"There's so much joy this music can bring, so I count my blessing when I
step up to sing, cause there's so many people who would give anything,
to do what I do, and I thank you I can do what I do."      by Alan Jackson

  RICKY (Lead Singer - Acoustic Guitar)

     As founder of Eastern Wing Band, RICKY was raised in a family full of music entertainers. He remembers learning to sing in the school choir and performing "fake concerts," listening to songs and singing along, for friends and family.  Taught by his father, his first public guitar performance was a talent show at the Convention Center at age 11. While growing up,  he performed along with his father at different church programs.

     Ricky had always dreamed of entertaining fans with his heart-filled tenor voice. In 1994, this dream became a reality with Eastern Wing Band's first "gig" in Carthage, Indiana. Ask Ricky what he loves most of all and he will tell you "I love to sing ".  .  .  and sing he does, capturing the attention of his listeners, with his energy filled performance. Not only can Ricky sing .  .  .  he entertains.

     Since 1994, Ricky has performed solos at weddings, church programs, and private parties. Along with working the clubs, he has, with Eastern Wing Band, entertained at county fairs, high school events, town festivals and various other bookings throughout different states in the U.S.  In 2003, Ricky, along with the other EWB members, produced their first CD, with their great original "Overheat in a Heartbeat." 

     Ricky remains enthused with his music, enjoys learning new material, and exploring new challenges. 

  JOHNNY (Bass Guitar - Vocals) 

       Having realized his love for music at an early age of 13, JOHNNY applied his talent at a variety of styles, beginning with drums, going on to piano, clarinet, harmonica & saxophone, finding his specialty in guitar and bass guitar.

     For 35 years, Johnny has gone from high school and college one-nighters, to performing at various types of nightclubs, hotels, weddings and church events, along with exciting festivals such as Bean Blossom, "Festival of Lights" at Monument Circle and Riley Hospital Fundraiser at the Indianapolis Motor Speedway. He has entertained at Grand Openings for Shoe Carnival, Arbys Restaurant and a fashion show at the Convention Center, along with other great events such as the 4^th of July Celebration at Hoosier Park Horse Racing, and the Star Spangled Banner at Victory Field.

     Johnny, or sometimes referred to as J.R., has opened for great entertainers and bands such as Faith, Roadmaster, Black Heart, Tracy Byrd, Trick Pony, John Anderson, Randy Travis, Montgomery Gentry and great legends such as Jack Greene, Lefty Frizell and Gene Watson.

     In 2002, Johnny joined the Eastern Wing and from his great talent to "crowd please" at his high energy level, to his unique style in bass playing, harmonizing and solos, Johnny has been a very important addition to the band.  His talents are endless . . .sometimes surprising . . . with "special written" birthday songs and holiday celebration "skits" . . . it's a must see performance.       

 BRETT  (Drums - Percussionist)
 
   At age 5, BRETT sat behind his cousins drum set and tried to follow along with a record player.  During this moment he realized music was going to be his first love.  Once Brett entered the 5^th grade he joined his elementary schools band playing the snare drum and other percussion instruments. 

   In 6^th grade, Brett received his first set of real drums from his father, who was a mechanic.  His father did a brake job on a gentleman’s truck and traded the job for drums instead of money.  Brett not knowing at the time that those set of drums would bring him closer to a professional career in country music.  Without his father’s gracious exchange for drums instead of money, Brett has never forgot that moment. 
  
  At age 12, he met a hillbilly from West Virginia where he learned to play Bluegrass and Country music.  This was the first time where he started performing live and making his own money.  He has worked with various Hoosier Artists and one in particular was national recording artist, Bobby Helms who was known for “Jingle Bell Rock.”  Little did he know as a grown man he would eventually play and travel half the United States with Bobby. 

  After leaving Bobby Helms in the early 80’s, he toured with the “Britton Brothers,” a gospel-country quartette, playing various hotels and resorts across the country.  It was not till the mid 90’s that Brett joined the Eastern Wing Band from Indianapolis and has played “almost” exclusively for them the last 15 years. 

   Brett has been influenced by numerous musicians such as: Hank Williams, Porter Wagner, George Jones, Phil Collins, Grand Funk Railroad, and Buddy Holly.  He hopes to bring the same joy and passion of music to other people as those musicians have given to him.  He enjoys entertaining playing to a live audience and looks forward to playing with EWB even into his retirement years. 
       
  CHRIS (Lead Guitar)   
  

     At age 8, CHRIS saw MTV for the first time and said to his Grandmother, “I want to do that”.  Getting his first guitar for his 9^th birthday, Chris knew this was what he wanted to do.  Chris played with various bands starting at age 13 in and around Muncie, IN where he was born.