BOOKINGS 901-568-1045
The Memphis 3
MEET THE BAND
Brandon Cunning
Lead Vocals and Rhythm Guitar
Brandon Cunning has always loved the oldies. Growing up while his friends were listening to the latest music, Brandon was listening to artists like Elvis Presley, Buddy Holly and Chuck Berry.
Brandon got his first guitar lesson when he was 13 and while he took some lessons he decided to learn on his own. He put together his first band when he was just 17. He received a Bachelor of Arts in Communications from California University of Pennsylvania and was involved with the university radio station. After graduation, Brandon worked at many radio stations in Pittsburgh, PA and Memphis, TN as an on-air personality.
Brandon was in several bands in Pittsburgh and played guitar for Rockabilly Hall of Fame artist, Buddy Sharpe. Brandon even opened The Beach Boys when they played Pittsburgh. The Beach Boys have always been one of Brandon's favorite groups and he was very excited for the opportunity.
Brandon decided to move to Memphis, TN in February 2007 to pursue his music and go to the birthplace of Rockabilly music. He started The Stunning Cunning Band and before he knew it he was backing up Smoochy Smith of The Mar-Keys at The Rockabilly Hall of Fame. Brandon has recorded at Sun Studio and is currently writing songs for his first CD due out in 2011. He has recently backed up Sonny Burgess at the 1st Annual Elvis Birthday Bash in Memphis, TN.
Brandon also owns his very own tour company called Rockabilly Rides. Cruise the streets of Memphis while learning about Elvis in a private two hour Red, Hot & Blue Tour. The tours are given in a 1955 Chevy Bel Air on 1959 Ford Skyliner. If you want to learn more about the rich history of Memphis from the cotton days to civil rights and beyond then book the Memphis 101 Tour. For more information visit www.RockabillyRides.com.
Steve Newman
Lead Guitar and Vocals
Steve Newman was born in Nashville, TN in 1952. As a young child, he was first influenced by gospel music at church and as an avid listener to The Grand Ole Opry. He was also a fan of C&W and Bluegrass music, as well as a fan of guitar great, Chet Atkins. Steve began playing guitar at age 12 and around that time became interested in the pop and rock music of the mid-sixties, especially the British invasion bands, including the Beatles. He played in various high school amateur bands and as he went off to college in Memphis, TN, he became exposed to more blues, jazz, pop, and rock musical styles and played in succession of bands in the local music scene there.
Steve has had recording projects at Shoe, Onyx, and later Pepper-Tanner and Stax studios. He toured the U.S. for two years with Larry Raspberry and The Highsteppers. He became involved with more song writers and began creating original music. In 1980, Steve moved to Jackson, MS for a 4 year house band stint with progressive country artist, Truitt Williams. He recorded two albums with the Owens Brothers and appeared with them on Nashville Now television show. Steve worked and recorded with several Malaco recording artists such as Dorothy Moore, Johnny Taylor, Jewel Bass and gospel superstars, The Williams Brothers. Steve also had two European tours with country artist, George Sandifer. He also had an 18 year tenure with 15 piece soul R&B band, The Bluz Boys (Blues Brothers tribute) playing for three MS governor's inaugurations and two U.S. Presidents.
In 2003, Steve returned to the Memphis area and began working with local music artists Joyce Cobb (pop, jazz, soul), Four Foot Gypsy (rock), Mare Carmody (acoustic singer/songwriter) and various other musicians. Steve has recently worked with Nashville actor/musician Jason Petty.
Mike Adams has been a local musician and entertainer for over 30 years. A University of Memphis graduate, he studied jazz under renown pianist Tommy Ferguson and was bassist for the 'A' jazz band. He was a member of the Hot Cotton Jazz band for several years and toured both domestically and abroad, performing at various jazz festivals. He has played with many entertainers including the Tommy Doresy Orchestra, The Four Tops, Gary 'U.S.' Bonds, The Temptations, and Tony Bennett, in addition to local legends Joyce Cobb and Ruby Wilson.