The Memphis Sound Band is one of Memphis and the Mid-South's most popular bands, having provided entertainment throughout the region and across the globe for nearly 20 years! Comprised of Award Winning Musicians, Vocalists, and production specialists who have performing on Beale Street and throughout Memphis and the mid-south for decades, The Memphis Sound band will take you on a fabulous tour of Memphis Music history! From W.C. Handy to B.B. King and the Staple Singers, to Carl Perkins, Aretha, Sam & Dave, Otis Redding, Al Green, WIlson Pickett, Tina Turner, Johnny Cash, and of course, Elvis...The legacy of Memphis Music, Beale Street, and The Memphis Sound all go hand in hand.
When it comes to vocals The Memphis Sound band answers the call. They've got lead vocals that will knock your socks off, and multi-talented musicians who also strong vocalists, too! That's six vocals strong - and that's full!
Memphis Entertainer and Lead female vocalist Jackie Johnson has album credits ranging from Rufus Thomas to Lenny Kravitz 5. She has been honored with the Premiere Player Female Vocalist of the Year Award in Memphis and is a festival favorite throughout the United States and Europe. Jackie performs complete sets in distinct musical formats ranging from Gospel to Blues, and Contemporary R&B to The Memphis Sound...or she can mix them all up! You will nod in agreement once you've heard her unforgettable voice! Aretha, Staple Singers, Tina Turner - and more! Jackie does it all.
Band-Leader Woody "Elwood" Degan, the award-winning major label-trained producer who created the group, performs the male vocal responsibilities of band with versatility, strength, and emotion you can certainly feel! From Al Green to Otis Redding, and Soul Man to Ain't No Sunshine, his renditions are keenly reminiscient of the soulful originals, while incorporating his own contemporary flair. He has performed with a wide array of superstars, including Sammy Davis, Jr., Ray Charles, Jerry Lee Lewis, Rufus Thomas, Stevie Wonder, The Drifters, Vince Gill, Steve Cropper, Ike Turner, Hootie and The Blowfish, and Dishwalla. In addition to his vocal responsibilities, Woody plays keyboards and manages the group. Together Jackie, Woody, and the other FOUR musician/vocalists in this band, make for some great vocal harmonies together! Yes, that's five and six vocals of live Memphis Musical Entertainment! No computer aided sequencing and no tape!
The Memphis Sound band's Rhythm Section is also comprised of some of the most talented and recognized band-members in Memphis Music today! Neal Bowen, Music Director, Bassist extraordinaire, composer, and instructor, brings an effortless virtuosity and groove to the bottom end that bears listening to - and watching! His comprehensive knowledge of musical theory and teaching experience, are just two reasons why he is the Musical Director of the band. Neal can not only direct the other players on what to play where, but step over into their realm and play it for them himself - on keys, guitar, etc. The other half of the 'low-end' equation is multi-talented Drummer / Percussionist Lafayette Adair, who provides a rhythm foundation second to none. Gene Nunez is a well respected Memphis guitarist with numerous cd album releases to his credit. Plus, he's got a repertoire that is second to none - a walking musical dictionary! His recent addition has added the consistency and dependability on guitar that the band needed! ...And Elwood 'Woody' Degan pulls double duty, adding some simple and effective keyboards tops to the already exceptional rhythm section. Mike Neal provides the unmistakeable and authentic Memphis horn sound on Saxophone, flute, and strong Backing Vocals, while Mark Franklin tops of the brass with some great Trumpet!
The Memphis Sound band is the Official Performing Artist and Musical Entertainment of the Memphis Redbirds, our AAA home-town baseball team of the St. Louis Cardinals Baseball Organization.
Concert events, festivals, corporate events, private parties, and fundraisers are perfect for The Memphis Sound Band. The band travels throughout the U.S. and abroad.
NOTE: The Memphis Sound Band carries and can provide turn-key production as necessary: stage, sound, backline, lights (par cans and moving lights), ground supported truss, power (tie-ins or generators), engineers, and crew for single or multi-day events.
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