The Putnam Family is a bluegrass gospel group that originated on Steer Creek in Gilmer County. The group has its roots in central WV that began in the early 1980’s when Mike Putnam of Shock, WV taught his sons, Gary (age 12) and John (8) to play guitar and mandolin. Mike picked up an old banjo from a furniture trade in Spencer and also found an old upright bass for his wife Darlene.
The original family group only lasted a few years. It was ten years later when John picked up the mandolin once more and joined a local bluegrass group from Normantown, WV. While in college John married Andrea White, also of Steer Creek and the two joined his parents, Mike and Darlene, to form a bluegrass gospel quartet. The Putnam Family, as they have become known locally, took appointments at local churches and community centers and made three recordings. The group has played for nearly 15 years. Mike has gone to be with Jesus on Feb. 22, 2019.
The third generation of the Putnam family has recently included John and Andrea’s three children, Caroline, Isaac , and Andrew -and now reside in Gilmer County in WV. Caroline is the first fiddler in the family. Isaac plays a mandolin and guitar. John plays guitar and mandolin (whatever Isaac isn't playing) Andrea plays the upright bass. Andrew is perhaps the most energetic member plays dobro and bass. Isaac's wife, Lindsay and Andrew's wife, Aislin has added some female vocals to the newest version of the group. Isaac's father-in-law Jim Chapman adds bass vocals.