History
The History of The Johnny Ball BandThe magic began in early January of 2008. After spending most of the day working outside, lead guitarist Barton Pettit decided to “stick it to the man” for the last hour of the work day. Always traveling with his true love, the guitar, Pettit produced it as his co-workers watched in wonder. As he began to play, the melodies of ROCK drifted toward vocalist Drew Dvorak’s ears. “I was working hard at my desk, as I always do, when suddenly my mind was gripped tight with what I can only describe as the CALLING.” That afternoon eight Oklahoma Gas & Electric employees spoke up saying they also knew how to strum the strings. They vowed to bring their guitars the following Friday for an after work jam session. It happened. Music ranging from Classic Rock, Death Metal, Country and Western, Indie Trance, and Bluegrass was heard every Friday afternoon for months. As the weeks fell, so did the guitars. After 2 months of sessions, there were only five guitars left standing. Barton Pettit, Randy Simmons, Greg King, Johnnie Washburn, and Drew Dvorak were the lone survivors. They stayed true to the cause and kept up the routine week after week. As if by Devine Intervention, the group found out one afternoon that Johnnie Washburn was even more deadly on bass guitar. Hearing the call once again, Dvorak yelled “All we need is a drummer to fulfill prophesy!” In that very instance, lightning struck and shook the ground where they stood. Before them appeared a man by the name of Ramon Blanco. In his right hand, he held fire red drum sticks. In the other, he held a small box. This box looked as if it were one thousand years old. Its tiny clasp was shimmering gold. The six brave men slowly opened the box, as if it would crumble to pieces with one false move. Inside was a scroll of papyrus paper tied with a ribbon of cloth never seen by human eyes. The scroll bore four simple words. THE….JOHNNY…..BALL…..BAND. This made sense. Their purpose was clear. The CALLING had been revealed. The band forged ahead to perfect their spin on Classic Rock, Country and their original music. They had been sent to ROCK Carter County and the surrounding areas. Bass lines were powerful. Guitars screamed with anger. Beats were thrown down with fierce precision. Vocals rained down from above with authority. Throughout the summer and fall months of 2008, the band tasted success and fame. Selling out every venue, the six band members were on top of the world. Appearing to be at the peak of their career, The Johnny Ball Band was suffering with internal struggles. Percussionist Ramon Blanco was dealing with personal demons which forced him to make a decision that would change the face of the band forever. Blanco announced in late September of 2008 that he would be leaving the band. “As a whole, the band wishes him well in finding the help he needs.” said Pettit of ex-drummer Blanco. He is currently involved in his solo career, promoting a new album, Trash Can Sounds: reflections from within. Feeling the pain of losing a key member of the band, bassist Johnnie Washburn turned to friends for comfort. Hearing the troubles that the band was facing, local dentist Blake Sudberry announced his presence. “I will fill the hole that has crippled this band!” The close friend of Washburn was a brave man to seek filling shoes of that magnitude. After weeks of try-outs, Sudberry had emerged a proven cornerstone within the band. The “new” band had fused together like Siamese twins. Out of the ashes arose a band that was stronger than ever. Adding to their arsenal, Randy Simmons brought the harmonica to life with harmonies from above. Greg King upped his game with extraordinary skills on the cow bell. Along with this new amazing and powerful sound, came a man who said, “I can tame this beast and make it do tricks for the crowd.” Who could this be but the mixmaster Justin Marshall himself. This was the true meaning of their existence. The Johnny Ball Band was one entity with one vision. Soon after ending the 2009 World Tour, Barton parted ways with the band that he helped raise to fame and fortune. “My vision is for The Johnny Ball Band to continue on climbing the charts, but for me, the tour ends here. I wish you all the best and want you to know that this has been an unforgetable ride.” Once again the band lost a cornerstone. Feeling the emptyness that this hole created by the loss of such a presence, the band began to search for a new lead guitarist. Remembering an old accquaintance, Randy Simmons suggested a wild man known by the name of Gary Wheeler. “The name says it all,” Simmons said. Soon Gary began throwing licks in the band’s faces that made them affraid to turn him away. 2010 began with a new look, a new sound and a smell of aged beer. “This is our destiny!,” Justin roared with unbridled passion. Reigning from the metropolis of Ardmore, OK, the band has currently climbed back on top of the music industry as one of the most respected and well known bands on the planet. Dvorak has been quoted in Rollin’ Stone Magazine, “We will continue to bring our fans the powerhouse tunes that have put us on the map…….forever!”Long live Rock and Roll. |