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Rockin'Town Artist Bios RockinTown is the place to go for the rock 'n' roll lowdown. RockinTown celebrates all that is rock - bios, recaps of memorable moments, album and song info, and links to great rock retail. Rock is alive on RockinTown! 0-9 A B C D E F G H I J K L M N O P Q R S T U V W X Y Z		RockinTrivia Test your knowledge RockinForum Add your comments
Rockin'Artist Bios C  Artist Prime Years  Caesars 2003 - 2005  In ’95, lead singer Cesar Vidal and guitarist Joakim Åhlund, childhood schoolmates, launched the band for fun and were joined by bassist David Lindqvist and drummer Jens Örjeheim, who was soon replaced by drummer Nino Keller. John Cafferty & The Beaver Brown Band 1983 - 1985  John Cafferty & The Beaver Brown, a Rhode Island based group that had been hustling gigs throughout the northeast, was selected to record the “The Eddie And The Cruiser’s” soundtrack. Cafferty’s claim to fame was an unbelievable knack for nailing Springsteen’s vocal style. Cage The Elephant 2009 -   Cage The Elephant occupies a space between the Kings Of Leon and The Killers – not a bad place to be. Cake 1999 - 2001  Cake’s debut “Motorcade of Generosity” is good but sophomore effort “Fashion Nuggets” containing the frantic “The Distance” is better. The Calling   The Calling started in L.A.’s San Fernando Valley area when guitarist Aaron Kamin was dating vocalist Alex Band’s sister. Candlebox 1993 - 1998  Seattle’s music intelligentsia didn’t feel Candlebox was ‘true Grunge’. But then neither did Candlebox. They considered themselves a Rock n’ Roll band. The Candles 2010 -   Had The Candles released “Between The Sounds” in the early ‘70s they would have fit snugly between Jackson Browne and The Eagles. Canned Heat   Formed in LA in '66 around Bob The Bear Hite (harmonica/vocals) and Al Blind Owl Wilson (guitar/harmonica/vocals), Canned Heat took its name from a 1928 Tommy Johnson song. Freddy Cannon 1960 - 1963  Cannon usually got lumped in with the teen-idols of the era despite of the fact that he had a powerful voice, built for Rock n’ Roll, and could kick it out when the time came. The Cars 1978 - 1984  The Cars debut album and Heartbreak City are their ultimate studio albums. Rosanne Cash 1980 - 1989  Rosanne Cash and Carlene Carter are inexorably linked. Johnny Cash   Cash is the only person elected to the Rock n' Roll Hall of Fame, the Country Music Hall of Fame and the Songwriter's Hall of Fame. Cave In   The name Cave In sounds like it belongs to a post-Grunge, Thrash Alt. Rock group and when they formed outside of Boston in '95 that was just what Stephen Brodsky (guitar/vocals), Adam McGrath (guitar), Caleb Scofield (bass) John-Robert Conners (drums) were. Cavo 2009 -   Being from the no-frills Midwest, Cavo clearing understands mainstream Rock. Jimmy Chamberlin Complex 2005 - 2005  Former Jazz drummer Jimmy Chamberlin was stickman for Smashing Pumpkins and Zwan. Chambers Brothers   The psychedelic guitars with a great riff, the cow bell and wails made Time As Come Today totally unique. The song has aged better than most of its contemporaries. Ray Charles 1954 - 1964  At the ripe old age of 27 Ray Charles was signed by Atlantic Records, which had made a name for itself as the home of R&B. Charm City Devils 2009 -   Deciding to chuck the drums in favor of being a frontman, John Allen holed up in his Baltimore basement studio to put together Charm City Devils. Cheap Trick 1978 - 1982  To celebrate Cheap Trick’s twentieth anniversary in ‘98 “Cheap Trick At Budokan: The Complete Concert” was released. Chester French 2009 -   Chester French issued Love The Future featuring the single She Loves Everybody - a song