Band Bio
The John King Band was formed in November of 2010 in Athens, Georgia. Since the age of 15, singer/songwriter John King (23) had a dream of blending the stylistic qualities of Southern Rock and Country. After years of sweat and blood, he finally found that unique sound.
At the age of 15, King formed his first successful rock band. As King put it, “I realized my voice and my songs were just too Country for Rock. It doesn't take away from the fact I love that music.. this is just who I am.”
At the age of 15, King formed his first successful rock band. As King put it, “I realized my voice and my songs were just too Country for Rock. It doesn't take away from the fact I love that music.. this is just who I am.”
For the past year, The John King Band has taken the South by storm - performing with country acts such as, Brantley Gilbert, Diamond Rio, and Jerrod Niemann. In 2011, The John King Band had their first big break through when they decided to enter The National College Battle of the Bands. After beating out thousands of bands in the Southeast division of the competition, the guys went on to L.A. to compete in the final five.
As King states, “Since the battle, we have been hitting on all cylinders. We’ve gotten offers to play shows all around the Southeast and we are really seeing a huge increase in our fan base.. it’s a really exciting time.”
King has surrounded himself with one of the most talented young bands in the Southeast. Andrew King (18), King’s younger brother, is one of the most gifted drummers to come out of Georgia in years. Along with bassist Matt Garrison (21), JKB is grounded with a concrete rhythm section. Guitarists Parker Smith (22) and Joe Higgins (23) sport a brilliant double-lead harmony, digging up a sound that has been dormant since the glory days of Lynard Skynard and The Allman Brothers. If blazing twin lead guitar is not enough to catch your attention, the songs will.
In a March 2011 interview, King said, “We put a lot of effort into our songwriting, that’s our number one priority.” With a unique mix of Southern Rock and Country that is guaranteed to keep the crowd on the dance floor... this is a band you won’t regret seeing!
Members
John King - Lead Vocals/Guitar
John Lee King, age 23, is a Singer/Songwriter from Demorest, Georgia. At 15, King formed his first successful rock band. However, after an inspiring trip to Nashville, King decided it was time to return to his Country roots. For the past few years King has been honing in on his craft as a Country songwriter. On the JKB’s debut EP “Up North”, King examines topics such as pride, grace and the irreplaceable peace one can find in coming home. Tunes such as “Working Hands,” “Make It,” and the title track “Up North” reveal the wide range of influences that control King’s pen.
Andrew King - Drums
Andrew Samuel King, younger brother of John King, has been playing side by side with his brother all his life. Beginning in 2008, Andrew joined Vinyl which eventually transformed into The John King Band several years later. King's tightness in the pocket and knowledge when to shine and to hold back really makes him stand out from other drummers. King has proven to be one of the best up and coming drummers in Georgia.
Joe Higgins - Guitar
Michael Joe Higgins childhood friend of John. John and Joe have been in bands together throughout their lives. What started out in the sixth grade, jamming in the garage has progressed to the real deal. Joe's rare rhythmic technique and face melting solos can get anyone's attention. Then add the double lead of Parker Smith, well you get the point....
Parker Smith - Guitar/Vocals
John Parker Smith grew up in West Palm Beach, Florida before relocating to Athens, GA. Parker's style and technique is very unique from other guitar players and makes for a great contrast in sound between Smith and Higgins. Smith has the ability to shred in a unique, Allman-like way. The John King Band is pleased to have two of the best guitar players in the Southeast.
Matt Garrison - Bass/Vocals
Matthew Caleb Garrison was born in Lebanon, Tennessee. In his teen years, he met fellow JKB member Joe Higgins. The two had a huge mutual respect for their mutual musical knowledge and true love of the guitar. Having played and attempted to play in various bands, Matt and Joe decided that being in touch for the long haul would most likely be beneficial; when Matt was asked to join John and the boys in summer 2011, it turned out that they'd been right. Matt currently resides in Maysville, GA and is involved with a number of other musical projects in the Athens area.
