About Us

Bowles Creek Gospel Bluegrass is an East Texas band that plays traditional and a lot of old time gospel bluegrass. Our roots run as deep as the tributary, based out of New London, Texas, from which it takes its name. Though a relatively new band, all members have a steep tradition and love for old time traditional bluegrass music filled with irresistible harmony. Many of the songs on our CDs “Tell’em About Jesus” and “Cry From the Cross” are songs written by legends such as Ralph Stanley and Larry Sparks. Our latest CD “I’ll Meet You In Heaven Someday” is rich with the gospel truth and portrays our love for God.

Though steep with tradition, youthfulness plays a part with the exceptional vocal talents of our youngest band member, twelve year old, Miss Bailee Stanley, of Overton, Texas. She can sure pump up audiences with her bright smile, strong voice, and perky disposition. Her long awaited new CD release “Bailee Stanley—By Request” has inspired many young children, as well as adults, to listen to this wholesome music. Many times people refer to Bowles Creek as “That band with that little girl.” In October 2006, Bailee was honored to sing a duet with Larry Cordle at the Turkey Track Fall Bluegrass Festival in Waldron, Arkansas. October 2007, she sang with Larry Cordle in Nashville, Tennessee at the Station Inn. June 2008, was invited to sing on stage with Randy Kohrs and the Lites. Bailee is something you must see!

The Lord has graciously blessed this young band with many talents and best of all; the members are enthusiastic about letting others know how the Lord is in charge of their ministry. Their stage presence is exuberant and each performance is uplifting.

	Bowles Creek 2003 From Left to Right Ray Chanler-banjo Kella Stanley-harmony, vocals, bass Bailee Stanley-vocals Dale Stanley-Lead vocals, harmony, mandolin James Mettlen- vocals, guitar
	Bowles Creek 2004 From Left to Right Ray Chanler-banjo Dale Stanley-Lead vocals, harmony, mandolin Bailee Stanley-vocals Kella Stanley-harmony, vocals, bass James Mettlen- vocals, guitar
	Bowles Creek 2005 From Left to Right Mike Tucker-guitar, harmony Bailee Stanley-guitar, vocals, harmony Dale Stanley-Lead vocals, harmony, mandolin Kella Stanley-bass, harmony, vocals Ray Chanler-banjo
	Bowles Creek 2006 From Left to Right Ray Chanler-banjo Kella Stanley-bass, harmony, vocals Dale Stanley-mandolin, lead vocals, harmony Bailee Stanley-vocals Mike Tucker-guitar, harmony
	Bowles Creek 2007 From Left to Right Ray Chanler-banjo Mike Tucker-guitar, harmony Bailee Stanley-guitar, vocals, harmony Kella Stanley-bass, harmony, vocals Dale Stanley-mandolin, lead vocals, harmony
	Bowles Creek 2008 From Left to Right Dale Stanley-mandolin, lead vocals, harmony Kella Stanley-bass, harmony, vocals Bailee Stanley-guitar, vocals, harmony Mike Tucker-guitar, harmony Ray Chanler-banjo

Bailee Stanley

Miss Bailee is the daughter of Dale and Kella Stanley. She is the youngest member of the band (twelve years old) and is said to be the "STAR" of the show. You would have to see it to believe it.

Bailee is an Honor student at a local public school and a participant in Oral Reading and Calculating Skills in UIL competition. She has performed many singing solos in school programs, plays the flute, and is a Jr. High Twirler. Bailee enjoys a good game of softball and can tumble and clog. Mr. Don Eaves, banjo player for Hickory Hill, is currently teaching Bailee how to play the guitar. He says she is learning very quickly and enjoys her determination to exceed.

This little angel is also a child of God. She asked the Lord to come into her little heart several years ago. He has blessed her and continues to work in her life. Dale and Kella are proud of Bailee's desire to attend Sunday school and her participation in the music service at Grace Herald Baptist Church. Recently she and a few friends have formed a band called Pick'N Grass. They are joy to hear and see.

Bailee has been singing on stage since she was 4 yrs. old.

Bailee at the Gladewater Opry Dec. 2006

Bailee always meets new friends at the festivals.

Bailee received a new Taylor guitar for Christmas 2005

Bailee got the crowd stirred up at the Overton Bluegrass Festival.

Bailee is a 'Daddy's Girl'!!

Bailee singing at the Henderson Syrup Festival 2005

Bailee smiles the entire time on the field.

Pitch her a good one, because it will be hit!

Pictures made by Tommy Hardin

Bailee enjoys playing softball.

I like being outside!

Della Chanler and Bailee

Kella Stanley

Kella plays a large roll in this band. Maintaining a consistant tempo and playing the bass is only a portion on how she keeps this band together. She is the booking agent, secretary, treasure, clothes designer, navigator, web page designer, and the list goes on. Kella remains busy not only with keeping Bowles Creek inline. For eleven years she was a 3rd grade school teacher West Rusk Elementary School in New London, Texas. She is now the Assistant Principal at Winona Elementary. She also is the Webmaster for the Overton Bluegrass Festival and Argyle Bluegrass Festival websites.

It is amazing how much energy the Lord bestows to this lady. This band is fortunate to have such a persistent and organized person in our surroundings.

Kella also sings lead on a few songs during our program.

Doing the dishes in the Prowler after feeding the band at the Free State Festival in Canton, TX 2004

Kella playing that doghouse bass.

Dale, Kella, and Bailee on vacation 2006.

Kella's grandfather, Herbert Meshell on guitar and great uncle on fiddle.

Dale Stanley

This tall mandolin player is a fine friend to all. He sings most of the lead vocals and is the ring leader of the band. The Lord has blessed Dale with a loving disposition and continuous smile. Bluegrass is a genre of music that has been in Dale's family for many years. Choosing to sing gospel bluegrass seems natural and highlights Dale's task as music minister at Grace Herald Baptist Church where he is also a deacon.

When Dale is not at Weatherford International where he has been employed for almost 20 years and presently the Health Safety Environmental (HSE) Supervisor for the East Texas Area, he is in the woods. Dale enjoys hunting squirrels, hogs, and other wildlife with dog he has trained. Watching a great game of Texas Longhorn football is another form of relaxation he enjoys.

Dale playing on stage at the Overton Bluegrass Festival.

Dale's grandfather, Earl Stanley played the guitar and fiddle. Grandmother, Lavern Watson Stanley played the guitar. Many bluegrass songs were played and sung while they were living.

Dale's Uncle Henry Stanley, pictured with parents, plays the mandolin and fiddle still today. Henry introduced Ray Chanler, Bowles Creek's banjo player, to Dale and Kella. Henry inspires the Stanley's to continue playing bluegrass music.

Dale relaxing at the Canton Free State Festival before an afternoon performance.

Dale with nephews Rance and Reece who are also play bluegrass instruments.

Ray Chanler

This guy can really play a traditional bluegrass banjo. We call him "Smiling Ray" because he doesn't say very much on stage; however, he will smile at the audience and that says it all. Ray is a great Christian fellow and has been with Bowles Creek from the start.

Ray is a machinist at Richardson's Enterprises and is a perfectionist at any job he is charged to complete. This perserverance and perfection is also heard in his picking on the banjo. When Ray isn't playing shows with the band he enjoys fishing and deer hunting. He is also a GRANDPA!

Della (Ray's wife) is a lot of help!!