The self proclaimed “Six String Outlaw” is a breath of fresh air in a time where the true rebels in music are getting harder and harder to find. Rowdy grew up with the sounds of Waylon Jennings, Hank Williams Jr., Johnny Cash and Charlie Daniels ringing in his ears and it didn’t take him long to discover fellow Florida boys Lynyrd Skynyrd and Molly Hatchett. It was somewhere in the middle that Rowdy found his way and began to forge a sound that would make his heroes proud. Known for his songwriting and powerful lyrics, Rowdy soon began his trek to put Outlaw Country back on the map. Anyone that has seen a Rowdy Johnson concert can attest that he sings from the heart in every song he plays and does it with a passion that would rival his heroes. Always in search of venues that will allow him to run wild on stage without a leash, Rowdy continues to fight the system and refuses to back down or change just to make a dollar. With a name like Rowdy, what would you expect? As a proud veteran himself, Rowdy is on a mission to bring recognition to all of our service members in a way that is anything but politically correct. If you ever want to know what he thinks, just ask him or listen to any one of his songs. Rowdy wears his heart on his sleeve without ever apologizing. It’s a shame there aren’t more that do the same. Growing up in Apopka, Florida was tough for Rowdy. His mother was murdered by his then step-father when Rowdy was only four years old. As an only child, Rowdy then went to live with his uncle and aunt who he eventually came to know as his Mom and Dad. The family tragedy didn’t stop there. He went on to lose his uncle, grandfather, cousins, friends and eventually his Dad. Rowdy began to turn to music to express himself and escape from reality. It’s little wonder that when he sings of heartache, pain and loss, it’s done with every ounce of his soul. If you are looking for the real deal without the smoke and mirrors, look no further than the “Six String Outlaw” himself, Rowdy Johnson. Ken Whitcomb - Bass & Vocals: In 1961 I got my first band job as an accordion player and vocals in a country band in Frederick MD. I joined the army and in 1970, while stationed at the Pentagon, I started the cover band Opus 5, which quickly became the number two cover band in D.C.. Opus 5 continued to play in various venues until 1976 when I was transferred overseas. I have played for Bertie Higgins (Key Largo) and for over two years as a duo with T.J. Brinson. I was a member of the blues band Shades of Grey with the legendary Eddie C in Florida. I retired from the Army in 1981, spent 25 more years consulting in nuclear power, computerized GIS crime analysis systems, and casino gaming before retiring for good and moving to AZ. In 2010 I put a new band together called Thunder Mountain. After a year and a half with the band I decided to change directions and resigned to return to my country music roots. I am also the manager, publicist, booking agent, and web site designer for the band which keeps me busy as a bee! Dan Steely Daniels Showalter - Lead & Pedal Steel Guitar I am originally from Wisconsin. My first group was a polka band where I played lead guitar. The group eventually turned into a Country/Rock group, which was too rock to play in country venues and too country to play in Rock venues. One of my main groups was a band called Broken Bow which played Country and Contemporary gospel music in and around Taos NM. I also spent some time on tour with Michael Martin Murphy, playing the pedal steel guitar. In 1992 I retired from music to raise a family and moved to Sierra Vista, AZ where I played lead guitar for the Christian rock group Remnant. On a lark, I went out to Tombstone one night to check out RJB for possibly playing in a video of a song I wrote. The band asked me to set in for a bit and that was all I needed to realize that we were playing the music closest to my heart. From that night I was hooked and joined RJB the very next day! Ray Peter Drums: I have been a professional drummer since 1966, working in numerous Arizona bands and road groups (Texas, New Mexico, Colorado and Iowa) in venues from dance bands to concerts and festivals. I was the drummer on the Ernie Menehune Show for a season at the 5-Star Arizona Biltmore Hotel (Aztec Lounge and the Gold Room) followed by tours of the Las Vegas, Reno, Lake Tahoe, Carson City and Colorado Springs circuit. I have also done extensive live TV performance and production work as well as a weekly show on KNIX Radio (a Country Music Association Number One Station of the Year). I have logged over 20,000 hours in various recording studios as a manager, recording and mixing engineer, producer, musician and studio designer with credit on three hit records to date. My playing experience includes Rock, Blues, Soul, Gospel, Nostalgic ‘50’s, 60’s and Country. Ron Livingston Keyboards/Bass/Vocals: I am a musician/composer/arranger with a degree in music from Northern Arizona University. In the eighties and nineties I was the keyboardist for the house band at the legendary Phoenix Country night club Mr. Luckys. For over seven years I backed up or opened for an endless list of country and rock legends who packed the historic venue. I have shared the stage with Dwight Yokum, Waylon Jennings, Lyle Lovett Kieth Whitley and scores of other artists. At the same time, I have kept active in recording. For the last 30+ years I have composed and produced national and regional commercials, some award winners, as well as artists and up and coming songwriters. From 1982 to 1986, I was in charge of audio post production at Timberline Productions, a company that produced videos and live shows for hundreds of high profile corporate clients, such as Delta Airlines and Coldwell Banker. For my commercial sound tracks in advertising, I received the prestigious ADDY and TELE awards. I was also the producer of a top ten country single C.B. Savage by Rod Hart. Since 1990, I have been a key element in the Airzona project, contributing to corporate events as musical director, vocalist, keyboard/bass player, and when called upon, band leader. We opened for Alan Jackson and Asleep at the wheel on different gigs a few years ago, too ,and played with Clint Black back in the Lucky’s days I have found a home with the Rowdy Johnson Band!
Posted on: Thu, 28 Nov 2013 01:44:19 +0000
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