Gary studied music at the
Berklee College of Music in the early 1970’s while working in the metro Boston
area. He traveled the east coast with various club bands until settling in the
Lehigh Valley. He has played with Jazz guitarists George Benson, Mark Elf, and
Grover Kemble. He has worked local bands Clue, Cover Story, and the
combinations.
-“When the music moves us, it will
usually move our audience and then our experience is complete”.
Emmitt Harris - Vocals
As a lead vocalist for over 30
years, Emmitt has worked with musicians from across the country. He has
performed on the east coast, Midwest, Texas, and Canada. Emmitt was the lead
vocalist for a local band Lucky 7 from 1995 to 2007. His musical influences
include classical, jazz, rock, blues, and R&B. Always seeking challenges,
Emmitt auditioned for, and landed a minor role in the rock musical Jesus Christ
Superstar at the Civic Theatre in 2004. He appeared in the dramatic production
To Kill a Mockingbird in 2005. He also played the character “Muddy” in The
Cider House Rules. Emmitt’s smooth style and unique interpretation of the
singing legends of our time is a musical treat for everyone – young and old
alike.
Ben Staples - Drums
Ben started playing the drums at
the age of 10. He has played with small groups and concert bands throughout
high school, receiving Maine State performance awards his junior and senior
years. After high school he attended The University of Maine and graduated with
a degree in Computer programming. During his college years he continued to play
with various rock, jazz, and original bands. Now living in Pennsylvania, he has
played with Lucky 7, Bowl-A-Soul, Cover Story, The Staples Trio, Copper Penny,
and The New Groove – to name a few. Ben is among the best percussionists in the
Lehigh Valley. His musicality, technique, and ‘Groove Sense’ makes for great
listening and dancing.
Tom Vallone – Guitar/Vocals
Tom started playing guitar in
local clubs at the age of 15. He played with The Madison Brothers, which is
where he found his passion and love for the guitar, Hammond B3, horns and drum
sound. He founded the band known as The Wandells that had a 30 year run
in the Lehigh Valley. Over the years The Wandells were an opening band for
Chubby Checker, Dion & the Belmonts, The Dovells, Jerry Lee Lewis and
countless other bands. Tom is currently the lead guitarist for Cover Story,
which was co-founded in 1999 by him and long time friends Gary Staples and Bob
Sedlock.
Influences
Van Morrison, Ray Charles,
James Brown, John Legend, B.B. King, Lou Rawls and many others
Cover Story is Gary Staples –
keyboards, Emmitt Harris – vocals, Ben Staples – drums and Tom Vallone –
guitar.
The band Cover Story was founded
in 1999 by long time friends Gary Staples, Tom Vallone and Bob Sedlock. Gary
played keyboard and bass, Tom played guitar and Bob played the trumpet and
flugelhorn. There have been multiple drummers and vocalists over the years. The
drummers include Butch Kastelnik, Wayne (Paco) Maura and currently Ben Staples.
The vocalists include John McGlochlin, various band members and currently
Emmitt Harris.
Cover Story was originally meant
to be an R&B, Funk and Swing band. Gary Staples and Bob Sedlock arraigned
parts for a horn section, which consisted of Bob, Don Molchany, Vince Mondillo
and Tony Corona. These guys were all great musicians and at times became tired
of section playing. But, when they clicked, it was as good as sex (almost). The
band does not currently have a horn section but is considering adding one again
in the future.
Cover Story covers such bands as
Van Morrison, Ray Charles, James Brown, John Legend, B.B. King, Lou Rawls and
many others. The variety is endless.
Come out to meet and listen to
the guys. If you are sitting when the music starts - my condolences - you might
have passed!
So good to see you guys out playing and doing well - Hope to see you soon - I keep working when you are playing -- I might actually be able to catch one of these. Hugs to all Lori V