promoting safe sex that was initially distributed in a limited edition condom package. Chevelle 1999 -   Pete, Joe and Sam Loeffler formed Chevelle in ’95 plying a sound that contained soft passages but relied on a thunderous raw Metal guitar to drive the songs home. Chicago   The idea of marrying Rock and Jazz (a combination not made in heaven) had been kicked around for awhile when Chicago Transit Authority left their Midwest home for L A Chickenfoot 2009 -   Sammy Hagar and Michael Anthony (both ex-Valen) added guitarist Joe Satriani (solo, G3 and Deep Purple) and drummer Chad Smith (of the Red Hot Chili Peppers) to form Chickenfoot. Children Of Bodom 2002 -   Children Of Bodom, a Metal/Death Metal outfit, can blast and rail with anyone but they also deliver majestic riffs and high drama. The Church   The Church, though popular in their native Australia, had a tougher time in the States due in large part to their often diverse, free-form approach. Cinderella 1986 - 1990  Cinderella owes its career to being in the right place at the right time and to the marketing power of MTV. Clap Your Hands And Say Yeah 2005 -   Clap Your Hands And Say Yeah (CYHSY) is Post-Punk with its heart on its sleeve. Eric Clapton 1966 - 1971  Since the mid-60s, regardless of the group, Eric Clapton was the focal point. The Clash 1977 - 1982  The Clash showed considerable musical range for a group labeled as a Punk band. Kurt Cobain 1990 - 1994  With the vacant deep blue eyes and that haunting look (heroin will do that to you), Kurt Cobain was the poster boy of the Grunge sound. Eddie Cochran 1957 - 1960  Rock-A-Billy master Eddie Cochran is known for Summertime Blues, and C'mon Everybody and the incredible Twenty Flight Rock. Joe Cocker 1969 - 1971  Joe Cocker was a throwback. He did covers when everyone else wrote their own songs. While everyone was in a group Cocker was a solo act. Cocktail Slippers 2007 -   Masterpiece is a down and dirty shot of Punk inspired Garage Rock while St Valentine’s Day Massacre is more polished. Coheed & Cambria 2003 -   Coheed & Cambria have been called a kinder, gentler Mars Volta. Cold War Kids 2007 -   The Cold War Kids - Nathan Willett, Jonathan Bo Russell (vocals, guitar, piano), Matt Maust (bass guitar) and Matt Aveiro (drums, percussion) – are from Fullerton, CA. Coldplay 2000 -   Coldplay often gets compared to the likes of Radiohead. Cold 2000 - 2005  Cold released 13 Ways To Bleed Onstage and Year of the Spider albums. Collective Soul 1994 -   “Collective Soul” (’95) built on their debut’s success. It featured a number of Modern Rock/pop singles, “December,” “Where The River Flows,” “The World I Know” and “Gel.” Comets On Fire 2004 -   Two years after the group’s formation, Comets On Fire released their self-titled full-length debut in ’00. This primitive recording was intense, if nothing else. David Cook 2008 -   How the Houston born/Blue Springs, MO, raised Cook wound up on American Idol was one of those happy accidents. Cook had been the lead singer/guitarist with Axium, a high school band that had gone pro. The Coral 2005 - 2005  On “Invisible Invasion,” The Coral open with the haunting “She Sings The Mourning” and “Cripples Crown.” Billy Corgan 2005 - 2005  Using backing musicians, including former Pumpkins’ drummer Jimmy Chamberlin, Billy Corgan released his solo debut, TheFutureEmbrace in ’05. Chris Cornell 2007 -   A Seattle native, born Christopher John Boyle (he and his siblings took their mother’s maiden name when their parents divorced), started as a drummer (just like Kurt Cobain) before vaulting to the forefront. Elvis Costello 1978 - 1982  After seeing Nick Lowe perform, Elvis Costello decided to start his own group, Flip