This long-running bluegrass outfit served as a training ground for numerous stars of country and bluegrass. They also forged a link between the scene's past and present, combining traditional and contemporary material on record and on stage. Founded in 1957, The Country Gentlemen were anchored by guitarist/singer Charlie Waller, who served as the group's leader until his death in 2004; their lineups also featured Ricky Skaggs, Jerry Douglas, and Doyle Lawson. The band's eclectic music choices helped introduce many newer numbers into the venerable bluegrass songbook.