SILVER TRAVIS: Bio

Silver Travis

SILVER TRAVIS: Bio

The Silver Travis band was originally formed in Spartanburg, South Carolina in 1981. The group played throughout the South, going through a few personnel changes and sharpening their music. In the early days, Silver Travis mixed original songs like "Trail to Mexico," "Everyday Grind" and "Baby It's True" with covers by The Marshall Tucker band, Point Blank, Lynyrd Skynyrd, and many others.

In 1982 the group released a 45 recorded at Creative Arts Studio, owned by members of the Marshall Tucker Band. The single was "Baby It's True," a ballad that received considerable air play in the area and in Myrtle Beach. That summer, Silver Travis spent two weeks holding court at the Bowery in Myrtle Beach, home of the soon to be famous country band Alabama. They also worked as an opening act for several groups including George Hatcher and 38 Special.

The band broke up in the mid 80's, but in 2005 reunited to record their first album "One Monkey Don't Spoil the Show" on Mountain Records. This time they brought in songwriter John Gillie on guitar. Thanks to the internet the band has received international exposure and CD sales. The CD received a favorable review in the "Bands Of Dixie" magazine published in France. Songs from the CD have received airplay from internet based radio stations , local broadcast stations as well as appearances on the SIRIUS satellite radio network.
While more recent Silver Travis shows have included Bonnie Bramlett, The southern Rock Allstars, Tommy Crain of the Charlie Daniels Band, Donnie Winters of the Winters Brothers Band, Mark Burrell of the Toy Caldwell Band, and Pat Elwood of the Marshall Tucker band, the band members have played on stage alongside many veterans of the business over the years. These include but are not limited to original members of the Lynyrd Skynyrd, Marshall Tucker, Molly Hatchet, the Charlie Daniels band and others.
While currently working on their second CD, Silver Travis has enlisted the assistance of Tim Lawter and Rusty Milner (both formerly of the Marshall Tucker band) recording at Studio 151.
Silver Travis offers an eclectic catalogue of original music combined with a choice selection of cover tunes to compliment the talents of the various members of the band. Each member writes songs and contributes their own style which brings out the best in each other musically as well as on stage. As long as the fans keep coming and shows continue to be well received, the band plans to keep rocking.

Randall Calvert - Lead Guitar

A founding member of Silver Travis, Calvert was originally from Spartanburg, SC. He now resides in Columbus, NC with his family, where he is owner of the town's finest family restaurant, Calvert's Kitchen.

Randall was heavily influenced by Toy Caldwell, although depending on the instrument he is playing you can hear a diverse range of influences.

Rick Cash - Lead Vocals & Percussion

When Rick Cash joined Silver Travis in the Winter of 1981, the band got one of the most original and powerful voices in the South. Rick and his brother Mike Cash made it to the finals of the ‘Be a Star’ contest broadcast on CMT hosted by Bobby Randall of Sawyer Brown.

Rick began singing in Church as a teen and to this day you can still hear a hint of soulful gospel tones in his voice.

Some of Ricks major influences thru the years include Doug Gray of The Marshall Tucker Band, BJ Thomas, Greg Allman, Ray Charles, Jim Croce and James Taylor.

John Gillie - Acoustic & Electric Guitars

John Gillie of Columbus, NC is a local celebrity in his own right. Silver Travis is blessed to have John and his writing/playing skills as a member of the group. Ronnie Van Zant is a huge influence for John as a songwriter, and the original Lynyrd Skynrd Band would have to be his all-tme favorites.

Joey Parrish - Electric Bass

Another founding member, Joe plays Fender and Washburn guitars. He was heavily influenced by the Capricorn Records era and started playing the bass when he was 14 years old.
Favorite Quote: "I wish Cotton was a monkey."

Mike Satterfield - Drums & Percussion

Mike Satterfield is another founding band member who has been playing drums for over 35 years. Mike says he owes a lot to Joe Bennett of The Sparkletones who taught a lot and got him started as a youngster.