The glow of a career in music began when Cray was a teen, and in 1974 it burst into flames as the Robert Cray Band came together in Eugene, Oregon. How strong was the fire? “Richard (Cousins) and I didn’t own a vehicle, and we were staying with his girlfriend in Eugene. We hitched a […]
Salt n’ Pepper Blues Band
Active Years: Late 1970’s – Early 1980’s Members: Scott Cagle – Rhythm Guitar, Vocals Blue Owens – Harmonica, Vocals Chris (Papa) Robbins – Lead Guitar, Vocals Skip Falkenbach – Drums Scott Willis – Bass Played: Black Forest Dexter Lake Club
Heidelberg Blues Festival (1972)
Oct 20, 1972 at UO Mac Court in Eugene, Oregon. A live recording was made. Line-Up: Big Mama Thornton Muddy Waters Big Joe Turner George Smith BB Houston JB Hutto
Bill Rhoades Blues Band
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 Party Kings in a different configuration. Members: Bill Rhoades – harmonica & vocals Rod […]
Bill Rhoades
Blues singer and harmonica wiz Bill Rhoades was born in Eugene, Oregon While in high school in the early 1970’s, Bill formed his first band, The Rhythm Kings. Mid 1970’s – Bill Rhoades Blues Band, which later became the Party Kings. This band had a two year stretch as the house band at Taylors in Eugene. Also […]
Three Fingered Jack
Active Years: 1973-1974 Genre: Blues Three Fingered Jack performed at many venues throughout Oregon in 1973-1974. The group moved a grand piano to ‘all’ gigs, and built/operated the largest P.A. system in the State of Oregon at the time. Members: Curtis Salgado – Lead vocals, harmonica Dave ‘DK’ Stewart – Grand piano Rob Thomas – […]
Notary Sojac
Though originally from Tigard, Notary Sojac had strong ties to Eugene and settled here and Springfield in the mid 70’s. – Doug Wilson Genre: From driving rock to jazzy instrumental improv and interplay, to blues and country. Members: Mario Bolivar – Drums Justin Bonner – Drums, Vocals Will Herold – Keyboards Bobb Koski -Rhythm Guitar, Flute, Coronet, Vocals Steve Koski […]
Jay Walkers
Genre: Blues Members: John Crain – Guitar
Chris Coltrane
Chris Coltrane plays traditional Chicago style blues. Not only is Chris a fine vocalist, but he is also one of the Northwest’s best blues keyboard men. Chris’ tight big-city sound is blues at it’s best. Genre: Blues Active Years: 1980s Members: A.C. Porter Mac Singleton Chris Coltrane
Los Falcons
From Eugene to Europe, The Falcons are leaving their mark on blues-rock fans everywhere. -1988 Eugene Blues Calendar Genre: Blues-Rock Active Years: 1980s Home Base: Eugene, Oregon Members: John Barley Boyd Small Andy Strange Henry Cooper
Peter Thorpe Band
The band cranks out the sweet down home sound of rhythm and blues. -1988 Blues Calendar Genre: Blues / R&B Active Years: Late 1980s Members: Peter Thorpe
Steve Smith Band
Steve Smith came to Eugene from Boulder Colorado. His band quickly became one of Eugene’s most popular and versatile rhythm and blues bands. Steve masterfully combined reggae and jazz fusion guitar with crystal blues vocals – giving the listeners a wide spectrum of musical pleasure. –1988 Eugene Blues Calendar. Genre: R&B Active Years: mid 1980s […]
Insta-Gators
Genre: Traditional Blues Active Years: late 1980s Members: Chris Porter – bass Rob Wilson – drums James Bradshaw – guitar
Robert Cray Band
Robert Cray and Richard Cousins arrive in Eugene, Oregon in 1974 and launch the Robert Cray Band. Active Years: 1974 – Present Genre: Blues Original Members Robert Cray – vocals & guitar Richard Cousins – bass Tom Murphy – drums Rocky Manzanares – harmonica Later Years Robert Cray – vocals & guitar Richard Cousins – bass David […]
Burners
The Burners (1979-1984) Genre: Roadhouse and Classic R&B Home Base: Eugene, Oregon The original Burners: Chris Porter, Paul Burnett, Newel Briggs, Abner Burnett, and Butch Cousins Whole Lineup: Butch Cousins – drums Paul Burnett -guitar Abner Burnett – keyboards, guitars, and vocals Chris Porter – guitar Dean Engleson – bass Newel Briggs – guitar Mark Schneider […]