FORREST WESLEY STARR was born on May 22, 1955 in Rome, Georgia. At the age of nine, Wes began his formal training with private drum lessons. Wes joined his school band program in the fifth grade. In the ninth grade at Pepperell High School, Wes was made Drum Lieutenant, a position he held through graduation. During these years, Wes played in local rock, jazz and dance bands in and around Rome and Atlanta, Georgia. Early influences include Gene Krupa, Elvin Jones, and Butch Trucks of the Allman Brothers Band.

To further pursue his music career, Wes moved to Santa Barbara, California in 1975. During this period he played with popular west-coast country bands, "The Lonesome Tumbleweeds" and "The Hit and Run Swing Band".

When an offer came in 1979 from his friend, Kim Wilson (The Fabulous Thunderbirds), to audition with "Omar and the Howlers", Wes moved to Austin, Texas. For the next four years, he toured around the country with "Omar and the Howlers" and recorded Omar's first LP, Big Leg Beat. This was to become for Wes, the beginning of a long music career in Texas and the developing of his own creative style of Texas drumming.

In 1982-1983, Wes toured heavily with Louisiana's queen-of-R&B and piano-great, Marcia Ball. During this time, they recorded Marcia's first LP, Soulful Dress (Rounder Records), featuring fellow Austinite Stevie Ray Vaughan on guitar.

Following an offer from Greg "Fingers" Taylor, Wes recorded Fingers' first solo LP, Harpoon Man, and toured the southeast from 1983-1984. Soon it was time for Fingers to rejoin Jimmy Buffet's band, giving Wes the opportunity to join forces with Texas' western swing aces "Asleep at the Wheel".

After one and a half years with "Asleep at the Wheel", which included the recording of one LP and a touring schedule of more than 250 dates a year, Wes left "the Wheel" to join Louisiana's up-and-coming R&B artist Mason Ruffner. During the nine months Wes played with Mason, they toured as support act for The Firm's U.S. tour, featuring Jimmy Page and Paul Rogers.

During the next three years, Wes stayed very active in the local music scene, becoming one of the house drummers at Antone's, The Club, and playing with fellow Austinites: Tish Hinojosa, Jimmie Dale Gilmore, Kaz Kazanoff and Erik and the Offbeats. Wes also kept busy in the studio working on record projects and various advertising jingles.

It was back on the road in 1989 with an offer from Delbert McClinton. That year brought another U.S. tour and three European tours, mainly England, Finland and Scandinavia. While on one of the European tours, Wes was approached about recording with one of Sweden's biggest artists, Bjorn Afzelius.

Wes left Delbert to record Tusen Bitar with Bjorn, which went multi-platinum. The recording with Bjorn led to another Scandinavian project, which would win the artist Allan Olsen, from Denmark, Country Artist of the Year 1991.

Upon returning to the States, Wes went back into the studio to record with two French artists, leading pop artist Dick Rivers (New Rose) and up-and-coming pop artist Fred deFred (Polygram).
Dick Rivers' first single, Ya Qu'toi Qui Sais (Ma P'Tite Cannaille), went to No. 1 in France.

It was during this time in mid 1991, that Wes was contacted and offered a touring job by an old friend of his, Hal Ketchum. Hal's first major release, Past the Point of Rescue (Curb Records), produced the No. 1 single of 1991 in R&R magazine, "Small Town Saturday Night". Other hits on the record include "I Know Where Loves Lives", "Past the Point of Rescue" and "Five O'Clock World".

With the release of the second record, Sure Love (Curb Records), the title single reached No. 3 in R&R and No. 2 in Billboard. "Hearts Are Gonna Roll", the second single from Sure Love, went to No. 2 in R&R. "Mama Knows the Highway" stayed at No. 8 for four weeks. As the holidays approached, the fourth single, "Someplace Far Away", made it into the Top 10 before the holiday chart freeze.

In recognition of International Drum Month, November 1993, Governor Ann Richards, Texas, signed an official state memorandum proclaiming November 1993 International Drum Month in Texas. In her proclamation, Governor Richard's says, "The State of Texas has been the home of many prominent drummers". Of the fifteen drummers Governor Richard's mentions, Wesley Starr is one of them.

Hal's latest record, Every Little Word, was released in May 1994, with the first single, "Tonight We Just Might Fall in Love Again". The band toured Ireland & England with critical acclaim in June and July. April through November the band toured heavily, which included filming Michael Martin Murphy's Colorado West Fest from Copper Mountain and The Road for national syndication. December 1994 found the band again touring England and Ireland, playing to sold-out audiences and recording a live broadcast for BBC Radio.

1994 also had Wes busy in the studio recording Jimmie Dale Gilmore's "critically acclaimed" record, Spinning Around the Sun (Electra), with Emory Gordy, Jr. producing and also working on Fingers Taylor's latest recording for Appaloosa Records, currently untitled and not yet released.

