EDDIE RABBITT TRIBUTE POST
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Remembering an Icon: A Tribute to Eddie Rabbitt, A Life in Music
On this day, as we come together to celebrate and remember the life and legacy of our beloved Eddie Rabbitt, his family and management team would like to share our deep gratitude for the unwavering love and support that you, his cherished fans, have shown us over the years.
Eddie Rabbitt was born Edward Thomas Rabbitt on November 27, 1941, in Brooklyn, New York. From the moment Eddie picked up a guitar, his talent and passion for music was unmistakable. He grew up in a home filled with love, laughter, and the music of his Irish-American father, Thomas Michael Rabbitt. It was here that Eddie began to dream of a music career. This dream became a reality as he became one of his generation's most beloved and respected singer-songwriters.
In 1968, Eddie arrived in Nashville with $1,000 in his pocket to pursue his passion for music. During his first night in the town, Rabbitt wrote "Working My Way Up to the Bottom," which Roy Drusky recorded in 1968. It wasn't long before he caught the attention of the country music community with his gift for crafting heartfelt songs that resonated with the masses. Eddie's relentless dedication to his craft and warm, genuine spirit earned him the respect and admiration of his peers. It paved the way for his illustrious career.
Over the years, Eddie penned numerous hit songs for other artists, including Elvis Presley, Ronnie Milsap, and Brenda Lee. However, it was his own performances that genuinely showcased his remarkable talent. With a career spanning over three decades, Eddie released over 20 studio albums, boasting over 35 Top 10 country hits, 17 of which reached the No. 1 spot on the charts.
Eddie's unique blend of country, pop, and rock music led to timeless classics such as "Drivin' My Life Away," "I Love a Rainy Night," "Every Which Way but Loose," "Suspicions," and "Step by Step." These songs not only cemented Eddie's status as a music icon but helped to develop the crossover-influenced sound of country music prevalent in the 1980s.
Eddie received numerous awards and accolades throughout his career, including the Academy of Country Music's Top New Male Vocalist award in 1977 and Poet's Award in 2016. In addition, he earned numerous Gold and Platinum records, as well as multiple honors from BMI, including the Robert J. Burton Award and Song of the Year for "Suspicions," Three Million-Air award ("I Love a Rainy Night", and a Two Million-Air award ("Kentucky Rain"). In 1998, Eddie was inducted into the Nashville Songwriters Hall of Fame, an honor recognizing his immense contributions to the music world.
Despite his immense success, Eddie never lost sight of what truly mattered: his love for his family and his adoration for his fans. He was a devoted husband to his loving wife, Janine, and a doting father to their beautiful children, Demelza, Tommy, and late son, Timmy. Eddie's humble nature and genuine kindness endeared him to all fortunate to cross his path.
We would like to take this moment to express our heartfelt appreciation for the unwavering support you, Eddie's fans, have shown him throughout his career. Your love, encouragement, and enthusiasm have been a constant source of strength for Eddie and our entire family. Your stories of how Eddie's music has touched your lives continue to inspire us and bring comfort during difficult times. It is through your devotion that Eddie's memory and his music will continue to live on.
LEE ROY PARNELL BIO
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Lee Roy Parnell is part of a long line of Texas roots-music eclectics and is among the elite few who can be identified as a triple threat. An ace guitarist, as well as a distinctive singer, and hit songwriter, his music runs the gamut of diversity. Combining the influences of Blue-Eyed Soul, Delta Blues, Road House Rock, Southern Boogie, Texas Swing, and Gospel, Parnell's sound defies conventional classification. He draws from a broad range of musical sources and combines them with seamless dexterity and, unlike many other hard-to-pigeonhole artists, Parnell has enjoyed a run of success on the country and blues charts.
Parnell was born in Abilene, TX, on December 21, 1956, and grew up on his parents’ ranch. His father had toured with a teenage Bob Wills in traveling medicine shows, and Lee Roy’s first public performance came on Wills’ radio show at age six. As a teenager, he played drums in a local band and soon picked up guitar as well, eventually concentrating on slide playing. He joined Kinky Friedman’s Texas Jewboys in his late teens and moved to Austin in 1974 to join the city’s budding music scene. Parnell spent over a decade playing clubs in Austin, Houston, Dallas/Fort Worth, and New York while honing his style and songwriting.
