Larry Williams - Guitar, vocals
Larry has been playing music since the age of 5. His first taste of live performing was at age 9. He started performing with "house bands" at the Ridge Jamboree, a live "opry style" venue in Batesburg-Leesville, SC. These shows were broadcast live on WBLR radio - in true opry style. At times the shows were also broadcast on WIS-TV, Channel 10, out of Columbia, SC.
By the age of 13, he had played shows with country music greats such as: Jack Greene, Grandpa Jones, Bill Carlisle, Jeannie Seeley, Kitty Wells and others.
Next he played guitar, banjo, fiddle, and mandolin in gospel/bluegrass bands through middle Georgia and western South Carolina. They worked shows with some of the premiere gospel goups of the time: Lewis Family, Byrd Family, Florida Boys, The Kingsmen and others. This was a natural progression as Larry's paternal grandfather grew up friends with "Pop" Lewis in Lincolnton, GA.
Larry then made the move to Rock and Roll. He was a founding member of the original Georgia Rhythm Band. The band was very successful and played to many packed houses.
After some time at college, Larry found himself in the "hotbed" of Georgia music. He arrived in Athens, GA, in 1984. He immediately started seeking musicians. Ironically, the first one he met was Chris Hampton. But they did not work together until 2002.
Chris Hampton - Bass, vocals
Chris - the walking, talking musical encyclopedia! It is very rare that Chris turns down a request to perform any song. He has been a full-time musician all his life and has performed more songs than most musicians have ever heard.
He is a veteran of many touring bands and show bands as well. He is a master of many styles of music and a multi-instrumentalist as well.
Chris works hard to keep an audience entertained. His instrumental talent is only surpassed by his vocal abilities. Again, mastering many styles, his singing adds a lot to Power Play.
When not performing, he also teaches music to many students.
John Lee - Keyboards, vocals
John's dedication to music is so strong that he holds a degree in music from Oberlin College's Conservatory of Music. He has performed all over the country. He is a master of all styles from classical to jazz, blues, pop, rock and country.
He has a very quick wit and keeps the audience entertained between songs. At times the guys find it hard to start the next tune because everyone is laughing at Johns' comments.
John's mastery of the keys adds a lot to Power Play's performances. John is now also a full time musician. In addition to performing, he also teaches music.
Johnny Paul - Drums, vocals
Johnny Paul is a veteran of many country and country-rock bands that have played throughout north Georgia. He has served as lead vocalist and bandleader in previous bands. Because of this Johnny adds a lot to Power Play. The next time you see us and can't tell who is singing, check the drummer!
Danny Daniels - Vocals
Even though Daniels "officially" retired from full-time appearances with the group in 2006, he continues to fill in when needed or as an additional member when the situation calls for a 5-piece band.
A former radio DJ and now a television talk show host, Daniels served as Power Play's front man for more than 19 years, providing audiences with solid vocals and keeping them entertained with his off-the-cuff humor. He has always seen his contribution to the group as the one who keeps the show moving, making sure there is no down time between songs. Power Play's strength on stage is a fast-paced show filled with dance music and comedy. While many cover bands allow silence on stage to be a buzz-kill, Daniels — or whoever is fronting each particular show — focuses on steady entertainment.
Daniels has always been fortunate to be surrounded by the Athens area's "cream of the crop" musicians. Though he lends lead vocals (as does virtually every member of Power Play), Daniels is content to let the music speak for itself.
The success of the band can be traced to the unselfishness of its members. Power Play has never relied on one or two members to carry the vocal load, thus providing a variety of styles that audiences relish. This was the mission statement agreed upon by Daniels and Williams when Power Play first took the stage in 1986 and it has never changed.
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