Biography

Lonnie Waters started singing in church when he was four years old. He had one older brother and three sisters. Two of the sisters were quite older and they played A LOT of 45 records of the 50’s and 60’s music. Lonnie grew to love it and it has always stuck with him, although he did sing, play and write other kinds of music. He loves to sing and play guitar, so when he was older the musical brick road lead him to Nashville where he played a lot on lower Broadway. As his popularity grew, Lonnie had the chance to sing on “Music City Tonight – With Crook and Chase” on The Nashville Network (TNN). He has written with many song writers such as Chic Raines, Rodger Dillon who both have had #1 hits on the country scene. Lonnie also sang many ‘demos’ for producers and writers. That’s where he met Ted Day; in his studio at DigiTrax. Working together on several projects, they soon became good friends. This is where Lonnie introduced 2 of his former band mates, Brad Lee and David Elkins, to Ted. “Olds 88” was born. Playing 50’s and 60’s rock-a-billy is where ALL members of the band find their passion for music. Lonnie is the lead singer and plays lead guitar, and with the help of the other members gives “Olds 88” that unique sound that makes you want to dance. When asked, Lonnie said “Not only do I get to play the music that moves me, I get to do it with guys that have been and will always be life-long friends.”

Ted Day has been playing piano since he was 6 years old. He took piano lessons throughout grade school. In high school, he played alto saxophone in the White County High marching band until he graduated in 1961. He started playing music with his uncle, Kenneth (Monk) Walker, who later went on to play with Bobby Bare in Ohio. He comes from a musically inclined family with his Grandfather playing harmonica, Mother played guitar, Uncle played piano and everyone in the family grew up singing gospel music and harmonizing. He started out playing drums in the first band in 1954 and then later piano with a group of guys from high school. This band was called "The Red River Rockers". They were the first rockabilly band in Sparta, Tennessee which was about 1957. They continued to perform though out their high school days performing at sock hops and dances. This band stayed together till graduation and then everyone went their separate ways. Ted was the only one in the band that made a career in music. Over the years Ted has played in too many bands for even him to remember. He has traveled in about 22 states in the Southeast United States playing hotel lounges and casinos. He has worked on cruise ships that traveled to Alaska, Hawaii and Mexico. He performed with the band “Shagar" on the CMT show "You Can Be a Star" back in the 80's. He now has retired from the long road trips and being gone from home three to six months at a time. He owns and operates his studio "Digitrax" and is the keyboard player for "Olds 88". All Olds 88 music is recorded by him and has the Digitax label. This is his statement about the Olds 88 band; "I love playing in this band and all the guys, I love the music we play because that's what I started playing back in the 50's. I love most all kinds of music, but this is my favorite. If Rockabilly don't make your feet move, then they must be tied together. I won't never forget when we did a gig at the Dixie Cafe in Byrdstown, TN, and this older lady (she was like 80 years old) came up to me and said when she heard us play, she just had to get up and dance. Her daughter told me later she had never seen her Mother get up and dance there before. Thanks everyone, I love all our fans."

Brad Lee is the drummer and backup vocalist for Olds 88. He also is among the other members of the group as a songwriter. Brad started playing in clubs and other venues at the early age of 14. Brad would soon work his way up by playing some of the historic clubs in Nashville on Lower Broad which include clubs such as Roberts, Legends, Laylas, Tootsies Orchid Lounge just to name a few. He found himself sharing the stage and earning respect from some of the BEST musicians in town. In the late 90’s he was invited to audition for the drummer’s spot in world renowned artist Hank Williams III against 27 of the best drummers around the country. Needless to say, Brad got the job. Hank was with Curb Records and it was Brads first time on a tour bus. He would later play with other artists that landed him on the Casino Circuits around the country. When he got together with long-time friends and former band mates Lonnie Waters and David Elkins, and met up with Ted Day (a Jerry Lee Lewis style piano player) the band Olds 88 was soon formed. In the short time the foursome merged together they have already made an assortment of CD’s. From the first being cover rock and roll songs from the 50’s and early 60’s to an all original CD with song written by the band. Sprinkle in a Christmas CD (50’s Style) and a LIVE performance DVD. Brad would like to thank his fellow band mates and ALL of his family for the support and love he has received through this fast paced journey down the road of a career in music. Now, firmly riding shotgun in a rockin’ Olds 88.

Rick Scott started playing professionally in his 20's playing locally at senior citizens centers and local gigs. He later went on to play military bases across the US from 1986-88. He is a very talented musician not only playing bass but is also a very good drummer. He is very excited about being in the Olds 88 band and is a very easy going guy that everyone loves to work with. Rick stated, "I would like to personally thank all of our fans that come out each week and support us."

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www.facebook.com/olds88
www.revernation.com/olds88