Blue Suede was established in Harrisonburg in the Spring of 1995 by a group of seasoned musicians with the idea of providing some of the best swing & rock dance music around.

Drawing its talent from the "Coachmen," "Flashback," "Touch of Class," and "Contraband," Blue Suede has left a trail of "want 'cha backs" in it's brief history.

The range of music goes from 1940's swing to current hits with an emphasis on party oldies. Special requests are available with enough lead time.

No job is too large or too small !! Blue Suede is capable of playing the most intimate of social gatherings, or making the largest events a smashing success! Blue Suede is available for weddings, picnics, shows, cruise-ins, dances, meetings, and anywhere high quality music is required.

"You guys were really fantastic, everyone keeps telling us and our parents how great the music was (at our wedding). Not too loud, people could hear each other. Everyone had a great time dancing, there seemed to always be someone on the dance floor.

-Monica and Paul Buckley, Newlyweds - Rockville, Maryland

 
"There were lots of compliments on your band and the music selection. Everyone loved dancing and lots of people danced.  This was good because it has always been a problem for us to get people to dance.  Obviously not with your band.

We noticed some of the older folks stayed until the end.  That never happens.  One lady who is 86 said that although she felt too frail to dance with her husband, she still enjoyed just sitting along the side and watching and listening. That speaks volumes considering most of the music belonged to another generation.  

Anyway, thanks so much for a great job. We will certainly consider you again for another occasion. Everyone had a great time!"

-Lucinda Cooke - Woodrow Wilson Foundation, Staunton, VA

 
"I didn't think they could get much better than at the cruise in but I was really impressed when I saw them at First Night"

-Gary Stiteler, President Harrisonburg Retail Merchants

"I have used Blue Suede for my parties and they have played great music for all ages. They are easy to work with and are dependable".

- Rodney Eagle - Former mayor of Harrisonburg

"Blue Suede's sound is punchy and danceable without being too loud and overpowering."

- Bart Reardon, Electronic Arts Recording Studio

"Blue Suede has a certain Synergy that sets them apart from other entertainers"

- Mike Holmes, Sound Production, Harrisonburg

"Blue Suede is as good or better than most of the big name bands that I have seen at the fundfest over the past several years."

-Charles Mathias, former talent & booking agent

Contact Information

Blue Suede/Bill Hunter
1982 Willow Hill
Harrisonburg, VA 22801
(540) 433-8568 Main

email: bluesuede@verizon.net

The Blue Suede Advantage

• Playing too loud has always been a problem with bands. We take great pride in controlling the volume so that it is danceable but still won't knock you over! Since we started playing we have had few complaints along these lines.
   
• We run our sound from the stage and have no mixing board or snake or roadies
  in the back of the room which can be an intrusion into a private party.
   
• Our current song list (225 songs) is sent to you in advance with the option
  to preselect 25-30 songs from the list.
   
• These songs are then entered into our computer and organized for the best
  performance based on tempo, style, key, vocal, etc. This extra effort
  usually takes a couple of hours but makes the show fresher and more alive.
   
• We are one of the few area bands that can do a wide variety of music and
  still do each style like it was originally recorded.
   
• Last but not least Blue Suede takes pride in dressing properly for the
  occasion. When you look good you sound good.
   
   
  

Thanks for considering Blue Suede for your entertainment needs.

Bill Hunter, Manager

BLUE SUEDE BIOGRAPHIES

George Taylor-Vocals, Keyboards, Bass
George started his musical career in Richmond Va as a teenager and played behind many of the current stars. He backed Jerry Butler, the "Drifters", and the "Manhattans". In addition he toured with Marv Johnson, Maxine Brown, and Mary Wells. He has performed studio work at Nu-Kat, Majors, Flowers and Powertraxx recording studios and has played recently with the "Esquires", "Wallace Redd and the Red Dots" and the "House Rockers". George played for many years with "Toucha' Class" where he played for many parties and wedding receptions as well as for Ron Carrier and James Madison faculty parties. He is currently Organist and Choir Director at the Southern Baptist Church in Staunton Va. He also taught Scott Cash to play keyboards. Scott is now the Keyboardist for the Statler Brothers. George gives a characteristic sound and personality to the group.

Kenny Vance - Vocals, Percussion
Kenny has been the lead vocalist with a variety of groups. He has a soulful voice akin to Ray Charles and Joe Cocker and has been a crowd pleaser with his version of "Georgia on My Mind". Various groups he has performed with include the "Sound Foundation", "Jarbo", "Reverend Billy Wirtz", the "Top Hats", "RockStreet", "Hot Flash", and "Contraband". Kenny specializes in the "Oldies" and his voice adds another dimension to the group.

Neil Good – Vocals and Percussion
Neil started playing drums at the early age of 14. He played many years with the “Top Hats” who backed up Tommy Roe. He has played on the road with several groups, including the “Flying Burrito Brothers” and Eddie Adcock. Neil has done session work at “Major” and “Alive” Studios and helps with the technical aspects of Blue Suede. Neil is one of the most sensitive and soulful drummers around.