In January 1995, Hal Ketchum and the Alibis played the Sandy Beaches Blues Cruise sailing the Carribean. The cruise was hosted by Delbert McClinton and also included Lee Roy Parnell, Marcia Ball, Stephen Bruton, Anson Funderburgh and the Rockets, Lou Ann Barton and others.

Following the Blues Cruise, Wes left Hal Ketchum's organization.

March 1995 through June 1995, Wes toured with country newcomer Ken Preuitt. In July 1995 Wes was in Memphis recording an album with Burt French, featuring Greg "Fingers" Taylor. Shortly after the session, Wes joined piano boogie-master Mitch Woods on a five week East Coast tour.

After returning home, Wes was contacted once again to join forces with Delbert McClinton. Their touring schedule for 1995 included Kansas City, Fort Worth, Minneapolis, Biloxi, New York City, and Richmond VA for New Year's Eve just to name a few. 1996 began with the Delbert McClinton Sandy Beaches Cruise II, sailing the eastern Caribbean.

Delbert was asked for the fourth year in a row, to act as the House Band for the ESPY Awards, held February 12, 1996, at Radio City Music Hall, NYC.

Wes continued touring with Delbert through the fall of 1996, the highlight of which was a 10-week tour with B.B. King, Taj Mahal, the Neville Brother’s and Kenny Wayne Sheppard.

For the next year and a half, Wes pursued various personal and professional avenues, during which he was introduced to Abe White, Harry Dial and Gregg Wetzel. With the chemistry there, “The Paramours” were founded and toured around Tennessee and one tour of Norway.

In March 2000, Wes returned to Austin, Texas and began playing with Rob Roy Parnell touring the southeast and a weekly slot at Antone’s every Monday night.

In February 2001, Wes joined long-time friends Anson Funderburgh and Sam Myers touring the U.S., Canada, Scandanavia and Europe taking May 2001 off to tour Europe with Lee McBee.

Wes is presently touring heavily this summer with Anson throughout the U.S. and Canada with a tour to Australia scheduled for this October and plans to record a new record at the end of the year.

Wes is endorsed by:

Pro-Mark contact: Pat Brown (800) 822-1492
Sabian Cymbals contact: Steve Oksenuk (617) 871-1666
P.S. Covers contact: Steve Phelps (605) 352-4278
Fibes Drum Company contact: Tommy Robertson (512) 416-9955
PureCussion contact: Dee Slinde (612) 927-2330

Wes Starr
202 Harbor Circle
Georgetown, Texas 78628

(512) 819-9919

During Wes' music career, he has played, recorded and/or toured with such greats as: Laverne Baker, Mose Allison, Chuck Berry, Albert Collins, Willie Nelson, Sunnyland Slim, Bonnie Raitt, Tiny Tim, Floyd Tilman, Erik Hokkanen, Jimmy Buffett, Michael Parks, Lynn Anderson, Katy Moffatt, Kim Wilson, Lee Roy Parnell, W.C. Clark, Terry McBride, Paul Orta, Stoney Edwards, Nick Connolly, Kimmie Rhodes, Memphis Slim, Matt "Guitar" Murphy, John Mooney, Pinetop Perkins, Alan Haynes, Mike Morgan, Denny Freeman, Leon Rausch, Johnny Gimble, Herb Remington, Floyd Domino, Kaz Kazanoff, Mary Ann Price, George Porter, Snooks Eaglin, Eric Johnson, Al Dressen and his Super Swing Revue, Duncan Cameron, Stevie Ray Vaughan, Dr. John, Suzy Bogguss, Koko Taylor, Eddie Taylor, Perry Welch, J.B. Hutto, Mike Utley, Booker T. Jones, Byron Berline, Ronnie Gray, Stephen Bruton, Bobby Keys, Smokey Dacus, Bob Boatwright, Junior Brown, Bo Diddley, Larry Davis, The Special Orchestra, Joe Ely, Seymor Duncan, Alvin Crow, Butch Hancock, Clifford "Honky Tonk" Scott, Anson Funderburgh, (Dr. Ron Dante), Michael Ballew, Ken Preuitt, Gary Nicholson, Flaco Jimenez, Red Tyler, Emmylou Harris, Robert Goulet, Kenny Wayne Sheppard, The Texas Playboys, Carlos Santana, Jumpin’ Johnny Sansone, Lee Oskar, Sam Myers, and Little Jimmy Dickens.

