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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!SC Entertainment & Music Hall Of Fame
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Rick Latham, a native of Columbia, South Carolina, has made a name for himself as an influential drummer in Los Angeles. Performing with the likes of Edgar Winter and Juice Newton, Rick has become a master of his craft.

In addition to his work on the stage, Rick is the author of two books on drum techniques: Advanced Funk Studies and Contemporary Drum Techniques. Both are available for purchase on RickLatham.com.

Returning home to South Carolina two years ago, Rick is now touring the country with blues legend Dr. Mac Arnold & A Plate Full Of Blues.

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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!

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SC Entertainment & Music Hall Of Fame
The SC Entertainment Hall of Fame honors South Carolina natives that have achieved national success.

Palmetto Showcase/Upstate Live Music
We’re your 1-stop-shopping site for live musical entertainment in the Upstate South Carolina Region!

Don Jones Custom Stereo
FULL SERVICE STEREO SALES & REPAIR We BUY & SELL quality new and vintage stereo and audio equipment

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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.

SC Entertainment & Music Hall Of Fame
The SC Entertainment Hall of Fame honors South Carolina natives that have achieved national success.

Palmetto Showcase/Upstate Live Music
We’re your 1-stop-shopping site for live musical entertainment in the Upstate South Carolina Region!

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

He grew up in North and South Carolina and began his career with Alabama in 1979 at The World Famous Bowery Bar. From there Mark went on to fame and fortune....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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My next guests on Backstage With Chris Lee are Phil & Mark Liste 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. 

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

They will be joined by David Ball, Bill Ellis, Bob Hooper, Dr. Mac Arnold, Kerry Marx and Jim Miles.

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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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Jake Williams is a talented musician and songwriter and has been playing music since he was a young kid. He plays with the band "Auralayer" and has a solo project where he goes by the name "Kimble". 

He is a finalist in The Upstate Music Awards for Best Video for "Herman The Hearse Driver". 

Explore with us now the wonderful world of Mr. Jake Williams on this episode of Backstage with Chris Lee.

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On this episode I sit down with Mr. John Hoyt!

John Hoyt is the bass player in the band he formed, Hot As A Pepper.
We talk about his early days as a musician, his band, the Upstate Live Music page and Palmetto Showcase website, and his thoughts on the current state of the music in the Upstate.

He is an advocate for musicians, creating the Facebook Page "Upstate Live Music" and the website www.palmettoshowcase.com. John has gone out of his way to help local musicians and venues connect with each other and try to get to the next level. John and I have been friends for over ten years and I have looked forward to having him on the podcast!

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Corey Stevenson is an incredibly talented musician, singer, and songwriter. His new EP is packed with great songs, including his latest single "I Just Can't Stop Loving You". Corey's music is full of soul and emotion, and he is sure to light up the stage with his captivating performances. Tune in to the next episode of Backstage With Chris Lee to hear Corey's story.

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This week's guest is Mr. Chuck Cape. Chuck has been playing in and around the Upstate of SC for many years. We talk about Chuck's early life growing up in Pennsylvania, his musical influences and how he ended up in SC after his military servise was over.

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This is a bonus episode featuring Mr. Chuck Cape, a member of The Anderson Senior Follies for 18 years! We discuss the origin of the Follies and what to expect at the show.

www.andersonseniorfollies.org

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On The next episode of "Backstage with Chris Lee", Chris interviews Max Simpson. They talk about Max's band, MoJo On Max.  At only 20 years old, Max has been performing for audiences for over half his life.  A versatile young talent on the the Upstate SC music scene that always delivers and will not disappoint. Musician from Anderson, SC.

Chris and Max discuss the importance of building a strong fan base, the creative process behind MoJo On Max's music, and what it's like performing in front of live audiences. 

They also talk about Max's plans for the future and how he hopes to continue to grow and develop as an artist.

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Chris Lee interviews James Austin Charping. James was a staple in The Myrtle Beach, SC music scene for over 30 years! Chris talks about meeting James in 1985, James' early years in Iva, SC and what's happening now with The Band Silver.