Talk:Gary Helms
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GARY HELMS
For the last few years, a young man named Gary Helms has been cutting his teeth on the same Texas dancehall circuit that George Strait had as a training ground.
"A couple of the places we have played are over a hundred years old," grins Gary. "It's been a dancehall since it began. When you live two hours from a big city, the thing to do is go to the dance halls. People bring their families out... it's incredible how different it is on that circuit than it is in the Houston clubs."
Singing four hours a night, four to six nights a week for the most demanding of country fans has given the Deer Park native, keen musical instincts. With Sony Tree honcho Pat McMakin at the production wheel, Gary Helms self-titled debut is expected to offer the driving spirit of "new country," the textured sound of honky-tonk and the heart-felt impact of the classic ballad.
Gary grew up in North Shore, a small town 15 miles east of Houston. With his country boy charm, good-looks and manners, Gary is an icon of respect. "I get kidded for always saying 'Yes ma'am' and 'No ma'am' even to people my age, Gary laughs. Though his passionate love of the stage has already provided him opportunities to perform for fans across the country, his heart remains true to Texas. His "Humble" roots and respect for the Lonestar people run as deep as the state's seemingly bottomless platinum mine of talent.
MUSICAL INFLUENCES:
George Strait John Anderson Garth Brooks Merle Haggard Kevin Eagan from "Kevin Eagan and Beyond Reason"
TRIVIA
Favorite Sports Team - Dallas Cowboys Favorite Food - Steak/Pork Chop and Chicken Wraps, and Sea Food Favorite Restaurant - The Reef in Texas City, Texas Pet Peeve - People Driving To Fast In A School Zone, and People Being Rude To Elderly or Less Fortunate People.
PREVIOUS OCCUPATIONS Gary completed two years of college at the University of Houston/Downtown where he studied criminal justice. During that time, he worked at a local police department where he was a patrol officer. Gary admits that by helping make a difference in other people's lives, it made a huge impact in his own.
Gary has held several jobs including such positions as a safety manager for an industrial company, a field safety supervisor, a field safety auditor, a pipe fitter-fabricator, a boilermaker, and an electrician helper. With this practical work experience, Gary says he'll always have something to fall back on. Personal Fact...
GIVEN NAME: Gary Helms
BORN: March 4, Houston, Texas
CHILDREN: Chase and Randy
VITAL STATISTICS: Height: 6'1" Weight: 203 lbs.
EYES: Hazel
HAIR: Brown
INSTRUMENT: Guitar / Drums
HOBBIES: Swimming, Wrestling with my boys, Fishing, Golf
AFFLILIATIONS: CMA, ASCAP, BMI, USMAA, Masonic Lodge 1401, TEAM USA
RECORD LABEL: None
PRODUCER: Gary Helms, Co-Producer Pat Mcmakin
HOME VIDEO: None
PROMOTIONAL VIDEOS: None
THEATRICAL RELEASES: "The Nutcracker" released in 1981
TELEVISION:
• The Rookie 2000 • Prey For Death (Sho Kosugi) 1981
COMMERCIAL ENDORSEMENTS:
• Cowboy Cottons • Resistol Hats • Miller Lite
TOUR SPONSORSHIP:
• That's a good question!
TBG
TBG or Texas Black Gold is a name that is synonymous with the Texas Dance Hall circuit. The name is as common to Texas music, as cowboy hats are to the rodeo circuit.
During the past few years, TBG has taken some time away and focused on songwriting, demoing and working with other aspects of the music industry.
Now it's time for the boys to get back to work creating that sound the has made them house hold names.
The lineup may be just a bit different, Jim Rowland one of the two founding members of TBG has decided after a long hiatus to return home to TBG. Jim will assume responsibilities in the production department concerning CD production and mastering. He will also be on stage with thte band playing rhythm guitar and backup vocals as well as piano and synthesizers. He will also be working with his current band, the 50's and 60's group called "The Texas Hurricanes" till the end of 2005.
Drummer Ricky Calloway left the band sometime back for religious obligations and was replaced by Paul Kriss who will be back on the road for the upcoming tour in 2005. Bassist Hugh lathem who was a major figure to the bands success also quit a few years back as you may remember and started his own band that is doing quite well. Lead guitar player Jimmy Matiak is now playing guitar for Montgomery Gentry. Fiddle player Michael Calley went on to play for BNA recording star Jeff Carson. Lead Guitar player Gary Ishee went on to play for Asylum records artist Curtis Day. There is no doubt the band has spawned some of todays hottest players that are now playing for major recording artist.
