(1888PressRelease)
March 21, 2008 - Memphis, TN -- The Memphis Sound Band, featuring lead vocalists Jackie Johnson and Woody Degan, has once again been selected to open the Main Street Collierville's Sunset On The Square Concert Series. The series, in its 17th year, highlights the finest entertainment from the region. It is presented in an intimate setting on the historic town square in Collierville, Tennessee. The event runs on Thursday evenings beginning June 5, 2008, for thirteen weeks!
The Memphis Sound Band Opened the Sunset On The Square Concert Series in 2007 to the largest opening night in the 16 year history of the event, and one of the largest crowds ever. "It's an honor to be asked to open the series again" states Woody Degan, the band spokesman. "This is such a great event, so well done, and the crowd was so receptive and gracious. We had a great time."
The Memphis Sound Band, created and exclusively managed by Memphis Sound Entertainment, is comprised of the finest players from in and around Memphis and the Mid-South. As the name would indicate, the band focuses on the legacy of Memphis Music, and the influence it has had on all genres.
Woody Degan is the creator, band leader, lead male vocalist and keyboard player for The Memphis Sound band. Widely recognized as one of the region's most outstanding and prolific producers, writers, and performers, Woody has produced hundreds of events including The world-famous Peabody Rooftop Parties, the 2003 All-Star Baseball Game, the 2007 and 2008 Civil Rights Game Entertainment, Presidential Campaign events, major concerts, festivals, and is in his 11th year as the Official and Exclusive Game Day Entertainment Producer for the Memphis Redbirds! Woody was trained and awarded the top honors for Artist & Repertoire (A&R) at Capitol Records in NY. He is also recognized in the industry as a true pioneer in the digital domain of entertainment and regularly consults with and manages the digital and Internet assets of notable entertainment industry interests worldwide. In addition, Woody owns and maintains one of the largest entertainment-based Top Level Domain (TLD) collections in the world. As a performer, he has shared the stage with major performers ranging from Sammy Davis, Jr., to Ray Charles, Ike Turner, Vince Gill, Dishwalla, Stevie Wonder, and the Drifters, just to name a few. His outstanding male vocals are a true compliment to the original Memphis Sound material.
Lead female vocalist Jackie Johnson begin her career in the churches and talent shows around Memphis, Tennessee, but has quickly become a regional and national favorite. "It is a humbling experience singing next to Jackie every night," proclaims Woody Degan. "On the nights when I'm at my very best, Jackie is still upstairs! And on the nights when she's at her very best, well, it's just simply a blessing to be able to stand that close and listen!" Jackie has recorded with Rufus Thomas, Mavis Staples, Lenny Kravitz and numerous other acts across the globe. She is also a favorite performer in venues and festivals across Europe, including the Poretta Soul Festival in Poretta, Italy. Jackie took several years off to start a family and care for her children, but now she's back in the business and ready to take her career to the next level. And that's exactly what she's been doing. In the Fall of 2007 Jackie cut nine songs for the major motion picture titled The Great Debaters, featuring Denzel Washington and Forest Whitaker. Jackie's unmistakable sweet soul gospel sound added the feel that the producers were looking for, so one by one they added tracks to her list.
Music Director, Bassist, and Computer Programming Genius for Apple Computer is non other that Neal Bowen, or Professor Bowen as he is referred to by the band. Neal truly has an extraordinary talent and ability for music in general, not just on his bass. "He's a far better keyboard player than I am" nods Woody. "Neal has such a comprehensive understanding of the musical mathematics and relationships. It's no wonder that Apple Computer recognizes him as an expert!" Neal provides a low end consistency and groove that is second to none. Crowds enjoy watching him as much as listening. His expertise is outstanding, and none-the-less seemingly effortless. The definition of Neal's bass, tight with the drums, is the foundation that makes this band as tight as any you'll ever hear! Then the Keys, horns, and five vocals stack up for a truly big, but clean, sound. The Memphis Sound.
You'll be able to see Jackie, Woody, Neal, and the rest of The Memphis Sound Band live on the historic town square in Collierville, Tennessee on June 5, 2008! See you there!
