Band Members

Phone Roy @   724-529-7298, rwhsr@lcsys.net

            Bob or Pat @  724-529-0435, bob_acklin@verizon.net

High Ryder is a country band formed in 1994 by a group of musician friends to play all types of family events.  The band performs at more than 40 special events each year along with regular appearances at local clubs.

To contact us:

Roy Hess

Roy is from Dawson, PA and formed the band in 1994.  He has played in many local bands and has appeared on several Jamborees.  His musical heroes include Merle Haggard and Chet Atkins.  Roy plays lead guitar, bass, fiddle, and does lead and background vocals.  Roy is also an accomplished songwriter having written the High Ryder originals “Railroad Town”and “Austin City Blues” among others.  Roy is truly the heart and soul of the High Ryder Band.

Jim Howell

Jim is a long-time veteran musician from the Uniontown area.  Along with playing great bass guitar, Jim also plays rhythm guitar, slide trombone, and sings.  Jim has played with top country bands in the area including the Fabulous Falcons.  Jim is a veteran comedian and is usually behind any laughter coming from the stage.  He is also the father of lead-singer Tommy Howell, an Army veteran and a die-hard Jeff Gordon fan.  We’ve also anointed Jim as the honorary mayor of Smithfield.

Bobby Acklin

Bobby is our fantastic drummer from Lower Tyrone Township just outside Dawson, PA.  Bob has played in a lot of bands, both country and rock.  Bob also does lead and harmony vocals.  He counts among his idols Buddy Rich, Neil Peart, Carter Beauford, Vinnie Collaiuta, Steve Gadd, and Jim Howell.  Bob is retired from the U.S. Navy.  His hobbies include maintaining an extensive music library (he also DJ’s with his wife Pat), his grandchildren, Hawaiian shirts, and maintaining his home with the “deck that never ends.”  He also maintains the web site (forward all complaints to him.) 

Tommy Howell

Tommy is our lead singer and son of bass player Jim Howell.  He has been both a singer and drummer in country bands for years.  He counts among his influences Alabama and Hank Jr.  Tommy is an avid NASCAR fan and is the only band member with school age children.  As such, he brings a bit of youth to counteract the “older” members of the band.  He is the newest member of the High Ryder family and a most welcomed addition.

Vernon “Bup” Everhart

Bup is a veteran of the music scene in southwestern PA.  He is a founding member of the Fabulous Falcons and has played in numerous bands over the years.  Known for his expertise on the Fender Telecaster guitar, he has earned the nickname of  “Mr. Telecaster.”  Bup has an extensive musical library from which to draw and can play literally anything.  He is also an Air Force veteran, an accomplished bass player and an exceptional vocalist.  He has guested with the band many times over the past several years when his schedule allowed.  He committed to the band in 2004 as a High Ryder and a most welcomed addition.

Guest Musicians

Chuck Rhodes - Chuck is an original member of HIGH RYDER who took some time off to enjoy retirement. Chuck is a local legend on the steel guitar and has been a featured musician with many bands.

Joe Stewart - Joe is a good singer and bass player who regularly plays with the family band, “Flatwoods Fugitives.” Joe lives in Vanderbilt PA and loves to play country music!

Slim Jones - One of country music's top ballad singers, Slim was also an original member of the band, but retired due to health problems. Slim has performed on radio, TV, and recordings, and was a member of many country and blue grass bands including Mac Martin and the Dixie Travellers.

 

Scott Miller - Scott is our former soundman and plays guitar on a vintage Fender Stratocaster.  He’s a veteran of the local rock scene having played in a variety of bands over the years.  He currently plays with the classic rock band “Flashback.”

 

Hoj Fabian - Hoj was our former lead singer and remains a great friend.  He currently plays with the country band “Trouble”.

 

Terry Hall - Terry is one of the premier bass players around and was a key member of the band for years.  He currently focuses his talents pursuing bluegrass music.

 

Roger Rush - Another former lead singer with an exceptional voice, Roger has played in a number of local country bands.

 

Danny Rach - Danny is an exceptional keyboard player who played with the band several years ago.  He is a veteran of the Western PA music scene having played in many bands over the years.  He is currently part of the duo “Full Tilt.”

 

Ellis Stewart - Ellis (brother to Joe) is another member of the “Flatwoods Fugitives” and sometimes joins the band as an excellent lead singer.