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Jimmy Simmons

Lead vocals + Back up vocals Rhythm+ Lead Guitar

Born in Bucks County, PA. in 1966. Jim started playing the guitar at the age of 9 and starting singing in his early teens. His family later moved to Aiken South Carolina in 1978 where he started to perform in his first band DZIRE. They did many local gigs, charity events, local radio and TV shows.

While in Aiken, Jimmy started working with a man in Nashville named Billy Arr for TEM record’s. He gave Jimmy several original songs, some of which he recorded and some of which he wrote together with Billy. It was also during this time he moved to FT. Lauderdale Florida for 6 months to do a South Florida tour and even opened up for Marvin Gaye at the Sunrise music theatre with DZIRE. They also did several other Sunrise shows in 1983 with great response as well as appearing on the TV show “Heart of the Country“ in Augusta GA

In late1983 at a charity event in Danville VA. he shared stage with Tiny Tim and also did a televised 45minute show with a 22 piece orchestra. Later that same year his family moved back to PA. where he formed THE CRUIZERS. The CRUIZERS achieved great success in the local area for 3 years. Upon returning after 20 years he’s played guitar and sang lead and back up vocals for various local bands in the area. During this period he also learned how to play lead guitar. Jim’s strong lead vocals and lead guitar playing have helped THE BLACK SHEEP BAND become the most dynamic, talented and versatile band he’s ever played in.

 

 


"Jammin" Joe McGeehan

Lead Guitar and Lead Vocals

Joe McGeehan was born and raised in Philadelphia. He has been playing music professionally since the age of 14 playing clubs where he had the opportunity to back up musicians such as Dale Hawkens and “Screaming” J. Hawkins Jr.

Joe then worked with various horn bands during the 1960’s. He moved to Bucks County in 1968 where he has been a resident ever since. Some of the Bands that Joe worked with from 1968 through the 70’s were The Bondsmen, The Commotions, Jimmy McQuaid and The Illusions.

Joe started playing country music around 1980. Since his move into the country circuit, Joe has worked with many of the local country bands such as Touch of Country, Heartland, Jody King, Tulsa, Whiskey Bent, and Country Joe and The Honky Tonk Heroes. This is also Joe’s second stint with The Black Sheep Band as he was one of the original founding members when the band was formed in 1996. He has also opened for many national country acts such as Tanya Tucker, Lee Greenwood, and Jack Greene to name a few.

Joe’s musical influences range from 50’s rock to funk to jazz and country.  Due to his many influences, Joe has been able to blend all of these styles to come up with his own unique guitar style and sound helping to give The Black Sheep Band a sound of its own.

 

 

 


Rick O'Connell

Bass Guitar

Born a bass player and a lifelong resident of Bucks County PA, Rick’s formative years playing started in the Neshaminy School District music program playing in the orchestras, jazz bands, and concert choir.  During this time he also started several bands outside of school.  

These diverse experiences drove his passion for jamming at open mic nights and the many characters he met.

This led to work with pop and modern rock cover bands – Kwik Decision, Danger Zone, and Martin’s Law. Plus a many temporary stints backing up solo artists, fill in jobs and work with a theater pit orchestra.

Rick has also been lucky to be a part of several original recordings projects  - Translux Theater, Diane Devlin, and most recently Mervel Dean and Billy Murphy.

Joining the Black Sheep Band in 2010. Rick is now expanding his repertoire into country music and enjoying the change of scene.

“These guys are great to work with personally and musically. To play with a whole group equally talented as vocalist and musicians is a real pleasure”

 

 

 

 

 


Darrell "Double D" Soltesz

Lead Vocals and Drums/Percussion

Darrell “Double D” Soltesz is an ace drummer, percussionist and a distinctive singer and studio artist. “D” has garnered the respect of fans and recording professionals alike with his soulful vocals and Rock, Country and Blues style of drumming. His musical background runs the gamut of diversity: Delta Blues, Road House Rock, Southern Boogie, Texas Swing, and Jazz defying conventional classification.  

"D" has shared the same stage with "The Boss", Bruce Springsteen starting his career in Trenton, New Jersey studying jazz rock with renowned drummer/band leader, Tony DeNicola and contemporary pianist, Jack Keller.  

Working with the Southern/ Country rock sounds of “High Noon and "Pocket Central” winning numerous show competitions including The New Jersey State Fair GMC True Country Showdown, "D" provided concert and recording support to their debut album with radio WXTU 92.5 and "The Charlie Daniels Band" and other national artists. 

We welcome Darrell “Double D”  Soltesz to The Black Sheep Band” family in support of their success with their fans!!!

 

 

 


Ted Russell

Pedal Steel Guitar

Ted first became captivated with the sound of the pedal steel during the 1970’s, when young country rock bands like The Byrds, New Riders and Poco were in their heyday.  Once he got his hands on a pedal steel he spent countless hours listening to records and teaching himself to play.  Around this time he hooked up with his first band, the High Plains Drifters, who gigged regularly at the Pittstown Inn in Hunterdon County, NJ.  Following this introduction to learning to play in a live band situation, he moved on through a succession of bands that played in the New Jersey/eastern Pennsylvania areas.  Some of these bands included Cross Country, Country Connection, Jumpin’ the Gun, Southern Edge, The Road Agents, Blue Yonder and The Mark Gandy Band, and he has filled in with many others.  Most recently, Ted played with 4 Wheel Drive and is a member of another fine local band, Firewater.  He also gigs, when time permits, with Neon Reign, an up and coming local country band.

Ted’s true love is country music, especially the modern sound, but enjoys playing other styles of music on steel as well.  Most of all, he just loves to play and considers himself lucky to have played with many fine people and musicians over the years.  Special highlights were when he had the opportunity to be in bands opening for the Bellamy Brothers, Brooks and Dunn, Tanya Tucker and the Outlaws.

These days, Ted is inspired musically by the likes of Paul Franklin, Randle Currie and Buddy Cage, among many others.  His favorite axe is a 1970 Emmons which he has owned since 1976.  Ted would like to thank his wife Joan for being understanding of his “other” love, and also the Black Sheep band for the opportunity to make some great music together.

 

 

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