The Oozie Blues Show is made up of old school
musicians. They play traditional blues with versatility and energy. The bandleader, Norman Pingrey, founded the band in July
2001 and is the only original member. They have recorded two self-produced CD’s: The Oozie Blues in July 2001
and L.A. Groove in March 2004. Current members, Terry DeRouen and Elliott Chavers were featured on the second release.
They have sold many copies of each of these CD’s. They have performed regularly throughout Southern California. They
have performed in; blues clubs, restaurants, nightclubs, concerts, festivals and private parties.
Norman Pingrey served his apprenticeship
in the blues in late 80’s thru 1995 in the Bay Area Blues Scene. He worked primarily for three bandleaders during this
period; T.W. Henderson, Guitar Gypsy and Deacon Jones (John Lee Hooker‘s organist and bandleader). This association
brought him into contact with John Lee Hooker whom he considers his greatest influence. He toured Ireland for six months in
1995 performing blues festivals, concerts and pub dates with T.W. Henderson and Big Time featuring guest vocalist Archie Lee Hooker (John’s nephew). Upon returning to Riverside
in 1995, he set a goal to create a high caliber traditional blues show band that could successfully perform at major
blues venues, festivals and concerts. In June 2001, he married Josie and she volunteered to manage the band and perform all
of the behind the scene duties required to take a band from the bars to the concert stage.
The Oozie Blues has been a labor of love, for Norm and
Josie. Josie and The Oozie Blues received The Blues Crusade Award from Real Blues Magazine for keeping some
of Los Angeles’ veteran blues musicians working. You can read more about this award and a review of the L.A. Groove
CD at their website: www.realbluesmagazine.com
The band has had over a dozen previous members and used
another dozen sub-musicians prior to arriving
at the current line up. All of the members have performed for decades and have a resume of artists they have recorded with,
performed with and opened shows for. The Oozie Blues backed Texas Saxophone Legend Joe Houston for approximately three
years. Every member has toured in Europe; some as recently as last year.
The members:
Terry DeRouen toured for seven years as Guitar Shorty’s second guitarist and bandleader. He has recorded and
performed with blues greats; Big Joe Turner, Etta James; Pee Wee Creighton, Big Mama Thorton, George Smith, Hollywood
Fats, Papa John Creech, Percy Mayfield, and Lowell Fulsom. He has also backed 50’s vocal groups, including: The Drifters,
The Coasters and The Sherells.
Steve “Guitar” Guillory has toured with Barry White, James Brown and more recently with
Mighty Mo Rogers. He has recorded with Barry White and Ray Charles, among others. He was a founding member of both ; The Debonairs
in the 60’s and The Mod Squad in the 70’s. Both of these bands performed at the El Monte Legion Stadium.
Elliott Chavers has toured with Sam Cooke. As bandleader, for over a decade, at the 54 Ballroom in South Central Los
Angeles he performed with a long list of blues, jazz and R&B artists. Elliott is one of the only sax players who can play
one sax on the top of the other he puts on a show you will never forget. He is a member of The Rhythm and Blues Hall
of Fame.
Delacy White was a member of Barry White’s Band for over twelve years.
There is no “star” in The Oozie Blues Show.
Every member steps up the to microphone and takes there turn fronting the band. Every member has over 30 years of “sideman”
experience and they all know how to back up a singer. They all appreciate the opportunity to front a band of this depth and
quality. The band’s versatility and showmanship is result of this sharing the “front” concept.
Ray Brooks has been a big part of the Oozie blues
these days.
Ray brooks first started as a vocalist in the Coral Club, while in High School. In 1958 began
his career as a professional guitar player and singer at the Cloud "9" club in downtown Corpus Christi, Texas. He worked throughout
south Texas, and backed such artists as Floyd Dixon and Gate Mouth Brown. In 1961 he went to Dallas, Texas and had the pleasure
of working with Freddie King and the great Buster Smith. Ray arrived in Los Angeles, California the month of June 1963, And
started to appear in all of the popular clubs of the time. In early 1968 Ray co-wrote "Burbank Brown" that appeared in the
movie Bob, Carol, Ted & Alice. In 1979 Ray was nominated for the Blues Grammy for his recording of "Walk Out Like A Lady".With
the conclusion of that, He toured with the Job Corp. around the country for four years, and shortly thereafter a tour began
at Harrah's Club Lake Tahoe He has been touring Europe the last few years. In 1980 Ray toured South Africa three months with
Cashears as the opening act for Tina Turner and ended in Reno with Billy Preston. Ray has been a part of The Oozie Blues Show.
The optic 2000 commercial was filmed 10 July, 2007. the star was jimmy holiday, and ray brooks was the co-star. It is about
sun glasses, and also is a national shoot for France. It was produced by Spad films. chow...
