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Beau Shelby was born Richard Reynell Shelby at Indianola , Mississippi in 1962 and began to teach himself drums at age 8 and guitar at age 11. Formed his first band , JABON ,in 1977 and continued to learn from live professional concert performances and televised professional performances such as Don Kirshner ’s Rock Concert , Midnight Special and other shows that debuted and featured some of music's most acclaimed Icons and Diva's from the beginnings of their now well known careers. "Who knew that the Studio band playing behind The Hughes Corp. on "Rock the Boat" (1974) was The one and only Crusaders featuring “The” Larry Carlton of Steely Dan, The Crusaders , Four Play and too many others to mention as well as his own reknown career? “... he asks in a playful yet knowledgeable demeanor. Beau laughs as he recalls trying to emulate L. C. 's groove at that early stage , although by this time , he was already gaining a reputation for his uncanny ability to learn note for note renditions of just about anything that presented a challenge. Beau Shelby (St. Louis' most authentic Modern Blues/R&B/Funk Artist) credits that authenticity to having been born in the Mississippi Delta and raised by family elders who had never lived anywhere else but The Delta. He began playing guitar in 1973 at age 11 and excelled in virtually every category of playing by the time he reached 17. His "particularly blistering" style of lead and a "hela-funky" to "most-mellow" rhythm style has earned him a reputation that others have tried imitate to no avail. Influences: Tony Maiden & Bobby Watson(Rufus & Chaka Khan) , Albert King, B.B. King, Curtis Mayfield,Ray Parker Jr.,Tito Jackson, Frank Zappa , Crusaders , Larry Carlton , Johnny Guitar Watson , George Benson, Earl Klugh , Earth Wind & Fire, Donny Hathaway, Yes , Jeff "Skunk" Baxter, Peter Frampton, The Bee Gees,Bobby Caldwell , Johnny Winter ,George Duke , Bootsy Collins ,Eric Foreman(Homeboy) , Anthony Jackson , Lynyrd Skynyrd, "Wild Bill" Lawton(Homeboy), Leon Russel,Johnnie Johnson,L.J.Reynolds,Ernie Isley, Average White Band, Eric Clapton, Elton John, John Denver, Temptations,Spinners,The Originals,Gap Band,Sly Stone, Larry Graham,Jimi Hendrix, Mountain,Robben Ford,Wynton Kelly,Rick Derringer,Oliver Sain,Maurice White,Return to Forever,The Eagles,Roy Buchanan,Ray Charles,Clayton Love,Laval Bell,Johnnie Taylor,Charlie Parker,Dire Straits,Cannonball Adderly,Henry Townsend,Lester Young , Paul Chambers, Miles Davis , Mike Stern , Paul Schaeffer , Hiram Bullock, Arthur Adams , Tower Of Power , Black Oak Arkansas , Doctor John,Jim Messina,Bread,Muddy Waters , Elmore James , Joe Zawinul , Billy Preston , Steely Dan , Mahogany Rush ,Glenn Campbell , Barry Manilow , The Brothers Johnson ,The Commodores , The Barkays , Rufus Thomas , Joe Tex, Quincy Jones ,John Coltrane ,"Red" Garland , Jimmy Smith , Kansas Timeline and Events · 1973 – Began playing Guitar at age 11. Beau was a highly motivated , mostly self-taught student and spent these early years mastering the basics as well as manual effects and tension devices. · After joining several new and fledgling groups he marshaled that valuable experience and set out to establish his own band - Jabon - in September , 1977. Just two short months later Jabon entered and won first place in St. Louis’ most prestigious talent contest - The Battle of the Bands - on Nov. 17 , 1977. The winning band was also offered an opening act date at Kiel Opera House. · 1978 – Jabon picks up radio producer/jock Gary Starr of KATZ-AM as a sponsor. This led to Beau meeting and greeting some of the biggest R & B acts of that time via Backstage Guest Pass and becoming virtual pals with the likes of : The Bar-Kays , Rufus & Chaka Khan , The Commodores, The Brothers Johnson , and many others. · 1979 – Landed a gig with manager T. J. Morris’ “Rocking Uniques” where he was designated Bandleader and became friends