A High-Lonesome Tribute: The Po’ Ramblin’ Boys Deliver an Instant Classic with “Let ’em Know I’m From Virginia”
By Christian Lamitschka for Country Music News International Magazine
In the world of bluegrass, songs about home and heritage often run the risk of falling into cliché. However, when a track is born from genuine grief and a decade of shared miles on the road, it transcends the genre’s tropes to become something sacred. The Po’ Ramblin’ Boys have achieved exactly that with their latest single, “Let ’em Know I’m From Virginia,” featuring a stirring guest appearance by Tommy Brown.
Released via Sound Biscuit Records, this track isn’t just a new addition to their setlist; it’s a sonic monument to James Frederick “Fred” Quesenberry, a man who was far more than a fan—he was the heartbeat of the band’s extended family.
The Story: More Than Just a Traveling Companion
For frontman C.J. Lewandowski, the song is deeply personal. After the loss of Fred’s wife, Fred became an inseparable part of C.J.’s life and the band’s trajectory. From running the merchandise table to offering quiet wisdom as a father figure and confidant, Fred was a constant presence in the van and on the stage.
By 2013, Fred and C.J. were roommates in Sevierville, Tennessee, sharing a life built on mutual respect and a shared love for “solid damn ’grass.” When Fred’s health began to decline, the roles reversed, with C.J. stepping in as a caregiver. Fred passed away in 2024, just one day shy of his 82nd birthday. This single, released one year later, serves as the final, soaring tribute he deserved.
The Track: Authentic Grit and Heritage
Written by Glenn Alford and Jerry Newberry, the song captures the essence of a man who never forgot his roots, even as he wandered.
A Generational Collaboration
What gives this recording its unique emotional weight is the inclusion of Tommy Brown. As the father of the band’s banjo player, Jereme Brown, Tommy brings a veteran’s “true-blue” vocal authority to the track. Having founded Tommy Brown and the County Line Grass in 1991, his presence bridges the gap between the traditional pioneers and the “relative elders” of The Po’ Ramblin’ Boys.
Instrumental Highlights
Recorded at Sound Biscuit Productions and produced by Dave Maggard, the track features the band’s current, expanded lineup:
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C.J. Lewandowski (Vocals/Mandolin): Delivers a performance fueled by real-world loss.
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Jereme Brown (Banjo/Harmonies): Provides the driving, rhythmic backbone.
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John Gooding (Guitar) & Max Silverstein (Fiddle): Represent the band’s “new energy,” adding fresh but respectful layers to the traditional sound.
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Jasper Lorentzen (Bass): Keeps the pulse steady and true.
Artist Background: Ambassadors of the True Sound
Over the last ten years, The Po’ Ramblin’ Boys have evolved from an “Emerging Artist of the Year” (IBMA 2018) to Grammy-nominated heavyweights (2019’s Toil, Tears & Trouble). They have become the quintessential bluegrass band of their generation by refusing to dilute the music to attract a wider audience. Instead, they “take bluegrass where bluegrass isn’t,” winning over fans from European rock clubs to the Grand Ole Opry with their uncompromising honesty.
As they move into their second decade, the band is focused on “expansion and growth.” With the addition of younger members like Gooding and Silverstein, the group has found a renewed energy that balances their “hard-charging” reputation with a newfound sense of conversational playfulness on stage.
The Verdict: “Let ’em Know I’m From Virginia” is a masterclass in neo-traditional bluegrass. It’s a powerful reminder that while wanderers like the Po’ Ramblin’ Boys may never settle down, they never forget the people who helped them find their way.