Lee Roy moved to Nashville in 1987, where he quickly landed a publishing contract with Polygram Music and a regular spot at the famed Bluebird Cafe. In 1989, he signed to Clive Davis' Arista Records, led by friend and mentor, Tim Dubois. Produced by Barry Beckett, of the world-famous Muscle Shoals Rhythm Section, Parnell's self-titled debut album featured a collection of horn-driven country-soul. It received good reviews but didn’t break him commercially; that would happen with 1992′s Love Without Mercy, which emphasized Parnell’s searing slide guitar skills. “What Kind of Fool Do You Think I Am” and “Tender Moment” both went to number two on the charts, and the title track also made the Top Ten. 1993′s On the Road produced two more Top Tens with its title track and “I’m Holding My Own.” The Hank Williams / Ray Charles hit, “Take These Chains From My Heart” also made the Top 20.
In 1995, Lee Roy was asked to help launch Arista's sister label, Career Records, with the release of We All Get Lucky Sometimes. The album spawned two Top Five hits in “A Little Bit of You” and “Heart’s Desire” and featured duets with Trisha Yearwood and Mary Chapin Carpenter. "A Little Bit of You" was also a #1 hit on the Radio and Records Magazine charts; a first for a brand new label. During this time, Parnell's sound was becoming more defined by roots and soul music. He was also allowed the creative freedom to record with some of his heroes, such as Tex-Mex accordionist Flaco Jimenez. Their collaboration on the track "Cat Walk" garnered a Grammy Nomination for Best Country Instrumental. Parnell released "Every Night's A Saturday Night" in 1997. The album included another duet with Trisha Yearwood and the Grammy-nominated boogie-woogie instrumental, "Mama Screw Your Wig On Tight," which was written and produced by Lee Roy and his entire band, "The Hot Links" (James Pennebaker / Kevin McKendree / Lee Roy Parnell / Lynn Williams / Stephen Mackey). Next up was Parnell's "Hits and Highways Ahead" in 1999. Lee Roy's recording of the Son House tune, "John The Revelator," featuring the "Fairfield Four," garnered a CMA nomination for Vocal Event of The Year. The album also included the popular track "Honky Tonk Night Time Man," handpicked and sent to him by Lee Roy's good friend and mentor, the legendary Merle Haggard. An official video was also produced for the song "Lucky You, Lucky Me."
Following his deal at Arista and Career, Parnell was ready to expand his musical horizons and partnered up with the rootsy Vanguard label in Los Angeles. His debut album with them was 2001′s Tell the Truth, which was recorded at the world-renowned Muscle Shoals Sound by Johnny Sandlin (chief engineer for Capricorn Records and The Allman Brothers Band). In keeping with his quest for more artistic freedom, he teamed back up with Universal South in 2006, to return to the studio to record Back to the Well. This album delved even further into his blues and southern soul roots. With the release of this album, Parnell received some very rare support from Gibson Guitars with a series of guitar clinics interwoven with tour dates across the country in a custom Gibson tour bus. Lee Roy's relationship with Gibson and the Les Paul is not a new one. Parnell's first Goldtop was a 1956 model he bought when he was 15 years old and was his only guitar well into his 30s. Although he experimented for a few years after that with different guitars, searching for his own sound, he ultimately returned to his first love, the 1956 Les Paul Goldtop in 2001 and helped Gibson reinvigorate the model. Talks then came about to develop a Lee Roy Parnell signature model and culminated with a final eight months of arduous development, producing Gibson's Lee Roy Parnell Signature '57 Les Paul Goldtop. You can read more information about the guitar at gibson.com.
The year 2011 brought Lee Roy Parnell what is probably his most cherished honor to date when he was inducted into the Texas Heritage Songwriter's Hall of Fame. Parnell continues to produce and write with some of the most influential songwriters and recording artists nationwide as a co-partner in his music publishing company, Dean Parnell Music and is currently preparing for his first independent release.
LEONARD LOTHLEN BIO
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Born and raised in Oakland, California, Leonard B. Lothlen was first inspired by his father, who played the guitar and preached on the streets of the city. Leonard began playing the guitar during church services at the age of 13. At age 15, he wrote his very first song entitled, “I’ll Be So Satisfied,” and formed his first quartet group at age 15. At age 16, he began playing and singing professionally. To date, he has published and written over 200 songs, recorded over 10 albums, played for various recording artists, and was nominated for a Grammy Award.
