A mist of fog in the holler or a work boot stomping through the barn floor, Six Miles to Nellie brings honest intensity and ethereal melodies to its brand of original Americana music, and a range of covers shaped by decades of the music of the people.
ABOUT
Bringing the sound of generations of storytelling through music, Six Miles to Nellie features lead vocalist Courtney DeCosky; songwriter/guitarist Jeffrey Williams; bassist Michael Wolfe; drummer and vocalist Les Harmeyer; singer/songwriter John Schnabel; and Robert Shipley on keyboards. Each band member brings with them not only a passion for music, but an aim to breathe new life into traditional Americana; while keeping its authenticity alive.
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Lead Vocals
When Courtney knocked her guitar out of tune on her way to the stage in her ninth-grade talent show and sang Bobby McGee a Capella, after a very failed tuning attempt, she knew she was destined to find a group of musicians that were much better than her, allowing her the mindless freedom to wail. Though her toughest critics (children - Harry and Finn) say that sometimes mama sings too loud, there is nothing that Courtney enjoys more than singing her heart and soul out and releasing all the pain and suffering that life kindly has to offer again and again.
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Songwriter/Electric Guitar
Jeffrey Williams is the lead guitarist and mandolin player in the Six Miles to Nellie, as well as one of the band’s songwriters. Originally from the Appalachian mountains of Southern Virginia, he began writing songs as a teenager, before moving to Austin, TX with bandmates in the 1990’s. There he continued to write songs for independent films before moving to Ohio in 2003. He is one of the founding members of Nellie along with his wife, Courtney, and draws his inspiration for creating music from his life experiences, and the good fortune of having been exposed to an eclectic range of musical styles over the years.
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Songwriter/Acoustic Guitar/Banjo
John is the rhythm acoustic guitar, banjo player, and one of the songwriters in Nellie. He received his 1st guitar (Silvertone from Sears) on his 16th birthday in his hometown of Bucyrus, Ohio. He spent his fledgling years learning to play Bob Dylan and John Prine songs! John attributes his love of music to the radio: CKLW during the week and WSM on Saturday nights. Books also played an important role in his lyrical development as did lyrical analysis of his heros’ writings. He had to learn how to develop and tell a story.
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Songwriter/Drums
A Born and raised Chicagoan, Les moved to Florida to become a session recording drummer and percussionist from 1976 through 1984. Currently perform occasionally with an acoustic trio “Side Effects” and perform drumming duties on a regular basis as part of the backbone and rhythm section to “Six Miles To Nellie.” Happily married and a proud father of two grown boys who live too far away. Les's hobbies are fly fishing, bow hunting, a goaltender on a men’s hockey league, and groundskeeper for my beloved woodlands.
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Bassist
As the most outspoken member of the group, what more is there to write here that hasn't already been said? Michael brings the unique combination of experience and musical ability to find the perfect anchor to every song - regardless of genre or style. Michael has been a member of other local bands, but none so dysfunctional as Six Miles to Nellie.
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Keyboards
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Steel Guitar
Terry’s love of music starting with his father, Earl Martin, with whom he played in a band called, Country Sounds. Terry has performed all over Central Ohio and has recorded two albums.
Courtney DeCosky
Jeffrey Williams
John Schnabel
Les Harmeyer
Michael Wolfe
Robert Shipley
Terry Martin
Crayon Sun
2021
Albums
Six Miles to Nellie
2018
BOOKING SIX MILES TO NELLIE
740-501-8580 | sixmilestonellie@gmail.com