The Barrier Brothers were indeed a band centered around three brothers, who moved to South Bend from Kentucky early in life.  They were an active bluegrass band in the 1950’s and 1960’s, with their first 45 released in 1959 on Winona Lake label Armoneer Records.  A second 45 on Metropolis Records, also from Winona Lake, came out in 1960.  Soon, they were signed to major label Philips Records and released both 45’s and LP’s during the early to mid 1960’s.  A compilation of late 50’s recordings was released in 1977 by Old Homestead Records.

Buddy Killen had a brief solo career at the end of the 1950’s, releasing two 45’s.  Benny Martin became a renowned fiddle and guitar player in Nashville, TN, releasing several records as a solo artist, and is credited with inventing the 8-string fiddle. Willie Ackerman also had a long career in Nashville, TN, primarily as a session player, appearing on records by Jim Reeves, Ray Price, Wanda Jackson, Flatt and Scruggs, Waylon Jennings, Jerry Reed and many others.