Elmo and the Shades (Memphis)

Mudcoast Entertainment is proud to introduce Elmo And The Shades, long time regional favorite in Memphis, TN, the Mid -South, and the world. This talented group of Memphis Music Veterans have entertained thousands with their “classic” Blues, R&B, and roots inspired Rock-n-Roll. They have created a buzz with their “cool” contemporary blues CD “Blue Memphis” and on the verge of their soon to be released follow-up recording.
This big voiced blues shouter drives the band with his Delta-fied harmonica woven into a bottom feeding “fatback” rhythm section surrounded by searing funk and blues guitar riffs accented by a “classic” Memphis horn section. WOW! Their performance credits include concerts, festivals, conventions, nightclubs, parties, casinos, weddings, and corporate functions just to name a few. This experience allows the group to enjoy success at all venues and events. Elmo and the Shades are considered by Memphis, the Mid-South, and the world to be a Memphis Music Tradition. This group is the real deal! THIS IS MEMPHIS’S BIG RHYTHM & BLUES BAND!!!
“ELMO” LEE THOMAS (VOCALS, GUITAR, HARMONICA) -This big voiced singer has been the driving force behind one of Memphis and the Mid South’s most popular bands, Elmo and the Shades. Elmo and the Shades have been continuously working for over thirty-five years. The Memphis native has gained a reputation as a high energy blues shouter and soul screamer. Long recognized as one of the region’s top harmonica talent (twice nominated for NARAS’s Premier Player Awards) he is equally capable of lighting up the stage with his roots inspired guitar approach. As a songwriter, Elmo penned the majority of songs on the group’s last CD, the critically acclaimed Blue Memphis. He has performed on National Public Radio’s Beale Street Caravan on numerous occasions as a well as an appearance on Bud Light’s “Spotlight on Memphis” television commercial. Elmo sings two songs on the 2013 major motion picture ‘Crackerjack” by executive producer Jeff Foxworthy. As a front man for the Shades, Elmo attracts both young and old to his performances A “true blue” bluesman and entertainer!
FREDDY MOONEY (BASS GUITAR, VOCALS) Freddy originally from Georgia, migrated to Los Angeles as a teenager and moved to Memphis in 1998. He joined Elmo and the Shades soon after arriving. Freddy’s performance credits include The Hues Corporation(Original “Don’t Rock the Boat” Tour),Albert Collins,(North American Tour) , Rick Springfield.(Jesse’s Girl) and his step father Vern Gosdon (The Voice)among other notables. He is also a song writer and session musician whose credits include the TV show Beverly Hills 90210.Freddy is endorsed by Lakeland Guitars. Freddy’s playing is energetic and funky yet always dedicated to the bottom.
CHARLES (C.C.) CAMPBELL- (TENOR SAX, VOCALS A Memphis icon, Charles has been associated with many of the Hall of Fame Blues and Rhythm and Blues Acts that have evolved out of Memphis TN. As longtime band leader with The Johnny Taylor Revue, Charles has also been a working member of legendary artists such as Bobby “Blue” Bland, Albert King, B.B. King, Van Morrison, and of course his Cousin “Little” Milton Campbell… just to name a few. Charles was an original member of The King Bees’s (B.B. King’s Memphis house band) as well as a long time associate of Elmo and the Shades. Charles can blow!!!
STEVE (SARGE) MAYLOR- Steve, like Charles, has also been very active in the careers of many Blues and Rhythm and Blues Icons. Steve, originally from Chicago, had a long association with The Little Milton Campbell Review as well as Jr. Wells, Albert King, and Rufus Thomas, just to name a few. His powerful approach and style of playing the trumpet drives the horn section and keeps the bandstand swingin’! Steve can get up there!!!
STEVE (STEVIE THE J) JOHNSTON-(GUITAR,VOCALS Steve is a Memphis veteran musician well known in the region. His credits include his early work with the garage band The Strayfers. Steve toured with Keith Sykes as a member of Keith’s back up group Uncle Tom’s Jam Band as well as a touring member of The Box Tops. A longtime associate of Elmo and the Shades, Steve first joined the band in 1984 and has recently rejoined the group. Stevie the J. is an explosive guitarist that will make a crowd stand up and take notice!!
HUBERT (H-BOMB) CRAWFORD JR. (DRUMS, VOCALS). Hubert is one of the most dynamic drummers in the area. His resume is quite impressive. Just saying former drummer with James Brown would be enough but he has also done stints with The Barkays, was an original member of The Eric Gales Band, and still performs with Mark Farner of Grand Funk Railroad. Hubert is also an accomplished singer adding tasteful harmonies when needed. H-Bomb energy is infectious and drives this band to incredible heights.