Walter Hyatt, who lived from 1949 to 1996, was a prolific songwriter and performer and a founding member of the influential Americana groups Uncle Walt's Band and the Contenders. Raised in Spartanburg, he joined the Austin and Nashville music scenes and released several critically praised solo albums. He is remembered as a gifted songwriter whose songs were recorded by Lyle Lovett, Jimmie Dale Gilmore, and Jerry Jeff Walker. DesChamps "Champ" Hood, who lived from 1952 to 2001, was a founding member of the highly influential Americana groups Uncle Walt's Band and the Contenders. An award-winning multi-instrumentalist and Spartanburg native, he spent most of his career performing in Austin and Nashville, regularly working as a session player and touring performer with artists such as Guy Clark, Toni Price, and Lyle Lovett.