Chris Shepherd
I first heard Chris sing when the group he is in The Kingdom Brothers played at The Blues City Deli many years ago. Chris’s voice is very Soulful and Bluesy. I think that Chris has a similar sound as the late Sam Cook and Tyrone Davis. He can really put emotions into the songs he sings. No matter if is one of his originals or a cover. Chris may not be a St. Louis native; I still consider him one of the best Male singer here and becoming a St. Louis Legend. One of my favorite songs is Little Things, which is written by Chris. Besides being one of the finest singer in St. Louis, Chris is also one of the nicest guys you ever want to meet. I got a chance to ask Chris some questions, here are his answers. If you ever get a chance to see Chris perform live, I highly recommend you do… Also I have some links below to check out some of Chris’s music. https://chrisshepherdband.com/ https://www.shepherdandmcdonough.com/ https://kingdombrothersband.com/ 1. How long have you been playing music? Answer: Since I was a teenager. I got more serious about performing and songwriting in my early 20's. 2. How many bands have you been in? Answer: Maybe 6 or 7? I play with a few different groups now besides Kingdom Brothers. There's a group of us local musicians that kind of show up in different combinations for different events. 3.Where were you born? Answer: Kingsville Texas, my dad was stationed there when he was in the navy 4.Are you self-taught? Answer: Yeah, pretty much. I took lessons for a little while when I was a teenager but mostly just picking things up from the guitar players I play with. 5.Who are your biggest influences? Answer: Wow! So many! I grew up listening to my dad's records like BB King, Bobby Blue bland and a bunch of the old soul greats like Tyrone Davis and Joe Tex. When I was older guys like Stevie Ray Vaughn, Eric Clapton and Jeff Healey brought me back to the Blues 6.What style of music do you consider yours? Answer: I guess if I had to choose, maybe “Soul Blues” 7.What was your first gig? How old were you? Answer: The first big public performance I can remember was at my High School Graduation. My friend Bob Hudson and I put together a song and performed as part of the ceremony. I was 18. 8.What advice do you have for someone starting out in the music business? Answer: Learn as much as you can about music and the music business. You need to learn what makes the creative process work, but you also need to understand how to be professional and make money. I always tell young musicians to work on being a great musician and don't worry so much about being famous. The best musicians are the folks getting paid to write songs, to go on tour or to record with the “famous” stars. You can make your money without all of the pressure. 9.Do you write your own songs? Answer: Yes, I have tried to put most of my efforts into songwriting. 10.What would people be surprised to hear that you have in your personal record collection? Possibly “The Best of Jim Croce” 11.What would you be doing if playing music was not an option? I'm not sure. Playing music has always influenced everything I do. I guess just working to make money. 12.Besides your own songs, what is your favorite song to perform? I think it changes depending on the performance. I always enjoy singing “Change my Mind” by Tyrone Davis or Etta James “Rather Go Blind” 13.If you were strictly a songwriter, who would you like to see sing your songs? Answer: Robert Cray or Keb Mo to start.
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Here are all 31 days of March's 2023
Women’s History Month Women in music In case you missed any. I have just recently found out that March is Women's History Month, I am doing something a little different then the norm. I will be Honoring some of my best friends who happen to be Women in the Music World. 1st is my dear friend Magpie (Susanne Bengtsson), She lives in Sweden. A couple years ago she allowed me to make her first CD, I have a copy plus Susanne & her Father has one. Here is my favorite song by Magpie. When I first heard Magpie sing, I was in awe of her voice. It is so pure and beautiful, I have never heard anyone like this before. She has a flawless voice and is in my top 5 favs. Since I missed yesterday, here is my 2nd Woman to Honor this Month. My good friend Lex Land, I have known Lex for about 5 years. I found Lex on the internet & once I heard her sing I was hooked. Lex has an amazing voice that can sing anything from Showtunes to Jazz numbers to all of her originals which is a wide range in itself... Plus Lex was my very first performer when I started promoting House Concerts, which is why Lex means so much to me. Here is my favorite song by Lex. Here is my 3rd installment for Women's History Month. This is a very dear friend of mine & my favorite female singer in St. Louis, MO. Devon Cahill. She has a beautiful voice, plus Devon is a beautiful person... That is why I am honoring her this month. The song I posted is my favorite song by Devon Here is my 4th