Home    Biography   Discography    Photo & Video's     Buy Music    News    Charts   Tour Dates    Contact/Book

     Biography and Resume of Vannatta  

Canadian country group Vannatta, is well known for their original ountry music, americana,  hillbilly, and bluegrass music. Band leader Larry Vannatta, is a gifted singer song writer, who stared his band in 2003. Vannatta has played it all from back porch steps, barns, dance halls, main stages, to three level balcony theaters. They have shared stages with many of the best, such as Waylon Jennings, Ian Tyson, Jason McCoy, Prairie Oyster, and Marty Stuart, to name a few.  

With three albums, eight single releases with Hillcrest music, and two Juno nominations for Country Group of the year, Vanatta’s popularity has grown worldwide. The single releases have received major airplay and charted all over Europe, Australia, New Zealand, UK, Demark, Netherlands, Germany, France, Norway, Spain, Austria, Ireland, Sweden. Their latest album is called "Redneck Thoroughbred". It is all original organic compositions and was inspired by driving along the Alberta Rocky Mountains in the land of Rednecks. 

 "An entertaining group that knows how to put on a great show."  Program director, Cynthia Farrow. 

 "Vannatta’s live performances are salt of the earth, down home excellent entertainment." Festival Coordinator, Camron Noyes.

Vannatta Band Members include:

Larry Vannatta: (Lead vocals, guitars, harps, and mandolin).  Larry was born in and raised in (Southern Alberta, Cluny), has lived in Milo, Alberta, the past twelve years.  He started writing songs on the John Deer tractor at eighteen, since those early days he has professionally recorded eight cd albums and written to many songs to count.  Larry and Bud produced the last three Vannatta Cd’s with the help of MCC Studio’s in Calgary. Larry’s passion to write, his drive to succeed, has lead him to Vannatta’s third cd “Redneck Thoroughbred.” 

Bud Maynard: (Vocals and base guitars). Bud was also born in raised in (Southern Alberta, Cluny), has lived in Longview, Ab, for 20 years. Bud started writing songs back in the 1980’s then managed the O H Ranch for 18 years. He started writing songs again and recorded a 12 CD with the Bunch Grass Group in 2000. Larry helped produce this CD and now Bud has been playing and co-writing songs with Vannatta ever since. Some of buds many attributes are, being one of the few really working cowboys, which assist his strong song writing skills, along with his vocals and bass lines, he has really added another dimension to the sound of Vannatta.

Johnny Fraser: (Vocals and Guitars). Johnny was born and raised in (Southern Alberta, Empress), and has lived in Okotoks for 40 years. Johnny has been playing music for over 35 years and started up his first group called, Sweet grass in 1974. He then joined the group Bob Cat Logic playing for local events in and around Calgary as well as the 1988 Olympics. Johnny joined up with Vannatta in 2003, performing in live events and studio recordings. Being a former professional hockey player, John has learned the aspects of team work, along with his strong harmonies, vocals, and lead guitars. John abilities have added to the sound of what Vannatta is today.

George Davidson: (Drums and Vocals). George was born in (Saskatchewan, Nipawin). He moved to Calgary in 1966 and has lived there for 42 years. George played with John Fraser in the groups called Sweet Grass and Bob Cat Logic for over 30 years. He has a bachelor of arts and a Bachelor of Science degree from the university of Calgary in 1972. In 2003, George joined up with Vannatta and has been performing live events, playing, drums, and percussion. George is a great asset to Vannatta with his laid back attitude, his humor on the stage and live drums.