Biography
STONE UNTURNED
"Society must change if we are to survive". – Ric Sandler
This is the passionate message behind the music of Stone Unturned. Lyrically, Ric
Sandler, band leader and songwriter, speaks of the tools available to us all, one song at a
time. Stone Unturned’s unique yet commercial brand of music blends in harmony with
the soul and resonates in our minds with simple truth. Together, in unity, we are a force
more powerful than we realize, a positive charge that has the potential to empower the
powerless. Stone Unturned’ s songs convey an alternative approach, both musically and
lyrically, to the way we see the world in order to understand ourselves better, leaving no
stone unturned.
Based out of Nashville, TN, the six members of Stone Unturned, all from different
musical styles as well as various backgrounds, came together, not only by their love of
music, but also with a sense of purpose.
Ric Sandler (Lead Vocalist & Keys) from Philadelphia, PA, has been playing and
composing music since the age of 6. He has written songs for Dionne Warwick,
Jermaine Jackson, Anne Murray, just to name a few. Ric also did a lot of film and TV
work including the soundtrack for the Warners / Ralph Bakshi animated film,
Hey Good Lookin’ . He wrote and produced two CDs under his own recording label,
Rich Id. His CD, Rhythmunderground, was well received by music critics and
music lovers alike and produced 2 top 20 radio hits. He also released a live gospel CD,
1 God 1 Planet.
Tony Gentry (Vocals, Lead & Rhythm Guitar) from Memphis, TN, has toured and
recorded with the Funk Fest Barkays, Slave, Ohio Players, Brick, guitar & vocal Masters
of Funk George Clinton & Parliament, Barkays, Con-funk-shun, The Legendary Drifters,
guitar legends of Funk Barkays, Dazz Band, S.O.S Band, Gap Band and Lakeside.
Tony recently performed with gospel artist Christopher Brinson on the video, "What if God is Unhappy" Remix "Change"
Ray Martin (Bass & Vocals) from Nashville, TN, son of bluegrass legend, Jimmy
Martin, has become a legend in his own rite. At the age of 12 he made his first of many
appearances on the Grand Ole Opry and recorded, “ Will The Circle Be Unbroken”
with the Nitty Gritty Dirt Band. He has performed with the likes of Little Richard, Joe
Ambrosia, and Lighthouse. He also sang back up beside the late rock’ n roll great,
John Lennon and toured with a version of the Sgt. Pepper show.
John Garr (Vocals, Guitar & Sax) from Johnstown, PA, is a lifelong musician as well
and has played with such greats as Patty Labelle, Roy Buchanan, Styxx, The J. Geils
Band, Ricky Nelson, Kix Brooks and many others. He was nominated for a regional
Emmy for writing the theme song “ Jammin” on WSMV’ s hit TV show, The Saturday
Morning Show in Nashville, Tennessee.
William “ Billy” Ramirez (Vocals & Percussion) was born in Puerto Rico and came
to Music City in 1999. His traditional Latin style brought flexibility and diversity to
Nashville and has made Billy a much sought after percussionist and drummer. He has
had cuts with Bedhead and Blondie on their latest CD, Nuthi’ n and performed on all the
tracks with Jason Lee Thomason, who was recently signed by Kenny Chesney’ s new label.
Jeff Burnside (Vocals & Drums) from Atlantic City, NJ, played drums and performed
as a back up vocalist in his hometown with such artists as Mariah Carey and Jimmy Cliff.
He toured internationally with Beverly Vaughn to Brussels, Belgium. He has recorded with Gospel acts such as The New John Howard Gospel Caravan, St. Matthews Church Baptist Choir and Unlimited Praise to list a few. In November, he performed on the Christopher Brinson video, “What If God Is Unhappy” and remix “Change”.
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Members:
Ric Sandler
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Sounds Like:
U2/Blind Boys/Don Henley
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Influences:
U2/Bob Dylan/Prince/Hank Williams/Sam Cooke
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AirPlay Direct Member Since:
05/17/11
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Profile Last Updated:
08/17/23 20:24:48