We are proud to be the recipient of multiple 2022 Carolina Beach Music Awards:
There are many bands or groups today — yet few that are considered a musical institution. For over 60 years, The Embers, now known as The Embers ft Craig Woolard, have solidified their position as a thriving musical entity, leaving their mark on listeners for decades. That’s why they are one of the most well known, most loved, and sought after bands in the southeast.
The Embers are widely considered a musical MARVEL and have laid the groundwork for what has become known as ‘Beach Music’ in the Carolinas, Virginias, the gulf coast region of North America and every beach in between. Their dynamic flag-drop tribute to our veterans with “God Bless the USA” will give you chills of emotion and pride in our country.
They are a true musical tradition whom many fans have listened to from childhood to adulthood. The Embers consider their genre of Beach Music as “music with a memory”, and have been creating lasting memories since its inception in 1958. It’s music that makes you want to dance, to sing along, and for a brief moment… forget about the world and all it’s problems —and just have good, clean fun!
But The Embers & Craig Woolard are so much more — a powerhouse of a band with soulful lead vocals, a killer horn section with 2 live saxophones and trumpet, state of the art production, and seasoned musicians who know how to read a crowd instead of relying on the same cookie-cutter setlist every night. Simply put – The Embers’ Beach Music is Heart and Soul, Rhythm and Blues, Feel Good Music. It is the music of the South. And as you will see with this reading … SO much more!
The Embers boast numerous albums and single releases that span decades. To hear The Embers is to fall in love with their music, their style, and their showmanship!! Hear them once, and you’ll come back again and again!
Having been inducted into the South Carolina Rhythm and Blues Hall of Fame, plus both the North and South Carolina Music Halls of Fame, The Embers are honored to carry the moniker of North Carolina’s Official Ambassadors of Music.
In the 1980’s, The Embers were honored to be sponsored by Anheuser Busch and Budweiser, with the album “This One’s For You” taking the industry by storm. This iconic partnership has cemented the band’s status as true Southern Icons, featuring them in TV commercials and national performances. The most famous accolade was the re-recording of their signature hit “I Love Beach Music”, swapping the lyrics to “I Love Budweiser”. This song became the anthem at beach music festivals all over the country! And still is today!
The Budweiser connection wasn’t just a financial sponsorship; it became deeply woven into the band’s cultural identity, propelling The Embers far and beyond the Carolina Beaches. Under the Budweiser banner, the sponsorship headlined the band at major national corporate gatherings and conventions. Paired with their beach lifestyle sound, the beer branding helped define The Embers the quintessential soundtrack for shag dancing across the South. This high-profile corporate backing helped the band endure decades of musical shifts—from disco and R&B to Rock&Roll, to Top 40, while still remaining true to their roots in Beach Music, and solidifying their legacy as North Carolina’s Official Musical Ambassadors.
This later led to a partnership with the State of North Carolina Department of Tourism, with a jingle and commercial penned “North Carolina Style”, with the band “flying’ across the state in a classic convertible.
For decades, Hayes Jewelers of Lexington sponsored The Embers in both stage clothes and performance, specifically at the annual CBMA AWARDS SHOW & VIP PARTY. The band is also honored to have been “pulled” by Larry Tysinger of Triad Freightliner, with Bruce Hayes/ Hayes Jewelers wrapping the infamous 18-wheeler which traveled up and down the eastern seaboard!
By the late 70’s – early 80’s, The Embers took on a new image, with very embellished, very expensive, Elvis styled stage outfits, custom tailored specifically for The Embers by a go-to shop for rock bands and pop musicians. Michael and Tony, based out of Tampa, Florida, soon became very rich because almost every then popular beach band had a “copy” of the Embers “originals’.
In the late eighties, The Embers collaborated with clothing designer Ruff Hewn, which is where the album “Colours” evolved. Most of their stage clothes at that time reflected the Ruff Hewn brand. The top hit, “What You Do To Me” is featured on the Colours album.
The Embers have been honored with countless awards and accolades, some to include (multiple times)
In 2025, Woolard was honored by receiving the highest award given to a citizen from the Governor of North Carolina, the prestigious ORDER OF THE LONG LEAF PINE. Just WOW!
Today, touring is commonplace, boasting an average of 225 shows per year. The Embers have traveled the country and the world — from Canada to the Caribbean, from the Atlantic Coast to the Pacific and everywhere in between. The band has performed for every event imaginable — from the highest dignitaries and inaugurations, to unforgettable weddings, to the hottest back yard frat parties.
At Christmas time, The Embers & Craig take on a whole new persona — ‘ALL I WANT FOR CHRISTMAS IS THE EMBERS’, and ‘A VERY EMBERS CHRISTMAS’. If you are lucky to be given the opportunity, don’t miss this heartfelt Christmas show — perfect to get you in the mood for the holiday season!
One of The Embers highest honors was to travel throughout South Korea performing their amazing Christmas special ‘Christmas with the Embers’ on American Military bases for America’s troops in 2007 and 2008. The group was awarded Military Coins of Excellence for their distinguished service.
Whether performing classic favorites or original songs, The Embers ft Craig Woolard remain An Entertainment EXPERIENCE — “The Heart and Soul of Beach Music.”
Leading the stage is the dynamic Craig Woolard, whose powerhouse vocals and magnetic stage presence have made him one of the most recognizable entertainers in the beach music world. The band’s unmatched stage presence and soulful vocals have kept The Embers at the forefront of beach music entertainment for generations. With a passion for performing and his deep connection with audiences, Woolard brings a fresh energy to every Embers show, while honoring the band’s incredible legacy. Listen once, and you’ll be hooked for life!
From the Classic Beach tunes that made them famous… to Ray Charles and Maroon 5 to Journey… The Temptations & MOTOWN classics, from The Drifters and The Platters to Hank Williams, to John Mayer, Marvin Gaye, and Bruno Mars……………………………………… THE EMBERS’ performances blend modern energy with nostalgic moments that keep guests of all ages engaged, dancing, and sining along throughout the entire event.
The Embers continue to captivate audiences from one to 92 with high-energy performances, timeless hits, wide diverse playlists, and unmatched showmanship.
Woolard, longtime lead vocalist and entertainer, and The Embers have performed alongside and even backed up legendary artists including The Temptations, Four Tops, The Beach Boys, Percy Sledge, Jerry Butler, Archie Bell, Little Anthony, Miss Jodie, Eddie Floyd, The Blues Brothers, as well as Alabama, JIMMY HALL, and Lou Rawls. And believe it or not…………………………………………… The Embers opened for The Rolling Stones.. earning the band widespread recognition throughout the music industry.
The Embers are truly one of the finest entertainment experiences of our lifetime. Many have tried to duplicate it… but The Embers’ performance raises the bar for all others in our industry… because it is real.
Come to a show — dance the night to songs that we all know and love — The Embers & Craig Woolard will put JOY in your step, LOVE in your heart and BEACH MUSIC in your soul!
If you ever have the pleasure to experience an Embers concert, or an Embers Christmas Show, and witness Craig & The Embers’ dynamic tribute to the USA You will understand!
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