The Stoney Ridge Band Mona Lisa Lost Her Smile — DeepCutsArchive

DeepCutsArchive

The Stoney Ridge Band Mona Lisa Lost Her Smile — DeepCutsArchive

Mona Lisa Lost her Smile, written by Johnny Cunningham. It was recorded in 1984 by David Allen Coe and by the Original Stoney Ridge Band, March, 2016…. The Stoney Ridge Band is: Terry Wills, Leads Vocals and Guitar - George "Vic" Sharpe, Bass Guitar and Vocals - Dennis Clemons, Drums and Vocals - Jack Shaw, Lead Guitar and Vocals……Mona Lisa Lost her Smile was recorded at the Ridge Studio, Hanna, Indiana 46340 THE STONEY RIDGE BAND BIOGRAPHY The Stoney Ridge Band was established in the later part of 1988 by Lead Vocalist, Terry Wills and Bassist, George”Vic” Sharpe. A collaboration was made with Vic and Terry by two members from the band, “Cross Breed.” Drummer, Ron Spencer and Guitarist, Jack Shaw. Together, they formed a four piece Country band that would entertain for the next 25 years. In those days, you could find the “Ridge Boys” playing at Michigan City’s “Waterford Inn,” “The Back Forty,” in Waratah or many other venues in the LaPorte/Porter County area. By 1990, an audition tape was approved, allowing Stoney Ridge to compete in the GMC/True Value Country Showdown. They traveled to Indianapolis, representing LaPorte County, in the second phase of the contest, Sharing the stage with RCA recording artist, Jim Ed Brown (Pop A Top Again, Three Bells) and Marty Brown, who would one day be a major contestant in NBC’s America’s Got Talent, Season Eight! The Years ahead were good to the Stoney Ridge Band and they were able to stay busy, however, by the mid 1990’s, with Ron Spencer retiring from the group, They decided to try something a little different. They renamed themselves, “Stealing Thunder,” and started playing more alternative and "deep cut," Country songs. They added John Jay on Bass and Vic Sharpe Moved over to Steel Guitar. Stealing Thunder had a successful 4 year run, entertaining at Westville’s Pumpkin Festival, the 4th of July, Dogwood Park Festival, in Chesterton, securing a slot at the Popular “Ruthie’s Place,” in Lake Station, IN and other Night Clubs in the area, finally returning to the Country Showdown stage at the Porter County Fair. With the addition of Dennis Clemons on Drums and Vic Sharpe returning to Bass Guitar, The Stoney Ridge Band is once again a four piece band, as it was in the beginning. In 2016, The Stoney Ridge Band is looking ahead for many great years to come. Hope to see you soon! THE STONEY RIDGE BAND IS: Terry Wills - Lead Vocals, Guitar George “Vic” Sharpe - Bass Guitar, Vocals Dennis Clemons - Drums, Vocals Jack Shaw - Lead Guitar, Vocals

About This Footage

The Unlikely Union of Celtic [Folk](/genre/folk) and American Roots

In 1984, the Scottish folk musician Johnny Cunningham penned a song that would bring together two seemingly disparate musical traditions: "Mona Lisa Lost Her Smile". This studio footage, featuring The Stoney Ridge Band's rendition of the tune, is a rare gem in the archives of American roots music. What makes it so notable is not just the blend of Celtic folk and country styles, but also the context in which it was recorded.

At this point in his career, Johnny Cunningham was already an established figure in the world of traditional Celtic music. His work had helped to popularize interest in Scottish and Irish folk traditions among American audiences. Meanwhile, The Stoney Ridge Band, a group from Indiana, was just beginning to make waves on the country scene. Formed in 1988 by Terry Wills and George "Vic" Sharpe, they were a four-piece band that drew inspiration from the likes of Cross Breed, with whom they had collaborated.

The recording of "Mona Lisa Lost Her Smile" at Ridge Studio in Hanna, Indiana, is significant not only because it showcases the band's ability to interpret Cunningham's Celtic-infused songwriting but also because it highlights the cross-cultural exchange happening within American roots music during this period. The Stoney Ridge Band's country sound was infused with a distinctly Scottish flavor, courtesy of Cunningham's lyrics and melody.

This clip offers a fascinating glimpse into the musical landscape of 1984, when the boundaries between folk, country, and rock were becoming increasingly blurred. It also underscores the importance of collaboration and cross-cultural exchange in shaping the course of American roots music. By watching this footage, viewers will gain a deeper appreciation for the rich tapestry of influences that have contributed to the evolution of country and Americana.

One of the most striking aspects of "Mona Lisa Lost Her Smile" is its arrangement, which features The Stoney Ridge Band's distinctive blend of guitars, bass, and drums. Vic Sharpe's steel guitar work adds a subtle Celtic flair to the proceedings, while Terry Wills' lead vocals bring a warm, country-inflected delivery to Cunningham's lyrics.

As we watch this clip, we are reminded that music is often at its most compelling when it defies categorization. "Mona Lisa Lost Her Smile" is a testament to the power of collaboration and the enduring influence of Celtic folk traditions on American roots music. It is a rare and precious artifact from a bygone era, one that continues to resonate with listeners today.

The Stoney Ridge Band's subsequent transformation into Stealing Thunder in the mid-1990s marked a new chapter in their career, as they began to explore more alternative country sounds. But this clip remains an important document of their early years, and a testament to the enduring legacy of Johnny Cunningham's songwriting.

Curated from public records and music databases.