Born to hard-working, hard-loving Tennesseans, Dave Dykes cut his teeth on folk and mountain music. As an only child Dave found music to be his outlet- his kind sibling. His blood runs thick with memories of North East Tennessee, and his songs speak of its heartache and simplicity. Death, Life, Love and Resentment flow from his songs like a wound that just won’t heal. His guitar and voice weld together to forge harmony that drives its way into the space between heart and mind, soul and spirit. The years have been kind to this songwriter/storyteller. Not so long ago, he left the hills of NE Tennessee for the valley of Chattanooga. His love for his bride and his longing for her joy made it an easy move. After years chasing faith, hope, & love, Dave feels like he’s found it all. His music will force its way past your defenses and seize you in the night. Dave’s acoustic guitar and voice are given strength by the Grateful Hearts- a collection of his most intimate friends. Justin Allen (drums), Chris Reich (guitar), Ken Jackson (bass) and Jon Meek (organ/Rhodes) fill every gap and mend every wound that these songs leave behind. The onstage chemistry boils over like the Cripple Creek after a week’s worth of April showers. Dave Dykes & the Grateful Hearts aim to make nothing less than beautiful music that means something. Some would call it Alt-Country, others frame is as Electric Folk, but they just call it true and honest.