Tennessee Iron is a hard rocking, original band hailing from Tazewell Tennessee, with a sound that is often referred to as “Original High-Test Tennessee Boogie”.  The band consists of drummer Carlene Harrell, bassist “Chief” Bell, and singer / guitarist / songwriter Butch Harrell. 

     Bringing three lifetimes of musical experience together, the Tennessee Iron band is the culmination of Butch’s lifelong musical dream.  The band was formed in 2007, originally crafting and honing the songs under the name Main Drive Gear. 

     Riding and rocking is more than a hobby or a profession for them, it is a way of life.  This is an expression of their beliefs that is very evident in the power and message of the music.  The stories within the music, written by songwriter Butch Harrell, describe a gutsy, gritty reality of life that everyone can relate to. A classic rock feel permeates the stage as the band performs, bringing a sense of quality that is rare in today’s music. Tennessee Iron also has an entire catalog of classic cover tunes that pay tribute to the original artists with the same veracity that they attack their original music.  Experience this excitement for yourself!  Come to our next show!

Butch Harrell 

    Songwriter, Singer, Guitarist, Master Motorcycle Mechanic are but a few of the titles that can be applied to describe the man who is the founder and the voice of the band’s music. The skills, virtue, and talent that Butch has are the heart of Tennessee Iron. A native born Tennessean, Butch has traveled the country experiencing music and people. He writes from a lifetime of experiences and a deep, caring, understanding of others.  A straight forward attitude with no ulterior agenda makes him a valued friend to know and garners respect for him by those who come to know him. 

      A musician since a youth, Butch started on drums before moving to keyboards. Butch’s first professional band experience was at age 15, playing keyboards. Over time, and other bands, skills with vocals developed and matured. A deep inner desire to express himself more fully led to developing skills on guitar, an instrument Butch self-taught.  But don’t let that mislead you, as the quality of the guitar playing is there and is a delightful force to be encountered. 

     The saying every song has a message is very true of Tennessee Iron’s songs.  From the story of  “Ol’ John,” a look at how homeless veterans are often treated in the world, to the driving  drums on “Nobody Wants you,” positive messages abound. 

Floyd Marsee Jr

Bio coming soon 

He is now the proud Bassist of Tennessee Iron!

Carlene Harrell 

       The power of the drums that drives the rhythm section, it is a mistake to discount Carlene’s drumming because she is a girl.  The drum fills and strong driving snare drum tempo will argue otherwise. Offered a scholarship as a youth to college as a musician, Carlene pursued a career in nursing initially and is currently a Registered Nurse working locally in a skilled nursing facility as the Assistant Director of Nursing. Now she has come full circle, returning back to her musical roots and is providing the heartbeat of Tennessee Iron. 

      Carlene has been and is the conscience of Tennessee Iron and is a steady, strong, powerful force.  The band tries to help by hosting charity auctions, playing music for benefit donations and helping those who are struggling in our community.  Those who attend are amazed by the quality and power of the band, and it is the power of the drums that is very often mentioned first.   Often a sounding board for Butch’s writing, Carlene provides valuable input on songs being written and developed.

Carlene Harrell