SML Stacie LuPardus: Bio's
SML Stacie LuPardus
Stacie LuPardus – Lead Vocalist
Music has always been a big part of Stacie’s life. Stacie started singing as a little girl, not realizing how far singing would take her. When she started writing songs, it really opened up a whole new world for her:
“I can remember a gig in Wichita KS at the Cessna stadium. There were about 3000 people there. I went on and as I was doing my show the people began clapping, dancing and singing along, just having an awesome time! There’s nothing like the feeling of having a great show – the adrenaline rush is amazing.”
Stacie knew right then and there that this was what she was supposed to do for the rest of her life.
Stacie’s first album, A Thousand No’s, consistently receives acclaim for her outstanding singing and unique song writing talents. The album consist of many potential hits such as I’m Gonna Drive, a beautiful Country ballad that highlights Stacie’s rich and dynamic vocals and demonstrates that Stacie LuPardus could share the stage with the likes of Carrie Underwood or Faith Hill. The tune Whiskey features Stacie’s ability to belt out a driving Blues song that leaves an audience raising their fists and yelling “Yeahhhhh!” About her first album Stacie says:
“I really put a lot of work into it. To see it come to life has been my dream. I thank GOD for giving me this desire in my heart and I intend to take it to its fullest!”
TID BITS
Full Name-Stacie Michele LuPardus
Birthday-November 8
High School-Independence
College-Coffeyvile Community CCC
Degree-Associates
Hobbies-Scuba Diving, Tennis, Hot Glue Gun
First Car-Pinto
Musical Influences-Patsy Cline, PRINCE, Celine Deon, Garth Brooks, Mariah Carey
FAVORITES
Color-Orange
Movie-It's A Wonderful Life
Actor-JOHN TRAVOLTA
Actress-Jodi Foster
Song-I LOVE ALL MUSIC
Dessert-ALL OF THEM
Food-Mexican
Sports-Football, Scuba Diving, Tennis, Dodge Ball
EQUIPMENT
Sure Beta 58 microphone
Jerry Botts - Bass Player
Jerry Botts – Bass Player and Vocals
Born into the musical Botts family, music has been a part of Jerry’s life from the start. His first concert was at the age of five and he has been performing ever since. The Bass is his instrument of choice because it incorporates both “Time and Music”.
“I like the Bass because it is part of what drives the music; it keeps the life in the music.”
Jerry is known as the “Bass Players’ Bass Player”. He has played behind such greats as Clarence “Gatemouth” Brown, Pride of Del Rio Band, and had the premier band in the Midwest for a numbers of years known as “Borderline”.
“Music is in my bones and I am real excited to get to play music behind my daughter Stacie. IT’S THE BEST!”
says Jerry about the SML Band.
EQUIPMENT: Five String Music Man, Mesa Boogie Head.
HOBBIES: Golf, Golf and more Golf.
Steve Datson "Porky" - drums and smiles
I began drumming in 1958 by taking lessons from drum legend Smokey Stover. I had played piano before, but drums had become more interesting by that time. My father, Richard played clarinet and saxophone in the Army Air Corps during the 1940s and with local jazz bands through the end of the 60s. Much of my music interest came from him, although not my taste in music.
Played in High School marching band, jazz band and orchestra as well as competing in music contests throughout school.
I began taking an interest in rock n roll at that time and the first band I played in was The X-Rays in 1962. We covered high school dances and local Teen Town gigs.
1964 saw me become the drummer for another local group. "Jimmy and the Galaxies" was an 8 piece mixed, rhythm and blues group. We were very well known in the 4-State area; played many high school and radio-sponsored gigs as well as clubs and concerts. We backed up and opened up for several nationally known acts: Rufus Thomas, Big Al Downing and The Yardbirds from England. We played with the Yardbirds in Tulsa, OK in 1964. That group had Jeff Beck on lead guitar while Jimmy Page played bass. We were taken backstage and personally introduced to the Yardbirds by the concert promoterfollwoing the performance.
Jimmy and The Galaxies became The Rising Suns following a successful audition with Mid Continent Entertainment in Lawrence, Ks. We were an 8 piece show group with a full 4 piece brass section. The group worked throughout the Midwest from Canada to South Texas.
I completed my education in 1972 @ Pittsburg State University, and continued playing in the 4-State area through that time.
I moved to Los Angles in 1977 at the request of former band mates to play in The Undisputed Truth, known for their great hit "Smiling Faces". This group was managed by national hit-maker Norman Whitfield and Warner Bros. records. Norman had over 100 hit records in the 60s & 70s. His stabe of groups included The Temptations, The Undisputed Truth, Rose Royce who did the sound track for the movie "Car Wash" as well as tons of local hits in the LA area. Eventually moved back to the Midwest to get away from the West Cost craziness in the late 70s. Have stayed and played in this area since that time.
I was inducted into the Kansas Music Hall of Fame in March, 2007; into the Kansas Lions' Rock Hall of Fame in November, 2007 and now into the Iowa Music Assn. Rock N Roll Hall of Fame in August, 2010.