Ronnie’s pick may be resting, but his music will always ring out with the Drunken Hillbillies.

Who's Who of the DHB

Ron Sprowls Jr.-Co Founder

In Loving Memory of Ron “Ronnie” Sprowls Jr.
Lead Guitar | Vocalist | Songwriter

Ron “Ronnie” Sprowls Jr. was more than a musician—he was the heart, soul, and one of the founding forces behind the Drunken Hillbillies. Music was a part of Ronnie’s life from the very beginning. Inspired by his Dad and Uncle, he grew up watching them play guitar and knew from an early age that he wanted to follow in their footsteps. One of his earliest memories with a guitar was around the age of four, sitting at their feet beating on an old guitar. By the time he was six years old, he had already begun learning chords.

Ronnie often played beside his dad in church, sharing gospel music with the congregation. Those early years shaped the musician he would become, rooted deeply in country and gospel music.

When Ronnie was eight years old, his family moved to Pleasant Grove, where he met the Davis family. His mom babysat Jimmie and Eddie Davis, and before long Ronnie was spending time down at their house jamming with Jimmie’s dad, Jim Davis, and later with Jimmie. What started as two young boys playing music together eventually grew into something bigger, leading to the creation of the Drunken Hillbillies.

In 2019, Ronnie faced a battle that would change his life. Through every challenge, he leaned on his faith, his love for his wife and family, and the music that meant so much to him. Ronnie fought that battle with strength, determination, and the same spirit that he brought to every stage he ever stood on.

Though Ronnie has now lost that fight, the music, memories, and joy he gave to others will live on forever. He loved nothing more than seeing people smile, laugh, and have a good time while listening to the Drunken Hillbillies. Knowing that his music brought happiness to others meant the world to him.

Ronnie’s legacy will continue to live on through every song played, every chord struck, and every crowd that gathers to enjoy the music he loved so much.

He will always be remembered, always be missed, and always be a part of the Drunken Hillbillies.

Jimmie Davis - Co Founder

Bass Guitar and Vocalist (occasional acoustic guitar)

Hello, my name is Jimmie Davis. I was born and raised on Classic Country music. As a young child I watched my Dad, aunts, and uncles play music at family gatherings, square dances, barn dances, and local special events. Music was a large part of my life. I started singing when I was 6, and learned basic cords on the guitar by the age of 12. Around that time, I would try to fill in for my Aunt Sarah on the bass when she had trouble due to arthritis. My father became my music teacher.

For some reason my interest in playing music started to slip away. It wasn't until the age of 17 that I wanted my dad to teach me more. I would fill in with my Dad's band when needed. When his band stopped playing, due to members being called home to the Lord, I decided to start my own band. The band included my father, Jim Davis, until he went home to the Lord on May 24th, 2019.

The greatest time of my life was playing music with my father and learning everything I possibly could from my Idol. Now the goal is to carry on his legacy. This is always a challenge, but I refuse to fail. I don't play music for money or to become famous, it is all about putting a smile on someone's face when they hear us play. To me that is what live music is all about.

Eddie Davis

Drums and Vocalist

Hi, my name is Eddie Davis. Like Jimmie, my inspiration for music came from my family. My Dad, Jim Davis, always played music, and we always joined in singing. The best times were when my Dad let me sing with his band.

Watching my Dad show Jimmie how to play guitar, made me want to learn. I started strumming on the guitar at around 10 years old, but I always had trouble with the chords. I would get frustrated and I started thinking that maybe the guitar wasn't the instrument for me.

Jimmie had a set of drums in the basement, but he never played them. He was always busy on the guitar. Around 15 years old, I decided to start pounding on the drums. My parents said that the drums were a good instrument for me. Since I could never sit still, playing the drums got rid of all of my extra energy.

Music is the best stress relieving medicine. When I play the drums and sing, I can feel all of my stress melting away. The best part about playing music is making people happy. When people are smiling and happy, they are not feeling any stress, and time without stress is healthy for everyone.

Tom Duranko

Rhythm Guitar, Mandolin, Vocalist

How you doin'? My name is Tom Duranko. I have been playing guitar since I was 12 years old. I started playing because of my Dad. My Dad wanted me to be able to play the guitar, so he made me go to lessons every Saturday.

I played in my first country band when I was 14 years old. The band played in bars with a guy named Stoney Reed, from Uniontown. At the age of 20, I moved to upstate New York. During that time, I played with different musical groups at small venues.

When I moved back to PA, I played in a band called Not Too Old to Rock. They were an old school rock band with some southern rock thrown in. For a time after that, I went solo and played in wineries and local small venues. I joined up with a Karaoke singer and guitar player named Larry Strawn. He told me about a group of guys looking for a rhythm guitar player. Those guys were the Drunken Hillbillies. They were a good group of guys, but they were still playing in the barn. Using my past experience, I helped get the guys going with live gigs. I brought my personal experience with electronic mixing, and the use of modern day equipment.

I play music because it is all about entertaining others. If you can get people up dancing and having a good time, that is what entertainment is all about.

Page updated

Google Sites

Report abuse