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The Leatherwoods

Updated: Jul 12


Jean Simmons, Kay Blair Thomas, Roger Fountain, Dean Hinesley, and Bob Blair formed the original Leatherwoods band.


This Ozark Folk Center 50th Anniversary Legacy Photo is in honor of our father,

grandfather, and great-grandfather, Dean Hinesley.

Love, Dwight and Deana Hinesley Moody, Fred and Melissa Gentry, Jesse and Tara Moody,

Zach and Jessica Brewer, and your nine great-grandchildren.


Dean Hinesley was a member of the original Leatherwoods string band, organized by Jean Simmons in 1983. The original band members were Dean, Jean, Judy Klemmedson and Kay Blair. The three-part female harmony quickly became their signature sound with Dean providing guitar, banjo and vocals.


Dean was known among fellow musicians as having an excellent ear for music. Although he credits this trio of women with teaching him how to sing harmony, other musicians say Dean was extremely talented with harmony vocals. Before the Leatherwoods band was organized, Dean played regularly with the Simmons Family band. He continues to play and can often be seen in town on a typical summer night playing with musician friends.


Bob Atchison was the Leatherwoods first fiddle player with Roger Fountain taking his place soon after. Bob Blair became a member when Judy left the group. As one fan remembered, “The Leatherwoods quickly became the premier group on the Ozark Folk Center stage”. Through the years, others have been a part of the group. Many will remember, Kathy Sutterfield, Tara Sky, Chuck Hughes, and Junior Kirby. Jean’s daughter Pam joined the Leatherwoods in 1989. The present Leatherwoods band members are Pam, Teresa Johns, Danny Dozier, and Roger Fountain.


Entry by Janice Sutton with input from Deana Hinesley Moody and Pam Simmons Setser. Photo courtesy Stone County Historical Society.


The Committee of One Hundred Tribute Wall recognizes contributions to the preservation of Ozark folk culture.


If you would like to help preserve the folk culture of the Ozarks, consider a

The Committee is made up entirely of volunteers so, except for transaction fees, all of your donation funds music, craft, or the herb gardens and, as a 501c3 entity

your donation is tax deductible!

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