Jim Hickman, along with Mark Jones, is one of the original members of Wonder. There is no doubt Jim is meant to sing because his love of music stems from way back in the early 60s, at the age of 6. His interest in performing was initiated by watching his brother's "combo" practice, in his family's basement. Jim pursued his talent by performing (and winning, I might add) in local talent shows, sponsored by the Rockbridge County 4-H program. His other performances included playing in the school bands and in his own "combo". After marrying in 1975, Jim and his wife Vickie, raised two daughters, Cara and Laura Beth, and therefore Jim took a long break from his music. Even though he wasn't actively involved in a band, Jim continued to sing in the church choir, for weddings and funerals. Once the girls were grown, Jim continued his music career and was a member of The Bandoleers, The Pick-Ups, and the gospel group, Wonder. Gradually, time only allowed him to be active in Wonder. Jim now sings lead and plays rhythm guitar for the group, and he enjoys the "harmony" of Wonder. Jim's life is made complete by sharing his love of music with their three grandsons, Davis, Brady, and Grant.
"Mark" was born and raised on a farm in Carroll County, Virginia, just outside the city of Galax, where he attended elementary school and graduated from Galax High School.
His love for music and entertaining developed early. He was soon playing his harmonica in front of his 3rd grade classmates and sometimes reading the daily devotions in the mornings.
His formal music training came by way of the Galax High School band and singing in the choir at his church.
His love for string music though, was greatly influenced by attending the Galax Old Time Fiddlers Convention. Therefore he concentrated on the 5 string banjo (Scruggs Style) and the fiddle.
While at Virginia Polytechnic Institute, where he received his B.S. degree in Agricultural Education, he learned to play guitar as well as the fiddle and banjo and would team up with others for concerts and jam sessions.
After graduation, he moved to Lexington, Va. and taught Vocational Agriculture at Lexington High School. During this time he started playing music with neighbors and some of his students, one particularly being Sam Sorrells, the mandolin player and vocalist in "Wonder" today. Sams brother Maverick "Wonders" bass singer and bass player was also one of his students, but Maverick didn't play music with him at that time.
Also during his teaching years he formed a string band which played for cake - walks, parties, and dances. This group eventually evolved into a seven piece dance band called "The Bandoleers" which stayed together for over 30 years. It was during the last few years of "The Bandoleers that he became acquainted with Jim Hickman, "Wonders" rhythm guitar player and tenor or lead vocalist. Soon after the original tenor moved away, Maverick joined the group and became the bass singer. The group still needed one more instrument and vocal to make it complete, and this is where Sam entered into the picture.
The quartet now plays a variety of music from gospel, to country, bluegrass and secular tunes for all.
Mark sings baritone and plays banjo, harmonica, fiddle and sometimes bass guitar in "Wonder".
Sam was born July 4, 1954 in Lexington, VA. He is a lifelong resident of Rockbridge County, VA. Sam is married with four children, all having graduated from high school, none married.
Music became a major part of Sam’s life at the age of seven. His father played music with a local bluegrass band, “The Virginia Partners”. He first learned to play guitar, then bass and finally, the mandolin. During his grade school years, Sam played in local pick-up bands and played in talent contests in the local area. (During this time, Sam would play in a group with Jim Hickman, called “The Dot Boys”) After nearly forty years, Sam and Jim would re-join forces as members of “Wonder”.
Sam has been influenced by multiple musical genres ranging from Motown, Jazz, Blues, country and of special interest, “Bluegrass” and Gospel. His musical heroes are Tony Rice, Ricky Skaggs, Wayne Benson, Adam Steffey, Stevie Ray Vaughn, Earl Klugh and various vocal groups, most notably, IIIrd Tyme Out and Rhonda Vincent.
Sam is retired from the U.S Marine Corps after a 22 year career. During those years, he continued to expand his musical interests and personal style. He is primarily devoted to the mandolin but plays guitar on a limited basis with “Wonder”. Gospel music and Wonder’s devotion to God’s music, maintains a special place in Sam’s heart. Sam would be at a loss musically without God’s gift of vocal and musical abilities. Without him, I am nothing!
Maverick was born April 4, 1958 in Lexington, VA. He is a lifelong resident of Rockbridge County, VA and currently resides in Buena Vista, VA. Maverick is married with three children, all having graduated from high school. He is a grandfather two times over. He is currently employed by Everbrite Sign manufacturer.
Music has been of interest to Maverick from an early age. Maverick learned to play the bass and played in bands during his high school years. He was also influenced by his father’s local bluegrass band, “The Virginia Partners”. Not previously mentioned, but Maverick and Sam Are brothers. He had not sung publically until joining “Wonder”. After joining “Wonder” it was realized that he possessed a beautiful, full bass voice and had the ability to sing lead and tenor parts on various songs sung by “Wonder”. He especially has a vocal quality similar to that of Josh Turner.
Maverick has been influenced by multiple musical genres ranging from Motown, Country, Rock, “Bluegrass” and Gospel. His musical heroes are; IIIrd Tyme Out, Rhonda Vincent, Temptations, Josh Turner and Alan Jackson.
He, like the other members of “Wonder” especially loves performing God’s music. Maverick’s deep. His rich, bass vocal lends itself perfectly to the gospel and quartet sounds of “Wonder”. Also, consistent with the other members of “Wonder” he would be at a loss musically without God’s gift of vocal and musical abilities. Without him, I am nothing!
Jim
Mark
Sam
Maverick