The Band

Story

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Wes Youssi is a singer and songwriter from Portland, Oregon. Inspired to sing country artists his grandma loved in the 1960’s, Wes formed The County Champs in 2014. He spent the next 10 years combing the loneliest roads and towns throughout the Northwest and beyond, playing for hard-working people like the ones he grew up around in Belvidere, Illinois. Along the way, he won them over with his original songs while gaining recognition from DJ’s, writers, and fellow musicians for his authentic vocal and golden age sound.

Many miles and whiskeys later, Wes and The County Champs have evolved to encompass a broader spectrum of music influenced by the barren roads they’ve traveled. Drawing inspiration from the border rock bands that first emerged in the 1950’s, their newest songs celebrate the highest deserts and “Live Free or Not At All” kind of people. It’s a sonic space they affectionately call “high-octane twang,” blending western music with rock, surf, and latin tones. This space-country concoction is garnished with neon lights and a dash of tragic romance. Get in your Cadillac and don’t stop driving ‘til sunrise!

Musicians

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Rowdy Regulars

Wes Youssi
Guitar / Lead Vocals

Kevin Major
Drums

Paul Baczuk
Upright Bass / Backing Vocals

Vaughn Adams
Piano / Backing Vocals

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Road Dawgs

Roger Conley
Pedal Steel Guitar

Don Lawry
Drums

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Honored Brethren

James Sasser
Bass Guitar / Backing Vocals

Jesse Cunningham
Steel Guitar / Electric Guitar

Phil Ajjarapu
Pedal Steel Guitar

Steve Moore
Electric Lap Steel Guitar