Houston Drive keeps friend's spirit alive at Old Fiddler's Convention

For the members of one band, this year's competition meant much more than bluegrass bragging rights.

By Joe Dashiell Reporter

GALAX, Va. — Winning means something at the Old Fiddler's Convention in Galax.


Considering the event's 75-year history, and the number of contestants who cross the stage, a first-place finish there is special. But for one band, this year's competition meant much more than bluegrass bragging rights.

If members of the band Broken Wire had decided not to play the Old Fiddler's Convention this year, no one would have been surprised. Just three months have passed since their bandmate, 18-year-old Houston Caldwell, was killed in a motorcycle accident.

"It's been very hard to go through this, but I think it's something he would have wanted," says Courtney Burroughs.

So there they were, with Houston's parents keeping time, practicing for the bluegrass band competition. They were armed with a new name, Houston Drive, and an old friend, Stevie Barr, playing Houston's five-string banjo.Full story.