Black Stone Cherry hails from a small, rural town in south central Kentucky. According to bandmembers, none of whom were born before 1983, the lack of anything to do in their hometown, coupled with a rich musical background in their town and families, led them to start playing music. Lead vocalist and guitarist Chris Robertson met drummer John Fred Young (the son of Kentucky Headhunters forming member Richard Young) in school, and the two played music together throughout high school. In June of 2001, Black Stone Cherry officially formed with guitarist Ben Wells and bassist Jon Lawhon. The group began holding shows at old-time music clubs in the area, and after a short while, they gained a large following of people of all ages in the town. The band recorded their first album for In De Goot/Roadrunner Records, and after they returned from the recording session, Black Stone Cherry held a homecoming concert at the local high school. The self-titled debut album was released in July of 2006. by Megan Frye