Bill Hicks and Jim Watson, along with Tommy Thompson founded the Red Clay Ramblers in the early 1970's. Mike Craver and Jack Herrick joined the band within a few years. For the next decade the Ramblers toured extensively throughout the United States, Canada, Europe and Africa, appearing frequently on the Prairie Home Companion, acting and playing in two Off-Broadway shows and releasing nine albums on the Flying Fish and Sugar Hill labels. Co-founder and banjo player Tommy Thompson passed away in early 2003, after a long battle with Alzheimer's. Bill Hicks, Jim Watson, and Mike Craver have continued to play music together since leaving the Red Clay Ramblers, and are often joined by Joe Newberry on banjo and vocals.