City. Counting Crows 1993 - 1996  The Counting Crows’ “Mr. Jones,” with a character based loosely on Bob Dylan’s “Ballad Of A Thin Man,” the melancholy “Round Here” and “Rain King” are on “August And Everything After.” Courteeners 2010 -   While there is an occasional electric guitar flourish (“Fallowfield Hillbilly”), the Courteeners play acoustic oriented Brit Rock. Cranberries 1990 - 1991  Everybody Else Is Doing It, So Why Can’t We” and “No Need To Argue” present the Cranberries guitar driven, Celtic influenced Rock in the most favorable light. Crash Kings 2010 -   The key tracks on Crash Kings' self-titled debut are “Mountain Man,” (of course), “It’s Only Wednesday,” “14 Arms” and “You Got Me.” Crash Test Dummies 1991 - 1995  The Crash Test Dummies was one of those quirky bands that roll out of Canada every now and then. Crazy Town   That could pass as the Crazy Town story with Butterfly – a track sampled from the Red Hot Chili Peppers. Cream 1967 - 1969  Cream was probably the world's first supergroup. Creedence Clearwater Revival 1969 - 1971  In a world populated by Jimi Hendrix, the Doors, Led Zeppelin and Janis Joplin, Creedence Clearwater Revival might seem a little boring. Don’t be fooled. Creed 1997 -   Creed's debut My Own Prison played like a greatest hits collection. The Cribs 2003 -   If you’re looking for loose, put-down Rock in the style of the Vines or Libertines, The Cribs are a good choice. Crosby, Stills & Nash 1969 -   Supergroups rarely live up to the hype. Expectations are way out of line. People assume, often wrongly, that the group's new sound will be a synthesis of past accomplishments. Crosby, Stills, Nash & Young   Realizing they needed a little more musical muscle for touring - Stills was a great guitarist and Crosby played rhythm guitar - they recruited Neil Young and installed the rhythm section of Dallas Taylor and Greg Reeves. Crossfade 2002 -   With rough hewn vocals and tight, forceful guitars, Crossfade blends Nu Metal and Grunge on their self-titled debut. Sheryl Crow 1993 -   In limbo, trying to put together another album, Sheryl Crow was invited to an informal mid-week jam session called the Tuesday Night Music Club, a name she lifted for her '93 CD. The Cult 1984 - 1987  In The Cult, the core is vocalist Ian Astbury and guitarist Billy Duffy. Rivers Cuomo 1995 -   Cuomo, a vegetarian, grew up on an ashram (religious commune) and went to private schools. The Cure 1985 - 1992  ’92 release “Wish” became The Cure’s highest-charting LP of all time, reaching #1 in the U.K. and #2 in the U.S., with the worldwide hits Friday I'm in Love and “High.” Custom   Some performers, like Custom, have adopted a “group” persona but dumped the group dynamic. Cut Off Your Hands 2006 -   Indie power-pop defines exactly Cut Your Hands Off.	Rockin'Artist Bios D  Artist Prime Years  D Generation 1991 - 1997  Ex-Heart Attack vocalist Jesse Malin started D Generation in '91 with bassist Howie Pyro and guitarist Richard (Rick) Bacchus. Dada 1992 - 1994  The trio Dada (named after the early 20th century art movement that rebelled against stale cultural conventions) hit with their parody of the ubiquitous Disneyland commercials. Dick Dale 1962 - 1964  “Misirlou,” Dick Dale’s best-known song, showed up in “Pulp Fiction” and was the perfect capper to the opening scene. Damageplan   Damageplan released their debut New Found Power in early ’04. Damn Yankees 1990 - 1992  Damn Yankees formed in ’89 though only Nugent (a Michigan native) actually qualified as a Yankee (Shaw was from Alabama, Blades from California and Cartellone hailed from the plains of Nebraska). Damned Things 2009 -   Fall Out Boy guitarist Joe Trohman and drummer Andy Hurley teamed with