Bios

Crazy Johnny

I started my music career in grade school where I played the coronet. I continued to Jr. High and was in the concert band 2nd chair. Then I found girls, and football. I started getting back into music in 1967. Since then I have entertained crowds for years. I have been in several house bands and have been on the road playing at state fairs and county fairs. I also have played at most of the University of Illinois fraternities and sororities houses. I have backed up famous stars like Bobby Vinton, Paul and Paula, Ingra Berry (Chuck Berry's daughter), and appeared with Alabama, REO Speed Wagon, Willy Nelson, John Cougar, Tom Petty, Hall and Oats, and Pork and the Havana Ducks. I was rated one of the area's best front men in 70s and 80s. Now I'm known as a legendary performer. I worked my way up through the music scene to gain this legendary title. As of today I am still entertaining crowds through-out Illinois. I also have been playing in a backup band for Nashville recording artists covering county fairs and state fairs and festivals, I also was in productions at the first Farm Aid with Willy Nelson and John Cougar. In the year 2006 I was part of a benefit for a local girl which raised over $71,000.00 for medical expenses.

Danny McCartney

I believe my love for music started in church which was basically singing. My interest in playing in a band started when my father (who worked for Urbana Schools) took me to a large musical concert at the Jr. High gym in the early sixties. Groups such as The New Colony Six from Chicago and a local group called The One Eyed Jacks played and I just knew I had to try that some day!! In the late sixties and early seventies my brother Terry and I started putting together a neighborhood band and started playing parties, school dances, and sock hops. By the time I turned 17 I was playing in local clubs in country bands. Since then I have been in rock groups, soul groups, disco (WHAT, DID I SAY THAT)? Yes, disco groups, variety groups and southern gospel. I pretty much enjoy all types of music and hope to see you at our next job!

Bob Watson

I have been playing guitar since I was 10 years old. I started playing professionally when I was 14 years old and have been "gigging" ever since. I started off playing Rock and Roll but was soon playing a variety of other styles including Blues, R&B, Jazz and Country & Western. I spent 11 years living in Nashville Tennessee and have toured with some national acts, including Jeannie C. Riley and Dave and Sugar. I am currently living in Urbana, working and teaching at Corson Music's Guitar Store and playing as often as my schedule will allow.

Joni Dreyer

I grew up in Champaign, Illnois listening to Motown, Blues, and Jazz. My influences are Ella Fitzgerald, Gladys Knight, and my favorite, Stevie Wonder. Growing up in school, my friends were listening to a more rock-n-roll feel. Not me, I would listen to George Benson, Earth Wind and Fire just about anything with a groove to it and great harmonies. I have learned to enjoy and appreciate all kinds of music. To this day I will sing a variety of songs to please my audience. I started singing a little bit of back-ups vocals with my brother Dave Dreyer and his different bands. I later would sing on open stage night at The City Limits. My first band was called "The Blues Benders" with Dave Cooper on guitar and blues singer Mary Clark. Later on in my career I formed a band called "Free Advice" with Josh Quirk and Dave Cooper. The band was short lived. We played 80s music in the 80s. I then teamed up with my brother Dave Dreyer and was in several bands with him. We still get together and play weddings and private parties even today. I have also been in duos performing with power players like Bob Watson, Brian Wilkie and Matt Stewart. I have also enjoyed playing with Bill Hecht and Dan Henry in a trio setting. I really enjoy going out and hearing live music which I support in Champaign-Urbana. I sometime sit in with different bands and sing a song or two. I now am with "The Lugnutz" band singing a variety of music for every occasion.

Randy Smith

Smooth and solid says it all! I have been playing since I was a teenager. My versatility includes Rock and Roll, Pop, Blues and Country - You name it - I can play it! "Big Bottom" Smith's Bass playing along with drummer Danny McCartney provides the backbone and the drive to lead everyone within earshot to head to the dance floor or at least tap their feet. My first CD "Corn Bred Blues" was released in 2004 and offers rockin' midwest blues at its best! My second CD "Spirit River" is scheduled for release on the summer of 2007.