installment for Women History Month. I am Honoring a very dear friend Cara Lippman. I have known Cara for a few years about 5. I first heard Cara when she was coming out with her album "GRIT". Cara has an awesome voice and can really sing the Blues. So, I would like to Honor Cara Lippman. I posted my favorite song by Cara... Here is my 5th installment for Women's History Month/Women in Music. This is my good friend Nicole Boggs, I have known Nicole for a couple years. Seen her do some solo work and with her band that she has now Nicole Boggs & The Reel, which is my favorite rock band right now. Nicole has such a beautiful voice that just captives you when she sings. Her tone is very soothing but can also belt out the hard rock songs. The song I posted is my favorite song off of the "None Of Your Business" album. 6th installment for Women's History Month. I am Honoring my good friend Kari Liston, Kari is one of the first musicians that friended me when I was getting into the Blues scene here in St. Louis. Kari has an amazing voice for The Blues. And a stage presence that makes you feel like Family. Here is a video of Kari in the band she plays with around town BUBG. 7th installment for Women's History Month, Cynthia Rausch is an amazing Country singer. I have only known Cynthia for a couple of years. I contribute hearing Cynthia's sing & awesome songs to what brought me back to Country music. This is why I am Honoring her this month. The video I am posting is my favorite song by her and showcases your talented songwriting skills. 8th installment for Women's History Month. Sarah King is a very talented songwriter & singer. I have been following Sarah for about 2 years now. What drew me to Sarah was your unique voice, I once said in story I did on Sarah was that I usually don't listen to her style music, but when I heard her sing it just blew me away. So, this is why I am Honoring this month. The video I posted is a stripped-down version of my favorite song by Sarah King. 9th installment for Women's History Month. I have known Kayla Von der Heide for a couple years. When I first heard Kayla on a video she put out, it was just like wow she is one of a kind. I love her style and tone of her voice... Plus her song writing skills are unbelievable. This is why I am Honoring Kayla Von der Heide this Month. The video is from her latest album and my favorite song from it. 10th installment for Women's History Month. I learned of Alyssa Galvan about a year ago when I saw her on YouTube. This young have an amazing voice for singing the Blues and that is actually what she does. Alyssa is keeping the old time Blues Alive. Alyssa not only can sing the Blues, but she plays some mean Blues licks too. Also writes a lot of great songs in the Blues style. So This is why I am Honoring Alyssa Galvan for Women's History Month. I think Alyssa is going to go for. Here is a video of an original song. 11th installment for Women's History Month. My very good friend & hometown Girl Melissa Neels. I have known Melissa for 13 years, she is the finest guitar player in St. Louis, MO. I first saw Melissa at a benefit concert and have been hooked ever since. Besides being a n amazing guitar player, Melissa also write & sings mainly The Blues. This is why I am Honoring Melissa Neels for Women's History Month. Here is an original song off her last album. It's my favorite song. 12th installment for Women's History Month, good friend Lauren Anderson. I met Lauren a few years ago, she came into town to do a show @ BB's Jazz, Blues & Soups. She was real down to earth type of person, we hit it off right away. She did an amazing show that night, Lauren has a powerhouse voice that can really do justices when she sings her Rock/Blues songs. Plus, she can also sing ballads just as good. I was able to arrange for Lauren to do a House Concert for me, it was awesome. So, this is why I am Honoring Lauren Anderson for Women's History Month. The Video is one of my favorite songs by Lauren. 13th installment for Women's History Month. My friend Jeni Grouws, who is a singer for the band Avey Grouws Band. I have known Jeni for about 5 years now. I remember hearing Jeni sing for the first time and thought to myself, WOW she has got a powerful voice. The style of music the Jeni sings in her band is Blues related and she can really belt out the strong Blues songs that they do and on the flip side she can do a ballad that will melt your heart. Jeni Grouws is definitely in my Top 5 Female Singers. This is why I am Honoring Jeni this Month for Women's History Month. The video I selected is one of my favorites because it really showcases the power of Jeni's voice. 