Three on a String
2023 Inductees

Members:
Jerry Ryan
Bobby Horton
Brad Ryan
Andy Meginniss

Three on a String recently celebrated 52 years in the entertainment business, a remarkable feat in today’s fast changing society.

Jerry and Bobby performed as a duo for one show at Horse Pens 40 near Steel, AL in 1971. Eventually they added a bass and Three on a String was born. Some personel changes and lots of one-nighters eventually evolved into performances with symphony orchestras in several states including a nine city tour with the Alabama Symphony, opening for Bill Cosby, Red Skelton, Barbara Mandrel, Jeff Foxworthy, George Lindsey, Ray Stevens and many more top stars. Add in concerts for art councils, Chambers of Commerce, Landmark Theatres and city celebrations and you have a busy schedule for these veteran entertainers.

Jerry Ryan left a career as a teacher, coach, and high school principal to pursue the performing dream, as a guitar player, vocalist, and harmonica player and never looked back. “There is no feeling in the world like presenting our show to an audience that has no idea who we are and having the show close with a standing ovation,” says Jerry.

Bobby Horton started taking trumpet lessons as a child and eventually became proficient at more than 20 instruments including the banjo, dobro, mandolin, guitar, violin/fiddle, and the Irish pipes. He has worked with PBS producer Ken Burns on at least ten documentaries including “The Civil War”, “Lewis and Clark” and “Baseball” and is in constant demand for his musical presentation of Civil War music on the college lecture circuit. But he still finds time to tour with Three on a String.

Brad watched Jerry and Bobby learn their way around the music business before becoming the regular bass player and eventually added fiddle, guitar, and an occasional piano to the shows. Brad has done many commercial music projects including writing and performing for the now famous Rick and Bubba Theme Song. Brad also moonlights as Worship Leader at Springville Methodist Church.

Former member Andy Meginniss fits back in seamlessly after many years adding his unique talents to the already stellar show! Andy performed for years with Clair Lynch and has performed at the Grand ‘Ol Opry. Andy also moonlights as Music Leader at St. Mary’s Episcopal Church and fills in with several bands in the Birmingham area.

“Four” entertaining guys make up Three on a String. They even have a bit for that… “We are to the age with it takes 4 to make 3. But good, clean, fun entertainment is what we want to offer.” As they put it, “we want people to feel better when they leave our show.”