Despite the workload some of the former members have taken on, TBG will be back in full swing in 2005 and ready for the road.
With influences ranging from Steve Wariner to George Strait, native Gary Helms of Deer Park, Texas, fronts the TBG sound with his powerful, yet smooth vocals and steady rhythm guitar. North Houston's favorite son, Paul Kriss will be holding the rhythm section together behind the skins with a steady tempo that is grooving enough to keep even the best dancers busy till sun up.
"We try to be as versatile and entertaining as possible while still trying to keep it country" says road manager Kenny Moreland. "Those are the two main objectives. After that, we just play. It sounds simple but that's what and how we do it, and that's what our fans have come to expect."
Stay Safe, and we'll see you on the road!Gary Helms
Fan Favorite? Lets take a look!~
“Gary Helms is a great asset to the music industry. When someone finally realizes what talent is being wasted he will make it big.” A. Horne: Brookshire, Texas
“Gary, I am not good with words. You know I think you are great. I wish you would sing me to sleep every night. You have a wonderful voice and you play great acoustic guitar. I want to hear more!” S. Fesler: Texas City, Texas
“I have been a fan of Gary Helms' music for quite some time. In the early days of his career, I noticed an uncommon talent in him. Through the years he has honed this talent through life's trials and tribulations. His determination and dedication to the field of entertainment are nothing less than inspiring. A few years back, I was able to book Gary and his band for a business/social function. My boss was overwhelmed at the quality of the performance from a then relatively unknown talent. The way Gary connected with the audience was amazing. They were following the path he led them on through the lyrics of his songs. Gary has developed his art through the years, and to this day still leads his audiences on a trip with his combination of original music mixed with popular hits. Each time I hear him, it seems he has found a new way to improve his sound. I will be following this talent to see just how fast he will reach his inevitable stardom.” N. Hughes: Houston, Texas
“Very Charismatic. Pulls the people in and keeps ME entertained!!” K. Kinley: Beaumont, Texas
“Next to Neal McCoy, you're the best performer I have ever seen.” T. Valcoviac: Lake Charles, Louisiana
”Gary your great! We drive an hour and a half just to see your shows.” J. and D. Walshak: Austin, Texas
“Wrangler butt, looks to make a nice girl sweat and can sing to, baby I am going to marry you're a_ _!” D. Bostic: Jasper, Texas
“Great voice, looks great, wrangler butt, my kind of cowboy!” K. Hendrix: Round Rock, Texas
Promoter's Favorite? Lets take a look!~
From the hotspots of east Texas and southwest Louisiana to the traditional toe-tapping dance-halls of central and west Texas, Gary Helms has played to standing room only audiences and kept them screaming for more. Few artists have made such and impact on the Texas country music scene. Nonstop touring and professionalism have made him one of the most in demand country artist in Texas.
Gary was launched into the International spotlight in 1993 when a song "Rainy Night In Texas" became a fan favorite in Europe. He also started getting air play at many Texas radio stations as well with "Rainy Night In Texas" and "Daddy don't leave" both songs he penned himself along with co-writer Jim Rowland formerly of TBG now with the Texas Hurricanes. 1993 and 1994 were tough years on the road for Gary and TBG but they received many accolades in February 1994 when he was featured in the 93Q Country Radio Magazines (Houston Rodeo Edition) as a regional fan favorite.
Seeker Distribution Recognized Gary's accomplishments on a corporate level and signed him to a contract for Miller Lite Beer and began a regional promotions campaign for Texas Music along with Mercury Records recording star Jeff Chance. Miller Lite's promotional campaign included signage, banners, posters, table tents, radio and printing on all of his live performances.
Cowboy Cottons Shirt Company recognized Gary's talent and signed him to a corporate sponsorship contract as part of a new promotional program for Cowboy Cottons Western Wear. Other sponsors included, Consolidated Music, and Consolidated Road Cases.
Currently, Gary is working on a new album that is slated for release in 2006. Plans are to release a single with an accompanying video. The video will be serviced to (GAC) Great American Country and (CMT) Country Music Television as well as The Nashville Network and VH-1. Also in the works is a television commercial for Toyota and General Motors in conjunction with singles to be released from Gary's CD. The commercials are slated to air all over Texas.
[edit] Comment moved from article space
Very Simply Put, This Page is about "ME"!
I have spoken with Lance whom had no business posting anything about me on the net at all! 50% of what was on this page was incorrect, if you would like the proper details, contact me directly but don't add ignorant things on this page or incorrect things to this page just because you think you know me!
If you want the proper details, ask, I will happily give them to you, the correct versions.
Thanks! Gary Helms
Helmsgary