14th installment for Women's History Month. Lauren Mitchell, I first heard Lauren sing when watching a video of hers. I believe she was singing "I'd Rather Go Blind". I thought to myself, Wow she can really sing. This song always makes or breaks a singer.. Lauren did an amazing job. I was able to get Lauren booked at a local establishment here in St. Louis, MO. It was one of the best shows I ever saw. Lauren has such a powerful voice and amazing control over it. So, this is why I am Honoring Lauren Mitchell for Women's History Month. The Video I chose is my favorite from her album "Desire" the song is "Soul Music" 15th installment for Women's History Month. Vicky Emerson, I first heard Vicky while watching YouTube. I can't really remember the first song I heard, I just know that I was very impressed by Vicky's voice, so much that I looked up more videos and listened to them all. Vicky has such a unique vocals which is such pleasure to listen to. I contacted Vicky and at one purchase bought all of her CDs, this is how such Vicky impressed me. So, this is why I am Honoring Vicky Emerson for Women's History Month. The song I am posting is one of my favorites... "Long Ride" 16th installment for Women's History Month. A hometown Girl & good friend Emily Wallace. I have known Emily for about 6 years and have seen her performed a few times... I first heard Emily on a video from YouTube. Her voice and sound just blew me away. She has such a powerful, yet beautiful voice and the control of her vocals are top notch. Then once I saw Emily in person sing... Well I was taken to a whole other level... Emily is one of St. Louis gems in the Music Scene. So this is why I am Honoring Emily Wallace for Women's History Month. The song I chose is the first song I heard Emily sing. This is a song she does with her sister as The Sleepy Rubies. 17th installment for Women's History Month, this one is all the from North Wales, Stacey McNeill. Stacey has a very unique sound in her voice. It's kind of the lines of Americana & Folk, but with the North Wales tone. When you hear Stacey sing it just automatically puts you into a calm state. when I first heard Stacey sing, I was memorized by her. She has put out a few CDs with Jonathan Smith. The two of them together is just a musical masterpiece. This is why I am Honoring Stacey McNeill. Here is a song from their latest album. P.S. Stacey also is an incredible artist & author, with her Fox Under The Moon project. 18th installment for Women's History Month, Kira Annalise is half of The Waymores with her husband Willie Heath Neal. When I first watched a video of theirs and heard Kira Annalise sing. I was hooked on the style which is Honky Tonk. Kira has such an amazing voice and perfect tone for the style of music they play. Kira has a strong control of her vibrato and can sneak in a yodel every once in a while, which really puts a nice hook in the songs. I wasn't big fan of Honky Tonk Music, but Kira and Willie from The Waymores have changed that. Especially Kira. So this is why I am Honoring Kira Annalise for Women's History Month. The video I am posting is one of my favorite songs. It was really hard to pick since I love them all. Plus, Kira has two solo albums too. 19th installment for Women's History Month. I have only known of Jenn Ford for a few months. Jenn is a Country singer from Texas, she also has a little Country/Rock to her sound. Jenn has a powerful voice that really grabs your attention and a way of really putting her emotions in to a song be it an original or cover. I love Jenn's songwriting; she writes songs that everyone can relate to in one form or another. This is why I am Honoring Jenn Ford for Women's History Month. The song I am posting is one of my favorites. 20th installment of Women's History Month/Women in Music. I have only know Alexis McLaughlin a couple years. Alexis is another amazing singer out of Texas. Her main style is Country Music, but she has such a beautiful voice with a soulful tone to it. I think this is why I was so impressed when I first heard her sing. Alexis voice gives you that same warm feeling in your Heart like when you hear that lonesome train coming down the track. This is why I am Honoring Alexis McLaughlin for Women's History Month. The song I chose is a beautiful original by Alexis. 21st installment for Women's History Month/ Women in Music. Samantha Martin is a Blues/Soul singer & songwriter from Canada. I have known Samantha for a couple years. What grabbed my attention with Samantha was her awesome voice, her voice is that beautiful raspy/sultry style that I love. Samantha also has an incredible stage presences, when she is on stage you feel as if you are a Friend. Samantha can always get the crowd up on their feet. So, this is why I am Honoring Samantha Martin for Women's History Month. The video is the first song I heard Samantha do. Plus, the video represents how awesome Samantha is 22nd installment for Women's History Month/ Women in music. I have known Caitie Thompson for about 6 years. I met Caitie after watching a video of hers on YouTube, I am not quite sure which one it was. All I know is that not only did her vocals blow me away , but her guitar playing was awesome. Caitie's Voice is awesome for the Singer/songwriter genre. You just have to stop what you are doing and listen when a song by Caitie comes on, because you know it's going to just tuck at your heart. Now on the flip side Caitie also has a voice for some hard rock songs. She does a great rendition of "White Rabbit". Let's not forget her Guitar playing is outstanding. This is why I am Honoring Caitie Thompson for Women's History Month. The Song I chose is one we should hear and practice it's message. 