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History of the Backroads Band

Many moons ago there was a band named the Mississippi Renegades. The members of this band had been together for a few years, but they knew it was time to part ways and go down separate roads. Stacy chose to go down the Backroads and he, along with Chad, Larry, Mickey, and Kyle, formed a new band. It was some time in 1985 and before long they were playing gigs and entering contests. Three years in a row, Backroads won the True Value Showdown contests in several different towns. In 1987, along with over 200 other acts, Backroads entered the Star Search contest held at the University of Southern Mississippi. They won and were awarded the chance to be on Star Search with Ed McMahon. As some contests go, there was a problem and the award was never arranged, so the band settled for four days in Nashville. In Nashville, the boys passed out dozens of demos to various record labels and publishing companies. This was a good learning experience for the group, although their dreams of becoming Nashville artists were never fulfilled.

Band Members come and go, especially Chad. He left the group several times due to his "real job". So they added a female. Ruby joined the group for a couple of years, singing and playing keyboard. Ruby left the group to secure her own record deal in Nashville.

Once again, band members come and go. Joel and David joined the band which rounded the number out to six. They played many weekend clubs and traveled out of state. Stacy received a phone call one day in early 1991 from a local DJ who asked if they would be interested in opening for an act that would be performing in Meridian, Mississippi... a guy named Garth Brooks. Backroads submitted a video tape of one of their concerts and on March 3, 1991 were the opening act for Garth at the Temple Theater in Meridian. The guys still talk about that night - the honor and excitement of opening for Garth Brooks is definitely one of the highlights of their musical careers.

1992 - Backroads hit the road and started playing the circuit. Kyle chose not to join them on the road. The band toured the southeastern United States playing clubs and bars from the Atlantic Coast to the Mississippi River. Weekend engagements were booked back home so they could visit family and friends every once in a while. The road eventually took its toll on the band. The guys were exhausted, and living in tight quarters had them at each other's throats. The decision was made to come off the road.

A new band was formed with Stacy, Ken, Larry, Chad, and Teddy. Jeff joined the group as another vocalist. This new group of guys stayed together until December of 1993. New Year's Eve of 1993, the band dismantled and went their separate ways. Larry is in south Florida playing music with Midnight Rodeo.  Check out their website at www.midnightrodeofl.com.

Stacy and Jeff continued practicing while taking a break from gigging until they found the right personnel. Ken and Teddy rejoined the group, Becky was added, and once again Backroads was strong and played for many years. Teddy eventually had to give up his drumming career, so they added Tim. Tim left the group months later to play with a full-time band. Becky left to become a full-time mother.

October 1998 - Darryl enters the picture as BACKROADS's new drummer. Backroads was now just a four-piece band, but continued to play as they searched for a new keyboard player. They were performing at the Okatoma River Festival in  April of 1999 and met John as he was hanging from a light pole fixing an electrical problem during the show.

August 2005 - Jeff announced that he had been called up for active duty in Kuwait and would be gone for approximately twelve months.  The guys started looking for someone to step in while he was gone.  Amy Sullivan was added in Jeff's absence.  In July 2006, Jeff returned from Kuwait and the vote was unanimous.  On bended knees and tequila shots in hand, Amy was asked to become a part of the BACKROADS family.  She said yes!!

TODAY - BACKROADS consists of Amy - acoustic guitar and vocals, Jeff - electric guitar and vocals, Ken - bass guitar and vocals, Darryl - drums and vocals, John - keyboard and vocals, and Stacy - lead guitar and vocals. Named "Pine Belt's Favorite Band" by local radio stations, they continue to entertain groups of all ages at festivals, bars, clubs, and private parties.

 
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