At an early age, Leonard was heavily influenced by early Motown and Philadelphia sounds, with groups such as the Temptations and the Delphonics, evident in the rich harmony in the vocal arrangements. His sound can also be compared to that of groups like Earth, Wind and Fire, Lenny Williams & Tower of Power, and Chicago. In the early days of Gospel, Leonard was influenced by the Mighty Clouds of Joy and the Violinaires. He loved going to the Gospel Quartet concerts whenever they visited the West Coast. It’s this rich mixture of influences that creates his unique, powerful, and energetic sound, spanning many genres, including hard-hitting Gospel, Blues, Jazz, Contemporary Christian, Hip-Hop, Rock, R&B, and Urban Contemporary. Leonard firmly believes that music is universal and will speak to the hearts of people all over the world, giving people hope during these troubled times, and motivating people to enter into a new dimension of Rhythm and Praise. One of the things that also sets Leonard Lothlen’s music apart is the message in his songwriting. Performing mostly songs that he has written himself, Leonard has also written songs for various recording artists. The music he has written throughout the years has always been unique and uplifting.
Leonard has traveled throughout the United States and Canada performing Blues, Jazz, Folk, and Gospel at concerts, festivals, and various venues, and performed as part of a prison ministry with his band Infinity that continued for 30 years. His early album releases include two albums with The Gospel Clouds – “Keep On Prayin’” in 1974 and “Steamin’” in 1977. He then released four albums with Infinity – beginning with a self-titled release in 1981, followed by “Spread The Word” in 1984, “Show Me The Way” in 1989, and “New Direction” in 1994.
Leonard composed a score for the musical drama written and directed by his brother, Charles D. Lothlen, entitled “The Accused.” Performed by the Kaleo Christian Fellowship Choir of Oakland, California, it is a powerful, energetic, and colorful portrayal of the life, times, and ministry of Jesus Christ from birth to crucifixion to resurrection. The 14 original songs contrast various styles including Gospel, Classical, Folk, Contemporary, R&B, and Hip-Hop, to draw its listeners into the drama and take them on an amazing musical journey. The songs were released locally as an album in 2002, but have not yet been distributed nationally.
In 2006, Leonard released an EP for Major League Baseball entitled “America Loves Baseball,” which included “The National Anthem,” the music track to the theme song, “I Love Baseball,” and two bonus songs entitled “Streets of the City” and “Another Day.”
The Leonard Lothlen Band released the singles “Back In The Day” and “Praise The Lord With Me,” in 2006. They were later included on the full album, “Incredible Journey” which was released in 2009. The album garnered major crossover appeal with a collection of 15 explosive, high-energy songs, marrying Traditional Gospel, Adult Contemporary, Jazz, Hip-Hop, R&B, Rap, and Urban styles.
After the death of his brother, Charles, in 2012, Leonard found it impossible to continue writing. Since they had been making music together since they were teenagers, this was a devastating loss for the family and the band. The band eventually continued to rehearse, and even prepared to go out on the road again. Then, in 2016, Leonard’s sister, Donna, who also sang with the band, passed away suddenly. That tragedy was compounded when his older sister, Carolyn, passed away in early 2017. Carolyn was the one who introduced Leonard to Gospel music by taking him to his first concert at age 10. During this very difficult time, he wasn’t sure that he could continue on making music without his family, but he soon felt a strong urge to start writing again. While working through his grief, Leonard began to hear the music and lyrics, the orchestration and arrangements. This catharsis has given birth to an entirely new inspiration… a new beginning.
Leonard Lothlen has continued on as a solo artist, a songwriter, and a composer for stage and screen. Lothlen's upcoming album, "The Journey Continues," features some of Oakland's finest hidden talent. "God is My Strength," (featuring James Mitchell) was the first of several singles released starting in October of 2020. The 21-track album release is planned for the fall of 2021.
The music of the Gospel Clouds, Infinity, and the Leonard Lothlen Band is currently distributed by Orchard / Sony Music Group. You can find all of their albums on major music services, such as iTunes, Amazon, Google Play, Spotify, Tidal, and YouTube.
ROXERCAT BIO
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Roxercat is a progressive rock band based in Nashville, Tennessee, led by singer Price Jones, guitarist Stan Lassiter, and bassist Bill Francis.
Price Jones hails from Louisville, KY, and has been making music as long as she can remember. By her late teens, she would discover the classical guitar and move to Nashville, TN, to deepen her studies at Belmont University. Her relocation to Nashville in 1982 marked the beginning of a decades-long career in songwriting, recording, producing, and composing. She released a critically acclaimed CD, Oooznoz in 1993 which she toured regionally. When Jones was not on the road, she owned and managed Cat Tracks studio in Nashville, where she spent 10 years producing and engineering. It was there, in 1997, that Jones composed the rock opera, The Fortunate Few.
