Kellogg couple nominated as bluegrass vocalists of the year

KELLOGG — When Lonnie and Kathy Fults learned they had been nominated for a Society to Preserve Bluegrass Music Association award, they couldn’t believe their eyes.

“I just sat at the computer and said ‘No way! No way! No way!’” said Kathy Fults, who has been nominated for Female Vocalist of the Year (Traditional).

Lonnie Fults said he was just as surprised as his wife to see his name listed as a nominee for Male Vocalist of the Year (Traditional).

“Nominations are open for all SPBGMA members, so it was a shock to see our names on there,” he said.

The Kellogg couple are two members of the bluegrass band Highway Home. Kathy Fults provides vocals while her husband of 30 years provides both vocals and lead guitar.

Lonnie Fults was raised on traditional bluegrass music, listening to Bill Monroe and other bluegrass legends. But Fults did not begin playing or singing until five years ago when he was approached by bandmate and friend Fred Buck. After some coercion and a few guitar lessons, Fults agreed to “jam” with the group of musicians.

“Five years ago I would have bet the farm that I never would have got up and be doing what I’m doing. I didn’t play or sing at all until 2001, and then we started playing out in ‘Studio G,’ which is what we call our garage, and then things just exploded.”

Highway Home began playing at public venues in 2002. At that time, Kathy Fults was playing the role of supportive wife and cheerleader from the sidelines — a humble beginning for a SPBGMA award nominee.

In 2003, a member of Highway Home had to quit the band for personal reasons, and Kathy Fults stepped in to fill the former singer’s shoes. She began singing with the band in ‘Studio G’ and practiced until she was ready to hit the stage.

“They said ‘We need you to do this part,’ and finally they got me up there,” Kathy Fults said.

The Fultses, along with bandmates Buck, Steve Anderson, Rex Gunderson and Susan Miller, are the current incarnation of Highway Home. And the rest — as they say — has been music to the ears of their fans.

The Fultses said they recognize the contribution of their friends and bandmates, and that, although the nominations are individual honors, they could not be successful without the rest of their group.

“Kathy and I couldn’t do this without our band,” Lonnie Fults said. “We’ve really grown up as musicians and working hard to get music going. We all love (the music) the same.”

The Fultses said a goal for 2007 is to have the entire group nominated for Bluegrass Band of the Year (Traditional). But for now, the entire group is focused on the 2006 Midwest Music Awards. Both Lonnie and Kathy Fults said they would be attending the annual convention with their bandmates Jan. 13 to 15 in Jefferson City, Mo., to find out the results.

“Win or lose, it isn’t an issue. This is such an honor,” Lonnie Fults said. “We were one of four finalists in nominations of hundreds of bands in the Midwest. It’s just such an honor.”