Billy Averett

Billy Averett was born into a musical family in the mid 1960’s. His father was a member of the Averett Brothers band that regularly played at the Old South Jamboree – a legendary music venue in Walker, Louisiana. His mother also sang and played piano in church, as well as on stage with his father. Billy began his career at the age of eight when he was invited to perform, at the Old South Jamboree, with his parents.

Influenced by Jerry Lee Lewis, Billy demonstrates a similar style of piano playing and traditional country singing that led him to release two singles in 1989, “Feel You Girl” and “Only Be You.”  He then went on to tour extensively in the United States with recent performances that include a USA tour of Vegas Gold Legends in Concert.

In 2010 he was signed to Hit City Digital Records as a solo artist and released two country rock singles in 2011, “Don’t Fight Your Feeling” and “Lost In a Memory,” co-written with Kenny Ingianni.

Char

Char’s love of music began at an early age and was influenced by great voices that included Aretha Franklin, Gladys Knight and the late Minnie Ripperton. Her emerging talent and great singing voice led her to enter talent shows, winning most of them.

After graduation, she decided to start a family and in order to earn money she became the first female Heavy Equipment Operator in the state, as she likes to joke, “It matched the power in my voice.” Never giving up her love of music, several years later she recorded with Lou Pride, as a background vocalist, on his “I Found A Love” hit and went on tour with the Brothers Unique (“School Daze”) thorough out New Mexico and Texas. In the early 90s’ Char moved to Baton Rouge and began singing with Henry Turner, Jr. & Flavor, but after several years decided to relocate to Washington State. In 2011 she release “One Wish, which was co-written by Henry Turner Jr.

Nukie Miller

Blues and soul singer Nukie Miller got her first shot at fame in 1998 when she won the Talent Tuesday competition, hosted by Baton Rouge Radio Personality Guy Brody. Shortly after she opened for Hip Hop artist Eightball, of the group Eightball and MJG, and Pemp Kapone, for whom she also sang backup vocals. Her debut release of “Same Changes” got radio airplay for the title track on local blues stations in the southern area. The album was released in 2006 and produced by Lee Daniels at Strawberry Scan Studio with singer/songwriter Hoza Redditt of National Gospel fame. In 2009, after working on several studio sessions with Henry Turner, Jr. & Flavor, she signed with Hit City Digital Records. Nukie’s musical style is inspired by Aretha Franklin, Fantasia and the late, great Jackie Neal. Her single “Stupid Love,” co-written by Henry Turner, Jr., is featured on the Great Baton Rouge Flood of 2016.

Anita Raze

Singer, songwriter and keyboard player ANITA RAZE is from Denham Springs, Louisiana.

From a musical family, she can trace her roots all the way back to the famed songwriter Stephen Foster, who is considered by many to be the “Father of American music.” Some of his better known compositions from the 19th century include “Camptown Races,” “Beautiful Dreamer” and “My Old Kentucky Home,” that is still sung at the annual Kentucky Derby to this day.

Anita’s mother claims that she was singing before she could talk which developed into her becoming a versatile musician being able to play rock, country, blues or pop. Her country tribute shows include Patsy Cline and Tricia Yearwood. In 2011 she collaborated and released the country rock song “Everywhere I Look,” co-written with Kenny Ingianni. “Louisiana Boy” is currently featured on The Great Baton Rouge Flood of 2016 release.

Henry Turner Jr. & Flavor

The bands’ distinctive cultural roots music has been described as a ‘gumbo’ of genres that include Louisiana reggae, funk, soul and blues, with a touch of jazz mixed in for good measure. Touring extensively over the past few decades HENRY TURNER, JR. & FLAVOR have released eight CD’s and eighteen singles. The bands’ intricate style continues to attract a large national and international audience who embraces their soulful spice and warm vibes and compare it to a musical experience unlike any other. CD’s include “Louisiana Funk Buffet,” “Strictly Reggae” and “Louisiana Gumbo Combo,” with current single releases of “2 Many Women,” This Herb” and “Ugly Man.” The core members of the group are Henry Turner, Jr. on vocals, Patrick Joffrion and Larry Dillon on bass, Larry Bradford on percussion, with Janesa Nelson and Miss Molly on background vocals. (Please visit www.henryturnerjr.com for more information.)

Ras Wayne Vicks

Growing up in musical family in the 1960’s RAS WAYNE VICKS’ father, Freddie Vicks, Sr. was an upright bass player and vocalist working with Louisiana legend Hosie Hill, from Thibodaux, and jazz great Lloyd Lambert from New Orleans. Under the guidance of his siblings he made his on stage vocal debut at the age of eight. His first band experience was with “Tony and the Heroes,” working with world renowned bassist Tony Hall, who became a mentor.

He soon began working with J. Alfred Cook, who was known for his work with such luminaries as Otis Redding, Percy Sledge and ZZ Hill and who, at that time, was band leader for blues legend Clarence Carter. This introduction led Ras to open for many of Carter’s shows.

Vicks went on to become a founding member of the bands Tri City Six and Rebel Business, as well becoming the lead singer for Higher Heights in 2000. Vicks releases on Hit City Digital include “Set Yourself Free” and “Get Your Shine On.” The latter is on the Great Flood of Baton Rouge compilation release.