An In Depth Interview with Sammy Eubanks!
Sammy was born and raised in California until the age of 15 when he moved to Priest River, Idaho. He always had a deep love for music, especially the blues. His early influences were his father Jessie James Eubanks, BB King, Ray Charles, Steppenwolf and Eric Clapton to name a few.
He started his first band at the age of 20 called OTTO. They played current hits of the 80’s such as ZZ Top, John Cougar Melencamp and Tom Petty. After several years with OTTO he joined a “Fossil Rock Band” called The Cruiserz. The Cruiserz may have needed a lead singer but they also made him play guitar! It was during his time with the Cruiserz that he got his first taste of really playing the blues, when former Curtis Salgado bassist, John Mazzocco was at a gig at Henry’s Pub watching Sammy play. According to Sammy they were playing “Red House”. . Mazzocco kept saying “don’t move . . . don’t move.” “It was as if he was making me open up my soul and let it in”.
A few years later in 1992, Sammy along with his roommate Ted Todd and a small group of people formed the Inland Empire Blues Society.
When you think of it, artists like BB King, Robert Cray, Little Ed and Blues Imperials, Philip Walker, Kenny Neal and anyone that plays the Blues has been honing their craft their entire lives. At the other end of the spectrum artists like George Jones, George Strait, Marty Stuart, Merle Haggard, Lee Roy Parnell and anyone who has ever banged it out in a Honky Tonk have been honing their craft as well. Sammy can stand on either stage and has many times. It was recently stated,” Along the borderline between Country and Blues some genius arises. Delbert McClinton and Sammy Eubanks have the same borderline genre.”
Sammy’s name alone speaks volumes—-as does his music. Quite possibly the most reputable musician in the Inland Empire, Sammy Eubanks delivers a quality performance every time he takes the stage, playing a variety of Blues, Country and Rock n’ Roll Classics as well as originals. Influenced by many artists and styles, he too demonstrates diversified talent rarely seen in music today. Ever the skillful vocalist and guitar player, he is a leader in the Northwest music scene. “Sammy Eubanks has an appeal that transcends audiences from 8 to 80 and a multitude of genres. His music just plain makes you feel good. A truly unique talent that is proving to be a powerful
force in the American music scene” Michael Cosentino of Direct Point Management.
Sammy has won the “Best Male Vocalist” award 10 times in the state of Washington. From East to West he is widely regarded as “THE VOICE”. He and the band have won multiple awards and recognitions including advancing to the semi-finals in Memphis at the 2013 International Blues Challenge.
He travels with his band, consisting of two veteran musicians of equal caliber and professional musicianship, Michael Hays on drums and vocals, with Dave Nordstrom on Bass and vocals, make up the swingin’-est rhythm section in the business. Period. Do yourselves a favor and experience the magic that is Sammy Eubanks and his band today! This act is perfect for any type of event featuring live music. “He’s the only person I know that sings as good as me” Monty Byrom, Bighouse “This cat is the real deal” Blues Legend, James Harman “The best voice in the Northwest” Kelly Houghes, Kelly’s Grand ‘Ol Opry, Stateline ID. “If you look up COOL in the dictionary,you’ll see this cat’s picture” Billy Stoops, Sunbanks Blues Festival.
Sammy Eubanks has performed at Lucas Oil Stadium and numerous appearances at NHRA events. He has opened for National recording artists such as Clint Black, Lee Roy Parnell, Kenny Chesney, Merle Haggard, Sawyer Brown, Colt Ford, Pat Travers and BB King,Robert Cray,Diamond Rio,Trace Adkins, to name just a few.
The best is yet to come!
