staats’s mandolin or the soulful harmonies of the band, their sound is authentic, exhilarating, and unmistakably West Virginian.

As Johnny Staats continues to juggle his dual roles of musician and delivery driver, one thing remains clear: he delivers joy through the packages he drops off and the music he plays. And for the lovers of bluegrass, that’s a delivery that’s always welcome.

For those looking to explore the music of Johnny Staats and the Delivery Boys, their discography includes titles like “Wires & Wood,” “Pickin’ Up Steam,” and “Time Moves On,” each offering a unique slice of Staats’s musical journey. So, turn up the volume, let the strings resonate, and let the Delivery Boys take you on a bluegrass adventure that’s as thrilling as a ride through the winding roads of Appalachia.