Born a country boy, Darrel Sutton, who was nicknamed “Sipe” by his grandfather Brookover as a toddler, was deep rooted to rural life and simple values.  He was able to fine-tune his singing skills at an early age and later added playing a guitar to those skills. When his older brother, Tink, came home from the Air Force with a reel-to-reel tape recorder and all of Johnny Cash’s songs, Sipe would spend every moment he could spare listening to the tapes and singing along with Johnny.

In 1964 he started playing guitar with a band but he was too shy to sing in front of anyone including his parents. But by 1968 his friends had encouraged him to a point that he finally started singing and was utterly amazed when the audience applauded for him.  He was hooked and soon after started his own band, “Sipe and the Boys,” where he was lead singer.

One night a bartender suggested he let the crowd decide on another name for the band.   He made a list of possible names and the following weekend the list was passed through the crowd so they could vote on their favorite name for the band.  “The Country Playboys” won and it is still the name used by Sipe’s band 45 years later!

Sipe’s style is his own. He does not copy or even come close to sounding like someone else, although his wife says she can hear a touch of Haggard in his voice. He puts his heart and soul into every song he sings.”

Of his style Sipe quips, “I’ve been to Nashville once but they would not let me sing!  I’ve never been to Branson, nor do I desire to go. I’ve never been on radio or television or inducted into any country music hall of fame. I have never been voted best male vocalist anywhere or won any awards for playing the guitar so I cannot brag about myself. The biggest show I ever did was the Sagebrush Roundup in Fairmont, West Virginia, where I received two standing ovations.”

“But if I have a talent for singing I can only thank God and my parents for it was they who gave it to me.  I would love to meet each and everyone of y’all.”

Winter Texans who love to dance the night away to country music should make plans to attend one of the many dances where Sipe and the Country Playboys perform. Their love of country music shows, and just like Sipe, the members of the band are warm and friendly people who will do their best to see that every experience Winter Texans have at one of their dances is an experience they will soon want to repeat by attending another dance!

The Country playboys consist of Sipe Sutton as lead singer and lead guitarist, Bob Stewart, singer, rhythm guitar and bass; Paul Emms, peddle steel drum; Rene Alvarez, drummer,  and Wendle Rennaker, rhythm guitar and equipment manager.

Winter Texans can hear and dance to the music of “Sipe and the Country Playboys” at the Ice House, 815 N. Francisco Ave., Mission, from 3 to 6 p.m. on Feb. 2, 9,15, 16, and 23 and Mar. 1, 8, 15, 22,and 29.  They can be found at Lonesome Dove, 13638 N. Trosper Rd. Mission, on Feb. 5, 12, 19 and 26; and Mar. 4,11, 18, and 25. Look for Sipe and the Country Playboys at the Elks Lodge on Ware Road in McAllen on Feb. 10, 18, and 24; and Mar. 9, 17, and 23; April 13, 21, 27 and May 11.

They will be performing dances at Wintergreen Estates on Feb. 11; Heritage Square, Feb. 13; Bentsen Grove, Mar. 2 and Heritage Square Mar. 26.  Dances are at 7 p.m.

Y’all come on out and dance the night away to the music of “Sipe and the Country Playboys!”

For bookings call Sipe Sutton at (740) 525-4288 or Bob Stewart at (956) 464-5140.