23rd installment for Women's History Month/ Women in music. Jenny Langer was with The Moonshine Society when I first heard her. This Lady definitely has the voice for the Blues. We are talking the Lowdown Blues. Jenny has such an amazing tone to her voice and sound. Kind of reminds me of the sound you hear in New Orleans. Bluesy with a little Rawness to it... So, this is why I am Honoring Jenny Langer for Women's History Month. The song I chose is the first song that got me hooked, show what I am talking about with Jenny voice. 24th installment for Women's History Month/ Women in music. I have only known of Rachel Crowe for about 2 years. When I first heard Rachel sing on one of her videos. I thought to myself that this is someone with fire and passion to sing. Rachel's voice definitely fits into that Hard Blues sound, rough & gravely. But Rachel can also sing the softer Blues songs too. Rachel has the ability to hold her audience with her singing. The video I chose is an original of Rachel's and this why I am Honoring Rachel Crowe for Women's History Month. 25th installment for Women's History Month/ Women in music. I have known Vicki for about 12 yrs. She is half of the Blues Duo of Joe & Vicki Price. I have seen them perform many time in St. Louis, Mo. @ The Blues City Deli. Besides being an amazing guitar player Vicki also has an awesome voice for the Blues. Vicki's vocals have a bit of reminisces of Sister Rosetta Tharpe & Sippie Wallace. Vicki always has a good time up on stage and in shows in your smile and the way she sings there is always glimmer of Happy in her voice. So, this is why I am Honoring Vicki Price for Women's History Month. The song I chose is one of my favorites that Vicki sings. 26th installment for Women's History Month/ Women in music. I have Known Joyann Parker for about 6 years. When I first heard Joyann sing, it was a Wow moment. She has a voice that can be soulful Like in her song "Envy" & then it can go a totally different direction when she sings Patsy Cline songs.. Joyann does this so effortlessly. I love the tone of her voice, it's in the lower range which to me is always easy to listen to. Song I chose is one that I think defines a singer, They can either do the song justices or totally ruin it, there is not in between. Joyann Parker nails it and this is why I am Honoring her for Women's History Month. 27th installment for Women's History Month/ Women in music. Donna Herula is one of the finest female Blues singer & musician today that is keeping the tradition of the Older Blues Alive. Donna's vocals have a little bit Memphis Minnie & Bessie Smith. When you hear Donna Herula sing the Blues, you just can help but get that feeling deep down in your Soul. You can just sense what the person is going thru. Besides being a talented singer, Donna is also an amazing guitar player, mainly the slide- guitar. This is why I am Honoring Donna Herula for Women's History Month. The song I chose is one of my favorites by Donna... 28th installment for Women's History Month/ Women in music. I have known of Ivy Ford for about 4 years. I think what grabbed my attention with Ivy was a combination of her outstanding guitar playing and her singing. She definitely is The Chicago Blues Sound; her voice has an amazing tone to sing the Blues. It's like when she sings you can get the feeling of being on the southside of Chicago, but in the same voice Ivy can do justice to a Robert Johnson song. Ivy's guitar playing is right up there with all the Greats. So, this is why I am Honoring Ivy Ford for Women's History Month. The video chose is one that really showcase Ivy's talent. 29th installment for Women's History Month/ Women's Month. It's only been about a year since I first heard The HawtThorns. KP Hawthorn is lead Female vocals. KP's voice has a beautiful tone and such a charming vocal style. I kind of think of it as the same as Female Singer/songwriters from the 60's & 70's. When you hear Kp sing it just turns every song into a very poetic sound. Just makes you feel Happy inside. This is why I am Honoring KP Hawthorn for Women's History Month. The video I chose is one of my favorite songs By The HawtThorns. 