Lost and Found will have their new CD, Love, Lost and Found, released on Rebel Records on March 24. This will be their first CD in 7 years, and the first since the tragic loss of original mandolinist Dempsey Young in June of 2006.

The band had started this project in 2003 before Dempsey passed away, and it sat incomplete for some time while founding member Allen Mills contemplated the future of the group. When Scott Napier joined the group in 2007, Allen knew he had what he needed to finish the project and start the next chapter for his band, who have been playing heartfelt bluegrass for almost 30 years.

Love, Lost and Found has 13 tracks, six recorded with Dempsey on mandolin, and the remaining 7 with Scott.

Rebel has released a single, That’s What Country Folks Do, in advance of the CD’s street date, which should be popping up on bluegrass radio. It was written by Wanda Dalton, sister of the late bluegrass songwriter Randall Hylton. Many of our readers may have spoken with Wanda over the years, as she was the phone voice you heard when you placed orders from County Sales in Floyd, VA for many years.

Allen gave us some background on the song…

“Wanda has been a close friend of ours for over 20 years. She wrote the song about a neighbor (and friend), my wife Deb and I, and our grandson, Zacrye. Parts of the story are true and some of it is fiction. We do have a big front porch with rocking chairs, and we neighbors do stick together!

And Zacrye does call us Mamaw and Papa.

We recorded it in February and March 2008 with Scott Napier on mandolin.”

Here is an audio sample:

Listen now:

I asked Allen to tell us a bit about other songs they included on Love, Lost and Found.

“Letter Stained In Blue is a new song written by Dan Wells, from North Carolina.  It seems to be one that is gaining attention on our road shows.  Some of the lyrics are represented on the cover of the album, with the title being Love, Lost and Found. That song is a solo sung by Scottie Sparks, and includes Scott Napier’s mandolin playing as well.

By request, we re-recorded a song I had written for our first album, If Today Was The Last Day. We changed from the original key of D to G and this allowed me to sing lead. Scottie sang tenor and Ronald baritone on the chorus.”

We’ll be sure to speak with Allen again and get more details as the release date draws nigh. It will be great to have a new Lost and Found CD again.

We got a nice note from Allen Mills of The Lost & Found this morning. He wanted to pass along some words of thanks to the many folks who expressed their grief over the untimely death of Dempsey Young on December 10, 2006, and share some news on the band’s first few shows without him.

Dempsey was the original and only mandolinist the band had ever known, and had been a member since 1973 when the band was formed.

“Dempsey’s wife Lynette and the Lost and Found family would like to thank everyone who came to the visitation and funeral. The condolences sent via our website, the newspaper, the calls, cards and flowers were all GREATLY appreciated. The memorial fund is growing and will support their children’s future and education.

Although it has been hard, the band has performed five show in January with Scott Napier helping out on mandolin. Scott played several years with Larry Sparks and is currently working with Marty Raybon, but had some time off. He did a fantastic job with us and we sincerely appreciate his help.

We also appreciate our fans’ and promoters’ support during this transition phase for the Lost and Found. Please continue to keep us in your prayers!”

The Dempsey Young Memorial Fund is still accepting donations, and Allen also wanted to thank the many members of the bluegrass community, both industry professionals and devoted fans, who have given generously for the benefit of Dempsey’s family.

Anyone who would like to make a contribution can send a check to:

There is a nice remembrance of Dempsey Young in today’s edition of The Roanoke Times. Allen Mills reflects briefly on missing his friend, and Herschel Sizemore comments on Dempsey’s unique approach to the mandolin.

Read the article on The Roanoke Times web site, where Dempsey’s obituary can also be found.

Allen Mills of The Lost & Found asked that we post this for him, in response to the many folks who have expressed condolences regarding the death on Sunday morning of their dear friend and bandmate, Dempsey Young.

The out-pouring of love – the calls, emails, thoughts and prayers from our friends and fans has been absolutely overwhelming. We sincerely appreciate everyone and everything, for accepting and enjoying our 33 years of music together. Our fans and our God will determine our future…continue to keep us in your prayers.

The Lost & Found Band
Allen Mills, Scottie Sparks, Ronald Smith and Jerry Williamson
The Young Family