Anthrax guitarist Scott Ian and vocalist Keith Buckley for Damned Things. Dandy Warhols 1997 -   Former Beauty Stab drummer Courtney Taylor-Taylor launched the Dandy Warhols in Portland, OR. Danzig 1988 - 1994  Vocalist Glenn Danzig and his band; guitarist John Christ (perfect last name for a guy in a demonic band), bassist Ernie Von (pretty pedestrian name) and drummer Chuck Biscults (later replaced by Joey Castillo) formed in L.A. Dark New Day 2005 - 2012  Dark New Day members came from opening bands, second stage festival acts and occupiers of the Rock charts lower reaches – at least they landed on them. The lone exception was Clint Lowery of Sevendust. The Darkness 2003 - 2005  The Darkness should be the name of a Goth-Metal act not a group reviving the Mott The Hoople ethos. Dashboard Confessional 2001 -   Chris Carrabba, the Florida-based singer/songwriter created the acoustic oriented Dashboard Confessional because he didn't want a group named after himself or be seen as a solo. Daughtry 2006 -   “Daughtry” opens sounding exactly like what you’d expect had Chris won American Idol – highly polished pop-oriented power ballads. They’re effective and Daughtry has the chops to put them over. Dave Clark Five 1964 - 1966  The London based DC5 got together in the early 60's in the hopes of raising money for their football club so they could play some matches on the continent. Dawes 2009 -   Dawes' “North Hills” sounds like Crosby, Stills and Nash with all the lead vocals handled by Stephen Stills. Days Of The New 1998 - 1999  Blowing out of their native Charlestown, IN, and settling in Louisville, KY, school chums Travis Meeks (vocalist), Jesse Vest (bassist) and Matt Taul (drummer) founded Days Of The New. Dead By Sunrise 2009 -   Before becoming Dead By Sunrise, the band called themselves Snow White Tan – as in not getting outside much or at least during daylight hours. Dead Kennedys 1980 - 1986  Dead Kennedys were revolutionary group with an abundance of causes but hardly any audience. The Dead Weather 2009 -   The Dead Weather released their debut “Horehound,” with the single “Hang You From The Heavens,” in the summer, ‘09. Death Cab For Cutie 2000 -   Singer/guitarist Ben Gibbard, guitarist/organist Christopher Walla (who also recorded the early DCFC sessions), bassist Nick Harmer, and drummer Nathan Good launched Death Cab For Cutie in 1997. Deep Purple 1968 - 1975  Early Deep Purple could be described as a combination covers band and experimental Rock. Deerhoof 1997 -   Deerhoof seems bound and determined to invent Post-Punk Cocktail Jazz. Def Leppard 1981 - 1986  Hysteria with six singles practically makes a Def Leppard greatest hits package moot. Default   Guitarist Jeremy Hora and drummer Danny Craig started the Fallout in ‘99. Deftones 1995 -   The Deftones' Chino Moreno is one of those singers who can go from a whisper to a scream within a breath. Delaney and Bonnie & Friends   The husband and wife team of Delaney and Bonnie had been performing together since the mid '60s, working the Country/Blues vein. Since there was just the two of them, they needed backing musicians. Over a relatively brief period, Duane Allman, Dave Mason and Leon Russell contributed their talents. Derek & The Dominos   Derek & The Dominos made its debut in a London benefit concert for Dr. Benjamin Spock's Civil Liberties Defense Fund at the Lyceum Ballroom with he line-up of Clapton, Bobby Whitlock (piano, organ, vocals); Carl Radle (bass); Jim Gordon (drums)and Dave Mason (guitar). Rick Derringer 1976 - 1977  Rick Derringer first gained notoriety as the guitarist with the McCoys, a group best known for “Hang On Sloopy” in the mid ‘60s. The Devil Wears Prada 2006 -   “With