Pass Me By (Featured Single)
Written by: Brandon Howard, Marlon Coles, Joe N. 111 Little, Jay Sean Champion
Published © BMG Rights Management
ISRC: TCAGP2238986
UPC: 859767606600
Written by H.B. Hall
Producer: Jerry Salley
Musicians
Cody Kilby: Guitar and Banjo
Jason Roller: Mandolin and Fiddle
Evan Winsor: Bass
Josh Matheny: Dobro
Jerry Salley: Harmony Vocals, Producer
Recorded and engineered at Chris Latham’s studio in Ashland City, TN
ABOUT THE SONG AND ARTIST
Bell Buckle Records is proud to present a new artist, Steve Owens, who is releasing his first single, "Pass Me By," a classic country song recorded and charted by the legendary recording artist Johnny Rodriguez in 1972 and Janie Fricke in 1980. North Carolina native Steve Owens offers a fresh new bluegrass sound mixed with classic country and bluegrass traditions and includes original songs he has written.
"Pass Me By" was produced and arranged by the legendary singer and songwriter Jerry Sally at the Chris Latham studio in Ashland City, TN. The tracks are an acoustic bluegrass treatment that keeps the popular classic country flavor. Famous instrumentalists like Cody Kilby (guitar) and Jason Roller (Mandolin, Fiddle). Bell Buckle Records is excited to release more singles from Steve Owens soon.
"Working with Jerry Sally was one of the most growing experiences I have encountered as an artist. Sometimes collaborations have chemistry, and I feel that we created a unique sound". - Steve Owens
Steve Owens grew up in Roanoke Rapids, a small mill town in northeastern North Carolina. During his childhood, he was exposed by family and friends to a variety of music greats such as Ray Price, George Jones, Merle Haggard, Jim Reeves, The Oak Ridge Boys, The Statler Brothers, Don Williams, Ronnie Milsap, The Osborne Brothers, the Easter Brothers, and many others. His parents and grandparents were avid concertgoers and included Steve in their outings.
Steve began his musical journey at a young age by singing, writing songs, and playing the guitar. His training ground would resemble many other artists, performing for senior citizens groups, nursing homes, churches, and civic organizations. His first public appearance was at the North Carolina State Fair's Folk Festival, where his grandma signed him up to encourage him to perform. From that point, his grandmother was his first customer and offered him $5.00 to learn the gospel song "How Great Thou Art." At 16, he continued to hone his musical skills by playing the bass and singing in a local southern gospel group, "The Carrolls." The experience allowed Steve to build his knowledge of various musical genres and the opportunity to play at larger venues. The Carrolls also provided Steve's first recording studio experience. Steve graduated from Roanoke Rapids High School in 1988. He attended North Carolina State University, where he studied Ornamentals Landscape Technology and Turf Grass management. Steve has been a successful landscape contractor for nearly 30 years.
Unlike many bluegrass artists, Steve Owens has been uniquely influenced by the regional sound from the Carolina Beach Music scene. This music style is energetic and rich in harmonies, soulful lead vocals, and big band music with bright horn sections. Later Steve Owens discovered bluegrass music and began to include it in his sound of classic country and roots music meshed with the Calorina Beach sound.
In the early 2000s, Steve worked as the lead vocalist for the "High Roller Band," with whom he stayed for a few years until the group disbanded. Steve was hired by "The Castaways," another Carolina Beach music band. Soon after, he left "The Castaways" to become a featured lead vocalist at the Roanoke Rapids Theatre, where Steve was involved in a locally produced variety show showcasing a vast array of musical acts. While working at the Roanoke Rapids Theatre, Steve opened for several known recording artists, Earl Thoma