30th installment for Women's History Month/ Women in music. This installment is a very dear Friend of mine, Holly Benton. I have Known Holly for almost 10 years. She is also from Missouri, I first heard Holly on Reverbnation, I remember that when I heard the first few lines from the song "Drawn To You" I thought to myself, she is unbelievable. I have never heard anyone sing like this, I have be listening to music for over 50 years. Holly vocals are just so addicting, she has a slight lower range then most female singers. But her control & tone are top notch, plus Holly has a way of putting such strong emotions in to the songs that she sings, either her own or covers. Holly is one of the few singers that I know who does justice to "I Rather Go Blind" So this is why I am Honoring Holly Benton for Women's History Month. The video I chose is one of my favorite songs by Holly Benton, that Holly wrote. So this being the last day in March and the last day for Women's History Month. I would like to thank all the amazing women that I Honored. You all have played an important part in my life with your music. I would also like to give kudos to many other Female Artist that I didn't get a chance to mention. Lastly I would love to give a special thanks to the Women in my Family & that are Friends because you all have help make me into the man I am today. Thank you everyone. Love you all, you all know who you are Jena Jane
I found Jena Jane on YouTube; I heard her song “Whiskey My Old Friend”. The song it’s self is amazing, then you have Jena sing it with her beautiful voice it just gets 100 times better. Jena has a voice that you would first think Country, but it’s much more than that. Jena’s voice is very strong with emphasis of the Country/Rock tone to it. But she can sing neither style with the same energy & emotions. Jena’ has a 7 song EP out, I have to say that any one of these songs could be on the Radio right now and would be better then some of the so-called Country Music that is on the Radio. Jena also has a talent for song writing. She writes songs that is for everyone that who has been in love or has gotten drunk. She goes from a song about a “Dive Bar” to an emotional song “Whiskey My Old Friend” (which is my favorite), then you have a song called “Blame It On Elvis” which has a little bit more rock style to it. Jena is a breath of fresh air as far as the latest in the next generation of singers. I personally think that we are going to hear a lot more from Jena. I have to links below so that you can check out Jena’s music, also I was able to ask Jena some questions. https://www.jennajanemusicofficial.com/ https://www.facebook.com/jennajanemusic 1. How long have you been playing music? I have been playing music live for about 13 years. Been singing and playing guitar for as long as I can remember. 2. How many bands have you been in? I have been in about 5 bands before pursuing a solo career with a backing band. 3. Where were you born? I was born in Fort Atkinson, WI 4. Are you self-taught? For the most part I would say I am self-taught, however, I had an incredible amount of help and influence from my father and uncle. They are both musicians. I guess you could say it just came naturally. 5. Who are your biggest influences? My biggest influences are the talented musicians that I have surrounded myself with while growing in the industry, but if I had to say which famous artists helped form my sound, it would have to be Martina McBride, Shania Twain, and Sara Evans. 6. What style of music do you consider yours? I would say I am a mix of Modern Country and Outlaw Country. 7. What was your first gig? How old were you? My first gig was at the Pizza Pub in the Wisconsin Dells. I was 12 years old and scared out of my mind! 8. What advice do you have for someone starting out in the music business? The best advice I have for someone just starting in the business is not to give up. Sometimes the hardest part is to just keep playing and performing. You get discouraged because it’s not an easy business, but if it truly is your passion, don’t give up on it. 9. Do you write your own songs? I do write my own songs. I currently have 8 original songs released, with more on the way! 10. What would people be surprised to hear that you have in your personal record collection? I think they would be surprised to find a Buckingham’s record. I secretly love 60’s music! 11. What would you be doing if playing music was not an option? If I wasn’t playing music, I would probably be involved with sales or marketing. Marketing is one thing I really enjoy! I like creating promotional material. 12. Besides your own songs, what is your favorite song to perform? It’s a toss-up between Rhiannon by Fleetwood Mac or Black Velvet by Alannah Myles 13. If you were strictly a songwriter, who would you like to see sing your songs? I’d probably like to see one of my idols like Martina, Shania, or Sara Evans sings my songs. |
AuthorHello, My name is Michael. I am into music, have been for over 48yrs. Big fan of all kinds of music, right now it has been the Blues for the last 10yrs. I do not play any instruments, But I very interested in the recording aspect of the industry. Have messed around with it a little and always learning new things about it. I have met many wonderful people because of Music.. Hope you enjoy my Blogs... In the last two years I have been producing House Concerts. I also in the past 2 years got to produce and engineer an album for a very good friend of mine from Sweden "Magpie". Archives
February 2024
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