Formed in Lubbock, Texas in 1935, country / gospel group the Chuck Wagon Gang was founded by tenor and mandolin player David P. Carter (Dad), along with his daughters - soprano Rose Carter (Lola) and alto Anna Carter (Effie) – and his son, bass vocalist and guitarist Jim Carter (Ernest). Performing for a local Lubbock radio station, they began performing under their band name in 1936 when they relocated to Fort Worth, Texas. After gaining fame on the radio, the Chuck Wagon Gang released several singles – including “The Son Hath Made Me Free” (1937), “Take Me Back to Renfro Valley” (1937), and “At the Rainbow’s End” (1938) – before signing with Columbia Records, a relationship the group and label maintained for nearly four decades. Beginning with Columbia singles such as “Getting Ready to Leave This World” and “Lord Lead Me On” in 1940, the Chuck Wagon Gang went on to sell over 39 million records even as the group experienced many line-up changes beginning with the departure of founding member David P. Carter, who retired in 1955. Family members would step in as well as a long series of members who have kept the band active for over 80 years. During their career, the group performed in some of the most prestigious venues in the world – including Carnegie Hall, the Hollywood Bowl, and the Grand Ole Opry – won many awards and accolades, and sold over 39 million records. The group’s lineup in the 2020’s includes Shaye Smith, the granddaughter of original member Anna Carter. Nearly 90 years after they first formed, the Chuck Wagon Gang released the critically acclaimed album Come Go with Me in 2023.