Stan Lassiter is a native of Nashville and a classically-trained guitarist. Considered by many to be the city's premier jazz guitarist, he is committed to the expression and expansion of music. He has performed with some of the best musicians of our time, including the legendary saxophonist Sonny Stitt. He has opened for Spyro Gyra, Bela Fleck and the Flecktones, Eric Johnson, Stevie Ray Vaughan, and numerous others.
Bill Francis, a Pennsylvania native, first picked up the bass at 12 years old and 2 years later was playing out professionally with local rock bands. After graduating high school, he toured throughout the United States and Central America with the internationally known company "Up With People." Bill earned a degree in Jazz Performance at North Texas State University and, since then, has played and toured in a multitude of bands. He has also participated at the Bass Collective in New York City and studied privately with John Patitucci. Bill's true music passion is jazz, but he enjoys playing almost all genres.
Stan, Bill, and Price have been playing together since 2017. After finishing up a rock opera project they were all involved in (The Fortunate Few: the rock opera written and produced by Price) they decided to pool their talents once again to form an original rock band, Roxercat.
Roxercat's songs are composed and arranged by Price Jones and feature various guest musicians on the recordings. The group recorded their six-song EP, "Pearls," at Sound Emporium Studios with overdubs at Cat Tracks Studio, co-produced by Price Jones and Grammy® award-winning engineer and producer Clarke Schleicher. They also just finished filming a new music video for their upcoming single release. The single drops on October 14th. Follow on social media for updates.
ROXERCAT PRESS RELEASE
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Roxercat To Release Debut EP PEARLS JAN. 13th
(Pre-Save the PEARLS EP Here)
(Pre-Save the PEARLS EP Here)
(Nashville, Tenn. – November 14, 2022) – Nashville rock band, Roxercat debuts their new EP PEARLS via 9 Dog Records. The album will be available on all major streaming platforms JAN. 13th and offers progressive rock sounds.
Following the release of two well-received singles, Roxercat debuts their six-song EP "Pearls." Roxercat is a progressive rock band based in Nashville, Tennessee, led by singer and songwriter Price Jones, guitarist Stan Lassiter, and bassist Bill Francis. Various guest musicians also appear on the recordings. Roxercat's sound features the imaginative storytelling and stellar musicianship expected from such a seasoned group of Nashville creatives. Recorded at Nashville's Sound Emporium Studios with overdubs at Cat Tracks Studio, the EP was co-produced by Price Jones and Grammy® award-winning engineer and producer Clarke Schleicher.
Price's gift for storytelling and composition and the band's polished musicianship come together to provide a very satisfying listening experience. The songs touch on many themes, including life's challenges in a digital age, love, relationships, the paradigm shifts of life, and living through uncertain times. The title song, Pearls, embodies Price Jones' worldview as a simple message: no matter the current status of relationships with the people who come and go throughout your life, you can still wish them happiness. "Life is about surrounding yourself with people that believe in you – and you in them – and always holding on to your dreams," says Price. With each lyric, Price takes us on an emotional journey through life, constantly reminding us to stay in our power. Walk away from relationships that don't serve you, stand firm in your beliefs and resist outside influence, be aware of inevitable changes coming throughout your life and meet them with positivity in the knowledge that our hearts can and will heal. "That's just life."
Price Jones began making music as a young girl growing up in Kentucky. She spent summers performing musical theatre professionally across the metro Louisville area. By her late teens, she would discover the classical guitar and move to Nashville, TN, to deepen her studies at Belmont University. Her relocation to Nashville in 1982 marked the beginning of decades-long songwriting, recording, producing, and composing careers. When Jones was not on the road, she owned and managed Cat Tracks studio in Nashville, where she spent ten years producing and engineering. It was there, in 1997, that Jones composed the rock opera, The Fortunate Few.
Stan Lassiter is a native of Nashville and a classically-trained guitarist. Considered by many to be the city's premier jazz guitarist, he is committed to the expression and expansion of music. He has performed with some of the best musicians of our time, including the legendary saxophonist Sonny Stitt. He has opened for Spyro Gyra, Bela Fleck and the Flecktones, Eric Johnson, Stevie Ray Vaughan, and numerous others.
