Active Years: 1975 – 1985 in Eugene, Oregon
Genre: Blues
The band was originally formed in the mid-70’s in Eugene, Oregon as Bill Rhoades Blues Band then later became the Party Kings. Bill moved to Portland in the mid-80’s and continued the band in a different configuration. The Party Kings played a mixture of Blues music styles from Chicago, Texas, Louisiana, Mississippi and the West Coast (L.A. & Oakland, CA.) mixed in with their own Northwest influences.
The band had a two year stretch as the house band at Taylors. During this time the “Kings” had the honor to back up Albert Collins, Louisiana Red, Sonny Rhodes, J.J. Malone, Troyce Key, and Michael Bloomfield. A young Robert Cray would also sit in with the band. They also opened shows for Son Seals, James Cotton, Buddy Guy & Junior Wells.
Members:
- Bill Rhoades – harmonica & vocals
- Henry Cooper – guitar & vocals