P.B. & H. 1968 - 1971
Deluxe Cleaners 1971 - 1973
ORO 1974 - 1976
Hit and Run Swing Band 1975 - 1977
Big Money 1977 - 1985
Lonesome Tumbleweeds 1977 - 1978
Traveller 1977 - 1978
Omar and the Howlers 1979 - 1982
Marcia Ball 1981 - 1984
Greg "Fingers" Taylor 1983 - 1985
Asleep at the Wheel 1985 - 1987
Mason Ruffner 1987 - 1988
Erik and the Offbeats 1988 - 1991
Sarah Brown 1988 - 1989
Tex Thomas & his Danglin' Wranglers 1988 - 1990
Jimmie Dale Gilmore 1988 - 1992
Tish Hinojosa 1989 - 1991
Delbert McClinton 1989 - 1990
Hal Ketchum 1991 - 1995
Delbert McClinton 1995 - 1996
The Paramours 1997 - 2000
Rob Roy Parnell 2000 - 2001
Anson Funderburgh and the Rockets 2001 - present

RECORDS

ARTIST TITLE DATE LABEL CATALOG No.

Omar and the Howlers Big Leg Beat 1980 Amazing Records AM-1003

Omar and the Howlers Big Leg Beat 1989 Red Lion Records - West Germany

Marcia Ball Soulful Dress 1983 Rounder Records 3078

Commandos Edge of Town 1984 Austin Records TORSO-33011
Amsterdam,Nederlands

Ten From Texas Heard it Through the Grapevine 1984 Electra/Asylum Electra-60373-1

Sam Myers and Anson My Love is Here to Stay 1985 Black Top Records BT-1032
Funderburgh

Fingers Taylor with Anson Harpoon Man 1985 Red Lighting - England RL-0058
and the Rockets

Asleep at the Wheel Asleep at the Wheel 1985 MCA/DOT MCA 39036

The Fabulous Thunderbirds, Austin Rhythm & Blues Christmas 1986 EPIC PE40576
Charlie Sexton, Kaz Jazz Quartet, Lou Ann Barton, Angela Strehli, Sarah Brown, Paul Ray

Erik Hokkanen & the Offbeats Erik Hokkanen & the Offbeats 1987 Heartland Records - England HLD0002

Dave Lindholm Jose' Blues 1988 Rockadillo Records - Finland ZEN2015

Erik Moll Wayward Ways 1988 Armadillo Records ARM007

Memphis Slim & Matt Antone's Anthology Collection Number II 1988 Antone's
"Guitar" Murphy

Jimmie Dale Gilmore Fair and Square 1988 Hightone Records 8011

Fingers Taylor Chest Pains 1989 MCA Records MCA-6311

Kimmie Rhodes Angels Get the Blues 1989 Heartland Records - England HLD 010

Sil Austin, Kaz Kazanoff, The Tri-Saxual Soul Champs 1990 Black Top Records BT - 1059
Grady "Fats" Jackson

Tri-Saxual Soul Champs Blues -A-Rama 1990 Black Top Records BT - 002

Bjorn Afzelius Tusen Bitar 1990 Rebelle Records - Sweden RLP-17

Allan Olsen GAJO 1990 Mercury Records - Denmark 846-540-2

Tish Hinojosa Culture Swing 1990 A&M Americana A&M 75021-5328-1

Darrell Nullisch, Fingers Texas Harmonica Rumble 1990 Fanclub Records - France FC-080-CD
Taylor, Paul Orta, Gary Primich

Sil Austin Black Top Blues Cocktail Party 1991 Black Top Records BT - 1066

Mark "Kaz" Kazanoff Black Top Blues Cocktail Party 1991 Black Top Records BT - 1066
with Snooks Eaglin

Dick Rivers Days in Austin 1991 New Rose - France 270-CD/NR810

Fred deFred (title unknown) 1991 Polygram - France

Gary Primich Gary Primich 1991 Amazing Records AMCD 1024

Jimmie Dale Gilmore After Awhile 1991 Electra Nonesuch 9-61148-2

Jimmie Dale Gilmore American Explorer Series 1991 Electra Nonesuch PR8379
RECORDS (continued

Anson Funderburgh Thru the Years (A Retrospective) 1992 Black Top Records C-CT-1077
and the Rockets

Tri-Saxual Soul Champs Soul Survey 1992 Black Top Records BT - 1078

Sam Myers Blues Harmonica Spotlight 1992 Black Top Records BT - 1083

Sil Austin Black Top Blues Pajama Party 1992 Black Top Records BT - 1075

Katy Moffat and the Indoor Fireworks 1992 Red Moon Records RM-CS 1006
Great Unknown Switzerland

Fingers Taylor New Fingerprints 1992 Appaloosa Records - Italy APO87-2

Mary Ann Price Etched in Swing 1993 Watermelon Records CD-1014

Jimmie Dale Gilmore Spinning Around the Sun 1993 Electra 61502-2

Fingers Taylor 1995 Appaloosa Records - Italy

Margaritaville Cafe Late Night Menu 1995 MCA/Margaritaville Records MCAD-10824
-various Artists

