Rick James Stone City Band

Biography

Considered by many of their peers to be one of the greatest live performing Funk/Rock bands to ever hit a stage, the Rick James Stone City Band is back and ready to Fire Up that Funk.
The Stone City Band was formed in 1978 by The King of Punk Funk, Rick James. For more than 2 decades this legendary band has provided that distinctive signature sound (with pulsating bass lines and irresistible rhythms) that has been heard on recordings by Rick James, MC Hammer, Teena Marie, The Temptations, Eddie Murphy, The Mary Jane Girls, and Smokey Robinson, just to name a few. Their musical performances can be heard on countless samplings by many of today’s Hip-Hop Artists.
The Stone City Band recorded three albums for the Motown Label ("Meet The Stone City Band", "In "N" Out" and "The Boys are Back") but are best known as Rick James’s exclusive recording and touring band from the beginning and through the height of his career. They were responsible for cranking out the sounds to timeless hits such as "You & I," "Super Freak", "Mary Jane", "Bustin Out", "Ghetto Life", "Fire it Up", "Fire and Desire", "Standing on the Top", "All Night Long", "Boys", "In My House", and many more. They have performed on numerous television shows like the Grammy Awards, American Music Awards, Soul Train Music Awards, Saturday Night Live, and many more. Their recording efforts have produced numerous gold and platinum albums.
This year the band has re-formed to celebrate the life, music, and legacy of their leader, mentor, and friend Rick James. Dates are now being accepted for their 2009 World Tour. (Depending on the offers some dates may include The MARY JANE GIRLS.)

Line-up

• LA Sky (La Morris) Payne - trumpet & vocals – ORIGINAL MEMBER
• Oscar Alston - bass & vocals – ORIGINAL MEMBER
• Kenny Hawkins – guitar – ORIGINAL MEMBER
• Chris Powell – sax
• Mike Roberts - sax, flute & vocals
• Dean Simms - trumpet & vocals
• Troy Jones - drums & vocals
• Vern Winbush – percussion
• Keith Alexander – guitar
• Larry Applin - keys & vocals
• Victor Floyd – keys
• Ricky J - lead vocals