The Black Lillies

The Black Lillies is an American band from Knoxville, TN, founded in early 2009 by Cruz Contreras (formerly of Robinella & the CC String Band). Their present lineup includes Contreras (lead vocals, guitar, keys, mandolin), Sam Quinn (formerly of The Everybodyfields) on bass, Bowman Townsend on percussion, and Dustin Schaefer on electric guitar and vocals. Founded by multi instrumentalist and vocalist Cruz Contreras, co-founder of Robinella & the CC String Band, and singer-guitarist Leah Gardner (Maid Rite String Band), The Black Lillies have created their own unique brand of country, roots, rock and blues via Appalachia. The group, formed in early 2009, also includes bassist Taylor Coker (Robinella & the CCstringband), electric guitar and pedal steel whiz Tom Pryor (the everybodyfields, Sam Quinn and the Japan Ten), drummer Jamie Cook (the everybodyfields), and vocalist Trisha Gene Brady. The Black Lillies released Whiskey Angel, their debut recording. The album was recorded live in Cruz’s living room by Sparklehorse drummer Scott Minor, and features Billy Contreras on fiddle. The Black Lillies received critical acclaim for their performances at the Bonnaroo Music + Arts Festival and on the live radio broadcast of Tennessee Shines. The host of Tennessee Shines, legendary songwriter and musician Jim Lauderdale, called The Black Lillies “a true Americana supergroup.” The Black Lillies have developed their own style of Americana music in true East Tennessee fashion. Read more on Last.fm. User-contributed text is available under the Creative Commons By-SA License; additional terms may apply.