Hal Ketchum The Hits / Live on the BBC 1996 Hit Records, England UK D/77797

Chick French Gonna See A Change 1996 Chicken Lips

Fingers Taylor Old Rock ‘n’ Roller 1996 Ripete Records 2233

Tri- Saxual Soul Champs Blues Sax Power 1997 Easydisc/Rounder Records ED CD 7047

Billy Paul Texas Rose 1997 Bear Family Records BCD 16 155 AH
Hamburg, Germany

Anson Funderburgh & That’s What They Want 1997 Black Top BT-1140
Sam Myers

Fingers Taylor Hotel Maids, Highways & Honkytonks 1998 Fingo Music FM1005
-Finger Taylor’s Greatest Hits-

The Paramours The Paramours 1999 Super 88 Records Super 88

Greg “Fingers” Taylor Back to the Blues 2000 Fingo Music FM1006

Anson Funderburgh & the Festival Sampler “Notodeen Blues Festival 2001
Rockets featuring Sam Myers

Dave Herrero Hardlife Blues 2001 DH Records DH0001
Anson Funderburgh & the Which Way is Texas 2004 Bullseye Blues 11661-9619
Rockets featuring Sam Myers

CASSETTES

ARTIST TITLE DATE LABEL CATALOG No.

Fred Argir Wall of Windows 1987 The 505 Recording Society 505/187

Billy Paul Cowboy in Paradise 1989 Coweye BP-1001

Fred Argir The Tennis Album 1989 The 505 Recording Society 505/289
with John Newcombe

Erik & the Offbeats Blue Corn 1989 Erik Records

Mary Ann Price Waiting for the 103 1992 Primary Productions

MOVIE SOUNDTRACK

Erik & the Offbeats Touchstone Pictures "D.O.A." starring Dennis Quaid

Tri-Saxual Soul Champs Warner Brothers "The Client" starring Susan Sarandon

RADIO and TELEVISION COMMERCIALS

Blue Bell Ice Cream 1989 - 1990 Radio - Regional

Shiner Beer 1989 - 1991 Radio - Regional

Miller Lite Beer 1991 - 1992 Radio - National

Texas Lottery 1992 Radio and Television - Texas

American Express 1994 – 1995 Television - National syndication

Southwest Airlines 1997 Television - National syndication

TELEVISION

Marcia Ball - Cox Network 1 1/2 hour special
- ABC Blues special hosted by Dan Ackroyd
with Koko Taylor Chicago, 1984
- Texas Cable Network Dixie’s Bar and Bus Stop

Asleep at the Wheel - TNN On Stage
- TNN Nashville Now

Delbert McClinton - TNN Texas Connection
- TNN Nashville Now
- TNN Music City Tonight
- ESPN ESPY Award Show

Jimmie Dale Gilmore - PBS Austin City Limits
- TNN Texas Connection

Tish Hinojosa - TNN On Stage
- PBS Austin City Limits
- KERA Channel 13 Dallas Three For Tejas

Erik & the Offbeats - Austin Cable Network Live at the Broken Spoke

Hal Ketchum, Fingers - Santa Monica Cable Not Just Another L.A. Music Show
Taylor and Wes Starr

Hal Ketchum - TNN Nashville Now
- TNN Hee Haw - TNN Texas Connection
- TNN Crook & Chase
- TNN Music City Tonight
- TNN Grand Ole Opry
- TNN On Stage "Live at the Grizzly Rose" Denver, Colorado
- PBS Austin City Limits
- ABC Into the Night with Rick Dees
- ABC Maury Povich
- CMT, VH-1, TNN "Sure Love" video
- TNN Colorado West Fest w/ Michael Martin Murphy
- CMT, VH-1, TNN "Tonight We Might Just Fall in Love Again" video
- Syndicated The Road
- BBC (England) Pebble Mill

RADIO SHOWS

Al Dressen's Super - KUT Austin Live Set
Swing Review

Mason Ruffner - KUT Austin Live Set

Erik & the Offbeats - KUT Austin Live Set
- KVET Austin Sammy Alred Show

Sarah Brown - KUT Austin Live Set

Kaz Jazz Quartet - KUT Austin Live Set

Delbert McClinton - Norwegian National Radio Broadcast
- Z102 Austin Live from Antone's
- Memphis, Tennessee King Bisquit Blues Festival, Helena, Arkansas

Jimmie Dale Gilmore Live at Gilley's

Hal Ketchum - WSM Nashville Grand Ole Opry
- NPR Charleston, W. Virginia Mountain Stage (nationally syndicated)
- Unistar Radio Network,Inc. Acoustic Country
- House of Blues Network House of Blues (nationally syndicated)
- BBC Live on the BEEB

The Paramours - 102.9, Nashville, Tennessee Billy Block’s Western Roots Revival

Anson Funderburgh & the - National Broadcast Live at B.B. King’s
Rockets featuring Sam Myers

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Revised 08/15/2002