Bill (Ace) Hunter - Guitar, Keyboards
Bill or "Ace" as he is called started at the age of sixteen and played for ten years with the "Top Hats"who backed up J. Frank Wilson when he had the #1 hit in the country "Last Kiss". The "Top Hats" had a regional hit record with "No Letter Today" and later had dates with recording stars "Tommy Roe" and"Danny & the Juniors". Bill later played in the "Sound Foundation", and "Jarbo" with Kenny Vance. As a member of the "Coachmen" he opened for "Ray Stevens". His latest group, "Toucha' Class" with GeorgeTaylor played a wide variety of music for all occasions. He handles all of the technical aspects of the group. Bill's strong background in "Soul", "Pop" & "Jazz" drives the rhythm section.

Pete Phillips - Vocals, Tenor Sax, Percussion
Pete Phillips is a native of Lynchburg Virginia, and has lived in Waynesboro for the past thirty six years. He graduated from Shenandoah Conservatory of Music, where he majored in saxophone and education. While at Shenandoah Conservatory he was one of the original members of the Conservatory "Saxophone Ensemble", and "Jazz Ensemble". He taught Elementary, Junior High and High School Band in Waynesboro Virginia as well as teaching privately . Under his direction "The Waynesboro High School Band" won many awards, started the first high school stage band in the area, and was invited and participated in Parades in Both San Francisco, California and New Orleans Louisiana. He started playing in dance bands at the age of thirteen in many local bands in the Lynchburg area which included "TheCavaliers", "Vagabonds", "Frank Perry Band", and "The Southerners". Since moving to the Shenandoah Valley he has played with "The Jimmy Lunchford Band", "The Melodiers", "Touch of Class", "Wave", "LaGroove", "Clear Vision", "The Barbara Martin Quintet", and "The George Taylor Combo".  

Tim Stuart- Saxes and Vocals
Tim is a great talent and is majoring in music at Bridgewater College, where as a freshman he sits
first chair in all his groups. He was 1st chair All State District Band and soloed with Maynard Ferguson and Artie Shaw at his high school! He plays sax, guitar, keyboard, bass and drums. Tim blows a mean lead !!

