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Southern Persuasion

On January 15th 1995, five musicians, friends and family, got together to form what is now Southern Persuasion. Danny (bass/vocals) and Aaron Murphy (guitar/mandolin/vocals) , Steve Dennis (acoustic guitar/vocals) , Joe Jones (drums/vocals) , and Louie Warren (guitar/synth/steel/harp/vocals) played a few familiar songs and the magic began. Danny had played with Aaron and Joe previously. Aaron had played with Louie and Steve previously. They spent the next few weeks arranging/learning enough material to perform at a party in Sperryville a month later. From there they went on to various contests, warm-ups for national acts, and arranging and performing the songs of their gifted drummer/songwriter, Joe Jones; including the jingle for the local store Bull Run Boots that aired on Thunder 107.7.

In July of 1997, Danny decided to leave the band to pursue other interests; family and musical. He was replaced by Paul Coladonato (bass/vocals). Paul brought a new energy and feel to the band. They continued to perform in contests, and warm-up for national acts, and further evolving Joe's fine tunes.

In May of 1999, Paul decided to leave the band to pursue other interests; family and musical. He was replaced by Dean Honeycutt.

In June of 2001, Dean decided to leave the band to pursue other interests. John Johnson replaced him the same month.

Labor Day Weekend 2002, after much thought and prayer, Aaron decided to retire to spend more time with his family, and to pursue other musical interests. Perry Grubb (guitar/steel/keyboards/vocals) replaced him in December of 2002.

Late in December of 2002, John decided to leave the band to pursue other interests. In January of 2003, Jim Bledsoe (bass) replaced John and Jeff Bowers (keyboards/vocals) also joined us.

On September 10th, 2005, Jim decided to leave the band to pursue other interests. January 1st of 2006, Dale Lester accepted the bassist position.

On November 14th, 2005, Perry decided to leave the band to devote more time to family and other projects. January 1st of 2006, Jimmy Brown accepted the guitarist position.

In February of 2006, Jimmy decided to devote more time to his family and other projects. Bob Gibson accepted the guitarist position shortly thereafter.

In October of 2006, Dale decided he had more hobbies than he had time... therefore he decided to leave the band to pursue those interests... In November of 2006, Don Ryder accepted the bassist position.

In March of 2009, after much consideration, Steve decided to resign as of the end of the year. Without Steve, there is no Southern Persuasion. Therefore, as of December 31, 2009... Southern Persuasion was to be no more. It had been a great 15 years!

But wait... there's more... In February of 2010, Jeff asked everyone if we'd reform for one night... after that night, we had numerous other reunions... so, I guess you'd say that we just took a little vacation.... we've been going ever since.

Therefore, as we go into our 16th year, Steve, Joe, Louie, Jeff, Bobby, & Don are the current line up of Southern Persuasion. Come on out and see us!