hpon1973

Gallatin, TN, 37066

About Mike Ponder Mike was born in rural, mountainous Hot Springs/Spring Creek, NC. With his home located near the Appalachian Trail, Mike fondly remembers boyhood days of working on the farm, swimming in the river and creeks, fishing, and hunting. More telling though for Mike's future music story, however, is how he began his inspiring education and journey into the world of music, which was introduced to him by his parents and family. ​ Mike's mother, Jan Ponder, and father, Wayne Ponder, were both talented musicians. They started a band called JL and the Country Squires, which become well-known for their hit song, "Living in the Present, Loving in the Past." Mike's parents sang lead vocals and back-up harmonies while touring with vocalist Lavonne English, and band members, Calvin Philbeck and Roger Sigmon. Mike recalls that when he was six, he was, "sitting on the stoop listening to them practice and getting into trouble noisily trying to imitate their playing.”