How would you like to sit down with a legendary drummer who's shared the stage with music giants like Edgar Winter, Rick Derringer, and BB King? Better yet, what if he took you on a riveting journey from his humble beginnings in Columbia, South Carolina, all the way to the competitive LA music scene? Welcome to an intimate conversation with Rick Latham, an extraordinary musician whose talent and dedication have not only won him acclaim but earned him enduring respect in the industry.

Rick allows us to peek behind the curtain, revealing his struggles, inspirations, and triumphs. He shares the transformative power of big band and soul/gospel music in his early years and gives fascinating insights into the world of drumming techniques and musical education. Hear about his daring decision to leave university to pursue his passion, a choice that catapulted his career. Rick also discusses his experiences on movie sets, playing for big names like BB King, and his encounters with the advent of drum machines.

But it doesn't stop there. Rick reflects on the significance of networking in the music biz, nods to the drummers who've shaped his career and divulges his perspective on the right drumming equipment. He takes us through the gear that crafts his signature sound, including his beloved DW 5000 pedal. Lastly, he paints a vibrant picture of his future plans for clinics and master classes, his extensive collection of drumming books and DVDs, and his deep love for diverse playing styles and genres. So, buckle up for this enlightening episode with the legendary Rick Latham!

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My guest is the Carolina Country Music Association 2022 Male Artist of the Year and Entertainer of the Year: Greg Parrish!!

Greg is a really down to earth guy and a great entertainer. I saw him perform at the South Carolina Entertainment & Music Hall of Fame awards show but didn't get to meet him. Now, join me as I get to know this very talented and humble singer/musician from Rock Hill, SC!

https://backstagewithchrislee.com

Iron Gate Records Greg Parrish Music  

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Neal McJunkin has been a professional musician since he was a teenager, playing in various bands throughout the Southeast. He played with the legendary Slewfoot Band after taking over the house gig at The Bowery in Myrtle Beach SC after Alabama left in 1980.

Neal is currently the lead guitarist and singer in the 4-piece band, The Hot Notes Band. The Hot Notes Band delights audiences with their unique blend of classic rock, pop, country, beach music, R&B and other music styles.

Join us as we discuss Neal's music journey, hear stories of his gigs and find out what drives him to keep playing and entertaining on this episode of Backstage With Chris Lee! Backstage With Chris Lee

www.thehotnotesband.com

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Singer/Songwriter Jarret Forrester is a true road warrior, performing over 200 shows per year. He also finds the time to write books and find the odd novelty in odd places. Join me on this episode of Backstage With Chris Lee as we get to know Jarret Forrester.

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For over 25 years, Mark Herndon was the drummer for Alabama, the most successful country band of all time.

Raised in North and South Carolina, Mark’s musical journey with Alabama began in 1979 at the iconic Bowery Bar. From that humble start, he went on to enjoy a career filled with fame—and, well, fame anyway.

We talk about Mark's financial arrangement with the band that resulted in a lawsuit after the 2004 Farewell Tour, his flirtation with jail, almost dying in a plane crash, and much more.

We also talk about the upcoming SC Entertainment and Music Hall of Fame ceremony where Mark and his wife, Leah Seawright, will be the special guests. There's simply too much to mention here! You have to listen.

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After traveling to Nashville several times to try to get noticed and sign a record deal, the band makes one last attempt to get signed, and it paid off!

Find out how it all transpired for Phil, Mark, Cindy Murphy Orr, Randall Griffith and Colonel Shuford of the band Dixiana.

And find out what happened after their initial success in Nashville, when they suddenly seemed to disappear.

Dixiana is being inducted into the South Carolina Entertainment and Music Hall of Fame on June 3rd!

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In this episode of Backstage With Chris Lee, I talk with Phil & Mark Lister of the band Dixiana. From their early beginnings in Taylors, SC, to their rise to fame in Nashville, TN, they remained rooted in family and faith. 

Many people have speculated what happened to the band after their initial success, Phil and Mark go into detail about exactly what happened in the two part podcast.

Mark & Phil were very instrumental in my musical beginnings and of many other musicians in SC. They were inducted into South Carolina Entertainment & Music Hall of Fame on June 3rd.

They were joined by Local radio personalities Bill Ellis & Bob Hooper. Also inducted were Blues Legend Dr. Mac Arnold and Kerry Marx - Director of Music for The Grand Ole Opry.

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4/23 - This Week's guest: Mark "Smoothy" Ensley!

Mark Ensley is a revered name in the South Carolina music scene. Born and raised in Easley, SC on the "mill hill" like so many of his family and friends, Mark's musical journey began at an early age. 

He has played in several popular bands, among them Slewfoot, the band who took over the house gig at the iconic Bowery Bar in Myrtle Beach, SC after the success of Alabama in Nashville. After his time with Slewfoot, Mark later formed The Bounty Hunters, and shared a 20 plus year relationship with The Bowery family. He is currently playing bass in The James Radford Band and loving every minute of it!

I always enjoy catching up with Mark and hearing his stories of family, music, and life after The Bowery.

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Jason’s music is a mixture of traditional and modern country, with elements of bluegrass, rock, and gospel. He is a master of storytelling, and his lyrics are heartfelt and often inspiring. His raw emotion and powerful delivery have gained him a loyal following, and his performances have earned him a spot on the main stage at some of the biggest festivals in the southeast. 

Jason’s dream is to take his music to the next level and continue to share his stories and his passion with the world. The release of Jason’s CD “This Time” in 2021 was a turning point in his career, with songs written by Jason and the late Joe Diffie. It’s a must for country music lovers and seeing Jason on stage is a must for any music lover.

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Tez Sherard is an Anderson, SC native and began his musical career playing in his family’s gospel group at a very early age. Tez began branching out musically with groups like Still Cruisin’ and many others.  In 2006, as a result of a chance meeting, he began touring the world with internationally known recording artist Edwin McCain.

Tez has remained rooted here in Upstate SC and has been involved in many groups like, The Craig Sorrell’s Project, The Jamie Wright Band and many others!

He has also started a booking agency for local groups, duos and solo acts, S & W Music, LLC and has the drum store/shop – Big Tez House of Drums!

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