BLUE SUEDE SONGLIST

RHYTHM AND BLUES / SOUL
BILL DOGGETT   HONKY TONK ISLEY BROTHERS   SHOUT JAMES BROWN   HOLD IT   I FEEL GOOD   PAPAS GOT A BRAND NEW BAG   PLEASE PLEASE PLEASE JUNIOR WALKER   WHAT DOES IT TAKE LARRY GRAHAM   ONE IN A MILLION LITTLE RICHARD (MEDLEY)   GOOD GOLLY MISS MOLLY   LUCILLE   SLIPPIN' & SLIDIN'   TUTTI FRUTI LLOYD PRICE   STAGGER LEE MARTHA & THE VANDELLAS   DANCIN' IN THE STREETS MARVIN GAYE   HEARD IT THROUGH THE GRAPEVINE	OTIS REDDING   CAN'T TURN YOU LOOSE   DOCK OF THE BAY   DREAMS TO REMEMBER   LOVING YOU TOO LONG PERCY SLEDGE   DARK END OF THE STREET   WHEN A MAN LOVES A WOMAN SAM AND DAVE   HOLD ON, I'M COMING   SOUL MAN STEVIE WONDER   I JUST CALLED TO SAY I LOVE YOU   SUNSHINE OF MY LIFE TEMPTATIONS (MEDLEY)   AIN'T TOO PROUD TO BEG   GET READY   THE WAY YOU DO THE THINGS YOU DO   MY GIRL   WILBERT HARRISON   KANSAS CITY WILSON PICKETT   634-5789   MIDNIGHT HOUR   MUSTANG SALLY
CLASSIC ROCK
ANIMALS   HOUSE OF THE RISING SUN BEATLES   TWIST AND SHOUT BEN E. KING   ROSE IN SPANISH HARLEM   STAND BY ME BILL HALEY   ROCK AROUND THE CLOCK BOB SEGER   OLD TIME ROCK AND ROLL   WE'VE GOT TONIGHT BROOK BENTON   RAINY NIGHT IN GEORGIA COASTERS (MEDLEY)   ALONG CAME JONES   CHARLIE BROWN   POISON IVY   YACKETY YAK   YOUNG BLOOD CHUCK BERRY   JOHNNY B. GOODE   NO PARTICULAR PLACE TO GO DOOBIE BROTHERS   LISTEN TO THE MUSIC EDDIE COCHRAN   SUMMERTIME BLUES ELVIS   AMERICAN TRILOGY   BLUE SUEDE SHOES   DON'T BE CRUEL/TEDDY BEAR   FALLING IN LOVE WITH YOU   JAILHOUSE ROCK ERIC CLAPTON   COCAINE   WONDERFUL TONIGHT FATS DOMINO   BLUEBERRY HILL FLAMINGOS   I ONLY HAVE EYES FOR YOU JERRY BUTLER   FOR YOUR PRECIOUS LOVE   MAKE IT EASY ON YOURSELF   MOON RIVER JIM CROCE   LEROY BROWN JOE COCKER   THE LETTER KINGSMEN   LOUIE LOUIE	LIONEL RITCHIE   HELLO   THREE TIMES A LADY LYNYRD SKYNYRD   FREE BIRD   SWEET HOME ALABAMA MICHAEL JACKSON   BILLIE JEAN PLATTERS   SMOKE GETS IN YOUR EYES PROCOL HAREM   WHITER SHADE OF PALE RAY CHARLES   GEORGIA ON MY MIND   TOGETHER AGAIN   WHAT'D I SAY RIGHTEOUS BROTHERS   YOU'VE LOST THAT LOVIN' FEELIN'   UNCHAINED MELODY (Theme from "Ghost") RITCHIE VALENS   LA BAMBA ROD STEWART   HAVE I TOLD YOU LATELY ROLLING STONES   HONKY TONK WOMAN ROY ORBISON   BLUE BAYOU   PRETTY WOMAN SAFARIS   WIPE OUT SAM COOKE   BRING IT ON HOME   CHANGE IS GONNA COME   HAVIN' A PARTY   YOU SEND ME SANTO & JOHNNY   SLEEPWALK SHEP & THE LIMELIGHTERS   DADDY'S HOME TINA TURNER   PROUD MARY TROGGS   WILD THING VAN MORRISON   BROWN EYED GIRL   MOONDANCE VENTURES   WALK DON'T RUN
BEACH / ISLAND MUSIC
DEE CLARK   RAINDROPS CHAIRMAN OF THE BOARD   CAROLINA GIRLS DRIFTERS   DANCE WITH ME   SAVE THE LAST DANCE FOR ME   UNDER THE BOARDWALK   UP ON THE ROOF EMBERS   I LOVE BEACH MUSIC JERRY BUTLER   HE WILL BREAK YOUR HEART	JIMMY BUFFETT   MARGARITAVILLE JOHNNY NASH   I CAN SEE CLEARLY   STIR IT UP SHOWMEN   39-21-46 SWINGIN' MEDALLIONS   HEY BABY MAURICE WILLIAMS/ZODIACS   STAY
80'S DANCE MUSIC
BOZ SCAGGS   LOWDOWN COMMODORES   BRICK HOUSE DELBERT MCCLINTON   GIVIN' IT UP FOR YOUR LOVE KC & THE SUNSHINE BAND   SHAKE YOUR BOOTY KOOL & THE GANG   CELEBRATION   JUNGLE BOOGIE   LADIES NIGHT	RICK JAMES   SUPERFREAK SLY AND THE FAMILY STONE   HIGHER VILLAGE PEOPLE   YMCA WAR   LO RIDER WILD CHERRY   PLAY THAT FUNKY MUSIC WHITE BOY
COUNTRY & SOUTHERN ROCK
BOOTS RANDOLPH   YAKETY SAX CHET ATKINS   WILDWOOD FLOWER   UNDER THE DOUBLE EAGLE DUANE EDDY   REBEL ROUSER EAGLES   DESPERADO GARY MORRIS   WIND BENEATH MY WINGS HANK WILLIAMS   I'M SO LONESOME I COULD CRY KENNY ROGERS   LADY LEE GREENWOOD   I.O.U.	LYNARD SKYNARD   SWEET HOME ALABAMA MICHAEL ENGLISH   YOUR LOVE AMAZES ME STEPPENWOLF   BORN TO BE WILD VARIOUS   SHE THINKS I STILL CARE VINCE GILL   WHENEVER YOU COME AROUND WAYLON JENNINGS   LUKENBACH TEXAS WILLIE NELSON   ALWAYS ON MY MIND Z Z TOPP   TUSH
SWING & SPECIALTY
BILL "ACE" HUNTER   GUITAR BOOGIE SOUFFLE BOBBY "BORIS" PICKETT   MONSTER MASH BRIAN SETZER   JUMP, JIVE & WAIL BOBBY DARIN   MACK THE KNIFE CHRISTMAS SONGS   JINGLE BELL ROCK   SILVER BELLS   THE CHRISTMAS SONG   WHITE CHRISTMAS DANCES   BEER BARREL POLKA   BESAME MUCHO (MAMBO)   BUNNY HOP   ELECTRIC SLIDE   HOKEY POKEY   MACARENA   RUMBLE (STROLL)   TENNESSEE WALTZ   TEQUILA   TWIST DAVE BRUBECK   TAKE FIVE	DIONNE WARWICK   THAT'S WHAT FRIENDS ARE FOR DUKE ELLINGTON   TAKE THE "A" TRAIN FRANK SINATRA   MY WAY   NEW YORK, NEW YORK   MISTY   WITCHCRAFT GEORGE BENSON   MASQUERADE GLEN MILLER ORCHESTRA   IN THE MOOD   MOONGLOW   SATIN DOLL LOUIS ARMSTRONG   HELLO DOLLY   WHAT A WONDERFUL WORLD NAT KING COLE   UNFORGETTABLE MILLS BROTHERS   DADDY'S LITTLE GIRL STAN GETZ   GIRL FROM IPANEMA

Blue Suede Reserves the right to add and delete selections from the list. If you see songs you want included (or excluded) please contact Blue Suede ASAP.