Roots Above And Branches Below,” the third album by The Devil Wears Prada, peaked at #11 on the Billboard Album Chart. Diamond Nights 2005 - 2005  Diamond Nights’ “Popsicle” is 1978 all over again. Bo Diddley 1954 - 1959  One chord and an incredible rhythm. Born in Mississippi, Otha Ellas McDaniel moved with his family to Chicago at age eight. He got his first guitar from his sister. Diffuser   Feeling the “name/number” moniker was played out (think: Blink-182, Finger Eleven, 3 Doors Down, etc.) Flu 13 was dropped in favor of Diffuser. Dinosaur Jr. 1989 - 1993  Dinosaur Jr. proved that Grunge was around before the whole movement coalesced around Nirvana. Dio/Ronnie James Dio 1983 - 1987  Dio is one of Metal’s most powerful vocalists. His forceful snarl, reminiscent of Judas Priest’s Rob Halford, is augmented by near operatic turns. Dion (& The Belmonts)   From the Bronx Dion DiMucci was star material. At his first recording session the producer had brought in a group of singers for backing vocals. Dire Straits 1978 - 1985  Dire Straights got together in ‘77 around a nucleus of Mark, his brother David and bassist John Illsley. Dirty Pretty Things   You could almost call Dirty Pretty Things “the Libertines - Part II. The Distillers   With the combination of Dalle’s intense full throated vocals and the minimalist Punk approach, The Distillers strike a chord on Coral Fang. Disturbed 2002 -   Disturbed’s vocalist David Draiman, born to a deeply religious family, rebelled. Pete Doherty 2009 -   Pete Doherty’s Grace/Wasteland is a low-key but surprisingly melodic effort. Dokken 1984 - 1992  Morrison Hotel/Hard Rock Café - 1970: Dokken featured vocalist Don Dokken and guitarist George Lynch. Fats Domino 1955 - 1958  Starting in the late–40s as an R&B performer, his only option since white radio stations wouldn’t play an African-American’s music, he racked up several hits. The Donnas 1997 -   The Donnas' slam-bam Rock is undeniable. Donovan   after spending the mid-60s churning out Folk influenced pop anthems like Sunshine Superman and Mellow Yellow, Donovan, like Dylan, found Rock. Doobie Brothers 1972 - 1977  Despite being once known for playing rowdy Hell’s Angels’ functions the Doobie Brothers consistently rode the line between pop and Rock until, with a little help from Michael McDonald, they finally landed on the pop side. The Doors 1967 - 1971  When people preached peace and love, the Doors responded with sex and violence. Doves 2000 -   Former Sub Sub members Jimi Goodwin (bass/vocals) and the twins Jez (guitar) and Andy Williams (drums) became the Doves. Dr. Dog 2001 -   They resurrect the late-60s/early’70s and don’t differentiate between kitschy and cool. Dragonforce 2003 - 2005  Herman Li and Sam Totman’s twin guitar attack, ZP Theart’s dramatic vocals and Vadim Pruzhanov’s keyboards are Dragonforce’s most recognizable elements. Dream Theater 1992 - 2005  Dream Theater fits in the Prog Rock category. Drive-By Truckers 2004 -   “A Blessing And A Curse” stands as Drive-By Truckers best album. Drowning Pool 2001 -   Turns out the film “Drowning Pool” was playing in the background when Steve lost his virginity. Drummer 2009 -   Given Patrick Carney’s (Black Keys) involvement it’s hardly surprising that Feel Good Together” is an energetic lo-fi effort. The Drums 2010 -   The Drums have been called a power pop band but they are clearly more pop than power. Dum Dum Girls 2010 -   Kristen Gundred, known as Dee-Dee, began recording, virtually solo, in ’08 as the Dum Dum Girls. Duran Duran 1982 - 1986  Like numerous New Romantic groups, Duran Duran is more interested in style than Rock Bob Dylan 1965 -   In the fabled ‘60s Bob Dylan was the premier singer/songwriter.