Accomplished at playing a full wailing spectrum from Hank Williams to Jimi Hendrix, Bill Lyerly has been a popular fixture of North Carolina and Southeastern US music for 40 years. Now, he spends most of his days in Spain where he proselytizes American roots music.
Each year, he comes home to visit friends and family. He picks up old bandmates and plays around the state for a couple of months bringing joy to his fans, friends, and family. Breaks during gigs are filled with visits with folks from all corners of the state.
These photos are from the Sunny Side Oyster Bar in Williamston, North Carolina, a honky tonk restaurant of the highest order and fame in the swamps of NC since 1935.