In
the late 1950's a legendary percussionist had started the rock-n-roll movement in the Midwest with undeniable class, and style.
Providing the backbeat for artists Chuck Berry, and later Ike and Tina Turner. In the early 1960's that legendary percussionist
passed on his talent to his legacy Lightning Strikes.
Lightning born, February 17, 1963 in St.
Louis, Missouri immediately began showing signs of being a percussion prodigy, learning stick handling at
the age of one. At the age of three Lightning had already mastered snare drum rudiments, within one year the
percussionist had moved onto a full size kit. At age five he was enrolled into a percussion training school. Within two classes
though the budding prodigy was already well ahead in the art than any of his peers. Lightning had acquired more
knowledge from his legendary father that everyone soon realized. Learning intricate rhythm patterns, stick
handling techniques, and foot rudiments that can only be truly learned through constant practice, and continual guidance
from a professional entertainer.
In 1968, at the young age of five, Lightning
began performing professionally on stage with some of the best musicians in St. Louis. During the next few years Lightning, would
perform, and continue honing the skills he acquired throughout his teenage years. Eventually forming a few groups that
performed locally throughout the bi-state region at many prominent venues such as Club Imperial, and Stages.
In 1995 Lightning began taking his professional career more serious, and started composing
tracks for future releases.
In 1997, Lightning eventually met
up with bassist Action Jackson. The duo instantly clicked and formed one of the tightest rhythm sections in the area. Performing
with Lickity Split for about three years before the duo parted ways to persue other projects.
In 2000 Lightning decided to continue
composing tracks. During the next few years he eventually ended up with enough material for three full length albums.
In 2002, Lightning called upon his longtime
friend, and bassist Action Jackson to see if he would be interested in performing together again. Action Jackson agreed that
reforming the rhythm section between the two would be a great experience. The duo then held auditions for a guitarist
that could handle the direction that the band would take. Lightning, and Action Jackson found a left handed six string grinder
with the potential to take the group to the next level. That guitarist would eventually be replaced by the
original guitarist from the 1997 group Lickity Split, due to the incapability of the original guitarist to record and
tour vigorously.
Lightning eventually began releasing all
of his solo works during 2002/2003. Which was followed up with a group release, featuring collaborative works with Action
Jackson. "WE GOT YOU COVERED..." was released in 2003, and garnered the hit single "Chainsaw" which was picked up
by commercial airwaves across the nation. With regular airplay rotation and recognition from the national releases, launching
onto The Top 40 Charts.
In 2004 Lightning recorded a
live dvd, and the video for the single "Chainsaw" was picked up by VH1, and Fuse TV gaining a larger fanbase,
and a strong foothold in the entertainment industry.
With more national releases, thousands
of miles, and thousands of live performances ranging from intimate settings to large stadiums fast forward to 2011, which
brings endorsements and a refocused outlook. The music continues.