Bill Francis, a Pennsylvania native, first picked up the bass at 12 years old and two years later was playing out professionally with local rock bands. After graduating high school, he toured throughout the United States and Central America with the internationally known company "Up With People." Bill earned a degree in Jazz Performance at North Texas State University and, since then, has played and toured in a multitude of bands. He has also participated at the Bass Collective in New York City and studied privately with John Patitucci. Bill's true music passion is jazz, but he enjoys playing almost all genres.
Stan, Bill, and Price have been playing together since 2017. After finishing up a rock opera project they were all involved in (The Fortunate Few: the rock opera written and produced by Price), they decided to pool their talents once again to form an original rock band, Roxercat.
Roxercat also filmed two music videos for their first single releases. View them on their YouTube channel here.
For more information on Roxercat, visit www.roxercat.com.
Pearls Track Listing:
1. Pearls
2. Crime
3. Baby I Tried
4. I Will Not Lie
5. I Changed Today
6. 2020
1. Pearls
2. Crime
3. Baby I Tried
4. I Will Not Lie
5. I Changed Today
6. 2020
Contact:
Price Jones Roxer.cat@icloud.com 615-336-7456
Price Jones Roxer.cat@icloud.com 615-336-7456
ROXERCAT EP RELEASE
MARKETING DESCRIPTIONS
MARKETING DESCRIPTIONS
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Following the release of two well-received singles, Roxercat now debuts a collection of six songs by Price Jones. Price's gift for storytelling and composition and the band's polished musicianship combine to provide a very satisfying listening experience. The songs touch on many themes, including life's challenges in a digital age, love, relationships, the paradigm shifts of life, and living through uncertain times. The title song, "Pearls," embodies Price Jones' worldview as a simple message: no matter the current status of relationships with the people who come and go throughout your life, you can still wish them happiness. "Life is about surrounding yourself with people that believe in you – and you in them – and always holding on to your dreams," says Price. With each lyric, Price takes us on an emotional journey through life, constantly reminding us to stay in our power. Walk away from relationships that don't serve you, stand firm in your beliefs and resist outside influence, be aware of inevitable changes coming throughout your life, and meet them with positivity in the knowledge that our hearts can and will heal. "That's just life."
The title song, "Pearls," is a ballad with a smooth slide guitar that sets a "floating on the lake" mood and speaks of a desire for happiness, belief in each other, and making dreams come true. The song embodies Price Jones' worldview as a simple message: no matter the current status of relationships with the people who come and go throughout your life, you can still wish them happiness. "Life is about surrounding yourself with people that believe in you – and you in them – and always holding on to your dreams," says Price.
Crime is a rocking plea for people to stop giving away their power to systems designed to distract, pacify, and influence – "You drink their whines 'til you're drunk with rage," sings Price Jones. It's a warning to take back control of our minds, beliefs, and thoughts. It's too easy in a fast-paced, digital world to unquestioningly believe what you may read or hear without question and allow others to dictate who you should love or hate. "You just let them in. You give it all away."
"Baby I Tried" carries us through the emotional rollercoaster at the end of a relationship that doesn't serve us. Much like the stages of grief, we experience a wistful melancholy, followed by bargaining and sadness, ending in a wave of fiery anger. "Don't look for me 'cause now I'm free."
"I Will Not Lie" will resonate with anyone who has ever been in a relationship with someone whose family and friends disapproved of them. The interference of outside forces can derail even the most profound love and best intentions. Ultimately, we can't control how people treat us; sometimes, the only answer is to walk away. As Jones sings, "I choose to move ahead."
"I Changed Today" is a song inspired by life's unexpected twists and turns. It's about waking up one day with an inexplicable feeling that life as you've known it will never be the same again. "I've always felt like life happens in chapters. But, sometimes, I sense that a major paradigm shift is about to occur. I have no idea what will happen or whether it will be good or bad. I feel an unexpected and profound sense of a change out of the blue," says songwriter Price Jones.
"2020" is Price Jones's diary of the year 2020 and takes us on an emotional, primarily instrumental, journey of uncertainty. For Jones and her bandmates, the year started positively, with the completion of recording for her rock opera and preparations beginning for the live show. Then, the pandemic hit; plans were put on hold, and loved ones were lost. Nevertheless, the song finishes with a hopeful vibe, reminding us that "that's just life." Our hearts can and will heal.
MORE SAMPLES ARE AVAILABLE UPON REQUEST.
