Jeff Olmstead
(Lead Vocals)
Mike Raffinello
(Lead Guitar)
Jay Grimes
(Guitar)
Johnny Little
(Bass Guitar/Vocals)
John Lord
(Drums/Vocals)
Lissa Rochelle
(Harmony & Lead Vocals)
This band of seasoned musicians is not about just "winging it" for the money. When they get paid they like to know that they earned it! Southern Pride's members have been playing music for over 30 years, and have now formed this band to take their music to the next level and they are extremely excited to bring this diversified group to you and leave knowing they made a statement so people will remember the name SOUTHERN PRIDE! They have been developing a large following throughout Florida which has lead them to performances at some of the more popular venues in the Southeast. Southern Pride members have had the opportunity to play at venues such as Harley Davidson and Busch Gardens, Tampa, FL. and open for but not limited to Confederate Railroad, Credence Clearwater Revival & the Ghost Riders.
Southern Pride is one of the hardest working bands in the business, always recording and performing new music to ensure an unforgettable experience for their listeners. They are known for their ability to cover some of the best classic rocks songs ever written. Starting in late 2006, after going through various musicians and harmony singers Southern Pride has finally conceived a band of true professionals and found their niche. Adding John Little, an excellent solid bass player & vocalist into the mix, and newest member drummer john Lord with his hard hitting percussion and known for playing drums with an edgy yet technical flair and Mike Raffinello on guitar, known for his exciting guitar licks and rockin' sound their music is now being played in the groove that they have been looking for and not being played like your everyday garage band. Putting a final touch of harmony to the music, is Lissa Rochelle, the only female member of the band, singing lead/backing vocals & harmonies. They look forward to rocking a venue near you ! Check their schedule & come out to see for yourself what music is like Southern Pride ~style;)
JEFF OLMSTEAD : Lead Vocals
This wide ranged trained vocalist has been singing, writing music and playing guitar for 34 years. Jeff is an exciting front man who enjoys performing, having a good time and watching peoples eyes open when music is played at it's finest. This serious musician was in several of the top bands like Blue Rooster, Majesty, Mariha, Forgiven, Chance, to name a few throughout the Florida 80's Metal scene, with the best of those bands Resistance, including none other than Jay Grimes as guitar player. He has shared a stage with some well known bands such as Kix, Nazareth, Dokken, Confederate Railroad & Credence Clearwater Rival. Having recently moved back to the Brevard County area, Jeff has gone back to the roots of music, which is southern and classic in your face rock. Now rejoined with Jay, he is looking forward to making their presence known in the music scene so you can judge for yourself just how this band represents.
Influences - Lou Graham, Aerosmith, Queensryche, Judist Priest, Iron Maiden
JAY GRIMES : Lead Guitar/Rythym
A life long Brevard County Florida resident, Jay cut his musical teeth by learning and playing late 70's southern guitar rock. In the late 80's to 90's he went on to explore many different styles of music ranging any were from extreme metal to acoustic ballads lending his talent to many of the top circuit bands throughout Central Florida. In the mid 2000's we find Jay returning to his southern rock roots. Known for his heavy guitar sound and fluid melodic soloing, Jay stands poised to be a major contender once again on the Central Florida rock scene. He has broadened his musical talents not just to the stage but now into the producing side of the business as well as writing both lyrics and music for not only Southern Pride but other upcoming talent.
Influences - Molly Hatchet, ZZ Top, Stranger and Ted Nugent
MIKE RAFFINELLO: Guitar
Mike started playing guitar when he was 12 years old and fell in love with it. Growning up in New York, after fine tuning his guitar skills he joined The Good Rats of Long Island New York, a signed Warner Brothers act & toured with them for 2 years. After moving to Florida , he then played with The Robin Chase band, a Southern Jam productions, & was with her for 2 years, moving on to other local Florida bands such as Eldgin Hooper & The Bad Boys. Mike has had the opportunity to open up for Foghat, Atlanta Rythem Section, Firefall, Cheap Trick, Edgar Winter, Cheech and Chong, the Climax Blues Band, Manfred Mann, Steppinwolf, The New York dolls, Bo Didley and Surviver. Currently working with Southern Pride, they are excited to have such a high energy, seasoned musician as their newest addition.
Influences: Jimi Hendrix, Eric Clapton, Jeff Beck and Alvin Lee
JOHN LITTLE: Bass Guitar & Vocals
John first started playing music at the age of 15 while growing up in Georgia. He began traveling on the road playing country, Top 40 & rock with various bands all of which had good talent such as Topaz, Little Brothers, Lucky Stiff and Brevard County's own Rockit. John plays a variety of instruments besides bass such as keyboards & rythym guitar and he also has a wide vocal range which makes him a perfect harmony singer. John’s flamboyant, funky hard driving bass sound and strong vocals has now landed him a main spot with Southern Pride!
Lissa has been singing since she can remember in school and church choirs. Also a dancer, this California girl has performed at large venues (both singing & dancing) such as Knotts Berry Farm, Disneyland & Universal Studios as well as various venues throughout the Hollywood, California area. After relocating to Brevard County in 1993, Lissa set her sight on other areas of entertainment such as acting & modeling. After taking a break from the industry to become a full-time mom of 4 children & manage their careers in the acting/modeling industry, she has now come back to the music scene as it is something that she truly enjoys. Following in her grandfather's footsteps, her hero who was a dancer & singer on Broadway, performing is in her blood ;)
Influences - Journey, Pat Benatar, Sheryl Crow, Debbie Harry, Heart and yes, Madonna ;)
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Sorry we missed your show tonight. We look forward to catching a show in the near future. I'm sure it will be one kick ass show. Take care my friends, TC Ridge (SOG)