The Notorious Adams Boys
Coming April 20, 2026
The Notorious Adams Boys is the true story of three brothers, Don, Gary, and Arnie Adams, who left their small hometown in Ohio to pursue careers in Country Music. What they achieved is nothing short of fascinating, and the route they took to get there is, well... notorious. They traveled the country playing thousands of live shows with the biggest stars in country music, George Jones, Johnny Paycheck, Ray Price, Merle Haggard, Marty Robbins, Little Jimmy Dickens, Ferlin Husky, Barbara Fairchild, Stonewall Jackson, and many more. They appeared on records with George Jones and Johnny Paycheck and wrote songs for Marty Robbins. They recorded their own music as well and had songs on the Billboard Country Music charts, including one that made the Top Forty! Along the way, they lived hard and played harder, pertying and fighting their way into legendary status within country music. They bullied Keith Richards, locked Little Jimmy Dickens in a closet, and knocked George Jones out cold in a Texas parking lot! Now, you can read about it all in my first non-fiction book, The Notorious Adams Boys. Coming April 20, 2026.
In February 2025, Don Adams asked me to write the true story of the Adams Boys Band, which includes Don and his brothers, Gary and Arnie, saying, "I want to tell it all." As a fiction writer, I asked Don why he wanted me to take on this project. He explained that he appreciated my gritty writing style and believed it would be perfect for the story. Additionally, we both come from Greenfield, Ohio, which made his request even more meaningful.
I grew up in Greenfield, Ohio, the same town as the Adams boys and their childhood friend, Donald Eugene Lytle, who is better known as Johnny Paycheck.
The Adams boys are legends in Greenfield. Everyone knows how famous and respected they are as musicians, but few have heard firsthand accounts of their greatness or the high regard they continue to enjoy among Classic Country Music fans. Moreover, many have not listened to the stories that earned the Adams boys the title of "Notorious."
Don Adams and I have known one another since 1983, when I dated his daughter, Kandi, in high school. I have seen both Don and his brother, Gary, perform numerous times, and I have always been in awe of their talent. It wasn't until I began writing the book that I learned why they hold such a prestigious place in country music.
I have spent hours with Don, listening to stories he has never shared with anyone before. Combined with interviews I conducted with the Adams family, friends, local musicians, journalists, DJs, and notable artists they have worked with—such as Doug Jernigan, Ralph May, Steve Marple, Mike Cutright, Diane McCall, DeeJee Overby, and many others—I've gained a deeper appreciation for why they are so revered.
Now, through my new book, The Notorious Adams Boys, you can also appreciate and understand their significance in the world of country music!
The book is set to be released on April 20, 2026, and will be available on Amazon and at select bookstores nationwide. In the meantime, you can stay updated by following this website and my social media accounts (links are provided at the bottom of this page).
I appreciate your support!
Eric Grate
Danville, KY
January 6, 2026