with Greg Osby, noted Jazz Saxophonist (recently touring with Herbie Hancock and others) Kevin Batchelor , Trumpeter with internationally acclaimed Reggae group The SkaTa Lites ; and Theo Peoples , Lead Vocalist of The Four Tops and (formerly ) The Temptations Kevin, Theo & Beau are later recruited by Otha & Co. ( St. Louis’ hottest R & B dance band ) and tour extensively playing the military circuit. · 1980 – 1990 Beau turns to realizing his dream of being an accomplished Studio Musician & Producer by working extensively as a Freelance musician in order to strengthen his versatility. Playing with Chess records legend Bobby McClure landed him onstage as the opening act of the 2nd annual Budweiser Superfest held at The St. Louis International Raceway. Other acts on the date included George Clinton & Parliament/ Funkadelic , The Dramatics , Al Green , Smokey Robinson , Johnny Taylor , The Sugar Hill Gang , SOS Band and many others. He caught the attention of promoter Jim Gates and the legendary Oliver Sain , who took him under his wing as an apprentice. Working with Mr. Sain at his Archway Recording Studio was a dream come true for Beau and he wasted no time showing his appreciation by helping Mr. Sain in his efforts to modernize Archway without compromising its' signature “vintage “ sound. To date Archway has released several of R&B's greatest hits including "Don't Mess Up A Good Thing" (Fontella Bass & Bobby McClure) a number of hits by The Delfonics featuring Phil Perry ; ' You Make Me Feel like Dancing' ,' Bus Stop' and many others. · In 1983 Beau played Lead & Bass Guitar as well as keyboards on the hit Album “Going Fishing” recorded at Archway and released by David Dee. He also had a chance to try his hand at writing and recording his own material for the first time. Freelancing led to him playing with virtually every working act in town and furthered his reputation throughout the St. Louis area. In 1990 Beau decided to embark on a Solo/ specialty Singles act that was very successful and remains a big part of his popularity with private and public venue Clients. . · His current Band , Beau Shelby & Flyy , is his pride and joy. Beau Shelby & Flyy is routinely requested by The St. Louis Blues Society to perform at St. Louis' Premiere Blues Club, B.B.'s Jazz Blues & Soups & Their Annual Big Muddy Blues Festival featuring the likes of Taj Mahal , Mavis Staples , John Lee Hooker , Buddy Guy , John Mayall , The Fabulous Thunderbirds and many others. Formed in 2000 , Flyy is a cutting edge all-around Blues//R&B/Dance/ Jazz/ Lite & Classic Rock/Pop/ Easy Listening band that Jams! At home in virtually any setting , they constantly turn heads and delight audiences throughout their performance with versatility and a genuine flair for true entertainment. Other Festivals include : Opening act for The Great George Benson @The Winter Park Jazz Fest in Colorado which also featured Acoustic Alchemy on the same bill, The AACW Blues & Jazz Festival co- Chaired by noted comedian Dave Chappelle in Yellow Springs , Ohio with Al Caldwel & The Traveling Black Hillbillies. Beau Shelby & Flyy are definitely NOT your average 'cover' band ,but rather , a true Professional Act whether doing covers or originals. The Arranging and Live Production that goes into a Flyy performance is always truly original and designed to leave audiences with a memorable experience... That's what sets Flyy apart and , indeed, puts them in a class all their own. To date, Beau Shelby & Flyy has one previously released CD 'Stand Up' (2000) and an upcoming release 'Move On Time' (2007) to its' credit. Both soon to be available on iTunes and CDBaby.com as well during venue performances @ $15.00 ea. For Bookings: Richard "Beau" Shelby - Producer/ Bandleader 314-352-3689 Home ; 314-550-1179; Cell E-mail: beaushelby@yahoo.com ; Web:www. MySpace.com/beaushelbyflyy ©2007 TriPortMedia Publishing,ASCAP Changes may take up to 2 mins to show on your profile