TheCoppertones (Carolinas)
The South's premier LIVE party band, and your affordable choice for the finest in classic R&B, Soul, Motown and Carolina Beach for your wedding, party or corporate function.
Tell me about your history? How did you get where you are now?
Featured vocalist (and cute as a button), Judy Marshall's harmonies and lead vocals bring a versatility to The Coppertones few can match. Her sultry stylings were learned as a backup singer in Nashville, working with The Jordanaires and as a backup singer for Rock and Roll Hall of Fame member PERCY SLEDGE. The heart of the 'Tones.
He started playing in bands at 13. Rich Fowler hails from the home of classic R&B, and hung out around the old Stax studio as a kid, before working with a top Memphis band side-by-side with Tommy James, and Al Green and opening for Dr. John. A featured performer in Memphis and was a frequent guest at Momma's Blues Palace in Charleston.
Jim Hensley hails from the home of James Brown, Steve Morse, and Mike Ritchie. His "Steve Cropper style" has been learned on the road, and in the studio. He's also the one all the women are drawn to (go figure.....). Kavorka, for all you Seinfeld fans. Great R&B guitarist.
Pocket drummer extraordinaire,Tom Moran has worked with both THE SOUND DOGS, THE VILLAGERS and JUMP THE GUN. Tom brings a solid dancable groove all night long. The backbone of the 'Tones!
A veteran of the ' Jersey shore bar scene, an area that produced BRUCE SPRINGSTEEN and SOUTHSIDE JOHNNY. JR Ryan brings a solid bottom to the mix, working in sync with Tom to deliver a tight groove. He also adds the tenor to the 'Tones tight harmonies. JR is also a walking encyclopedia of useless musical trivia (hence the Rainman reference).
An R&B devotee, Larry Williams provides the "Hammond growl". A founding member of the legendary 70's frat band ARG, and served as a member of MAJOR LANCES' backup band during the mid 70's. They call him "The Britches". No one seems to know why........
Have you performed live in front of an audience? Any special memories?
We do play live occasionally in the Charleston SC area, but most of our business is in the private market.
Your musical influences
Our Philosophy; Professional entertainers (not wanna-be rock stars) bringing classic R&B, Soul, Motown and Carolina Beach to our audiences; focusing on their needs and entertaining their guests at an affordable price, without offensive volume levels. THE COPPERTONES; preventing good people from hiring bad bands.
Anything else?
Let us tell you what you won't get. Rock stars. Problems. A tractor trailer showing up at your function. A gang of technicians that don't play an instrument. Inexperience. A band designed to draw all the attention away from you, at your function.
Half your site filled with equipment. Headaches from the volume. People who are less than professional diving into your buffet and bar.
What you will get are no more than seven (one tech) professional, experienced musicians dedicated to making your event one you will remember all your life. Equipment properly sized for the venue (large or small). And one other thing. You will get tired from dancing.
