Biography

ELMO BLUE is the culmination of four very unique individuals, from various backgrounds of musical influences.  That's what makes ELMO BLUE a treat to listen to and watch in action.  They pour out a string of original songs that are meaningful and intelligently written.  It's hard to describe what genre these guys fall into because they cover so much musical ground.  From hard driving Texas rock to jumpin' and jivin' blues shuffles to contemporary rock, they cover it all.  Whatever you want to call it, ELMO BLUE has "IT".

Rudy Gonzales, lead vocals and guitar, has been around the Dallas music scene since the early 70’s.  He grew up playing bass in the Greenville Avenue clubs alongside some of the masters of that time.  You know who they were!  Rudy brings an exceptional songwriting ability to the band and some of the strongest vocal chords you’ll ever here.  His “Texican” style is a joy to behold.

John Harris, lead guitar and vocals, picked up the guitar at the age of 13.  Within a year he had formed his first band called Live Wire.  There are no known surviving recordings of this band, but you can imagine the superb distortion that was generated.  Over the years Johnny has mellowed into a dynamic guitar player, with influences of T. Bone Walker, Freddie King, Stevie Ray Vaughan and Billy Gibbons, all pioneers of producing leading edge Texas blues and great guitar tone.

Lanny Orman has been playing the drums semi- professionally throughout the Dallas/Fort worth area for over 25 years.  Lanny has and can play anything from rock to country to blues and does it with perfection. Lanny sings some of the lead and back-up vocals for the band. 

Jim Garoutte is a self taught bass player who developed his own style by learning to play a diverse range of music.  Prior to joining Elmo Blue, Jim played mainly the country circuit at some of the local Dallas Oprys for about ten years. He is thrilled to be returning to his musical roots with Elmo Blue, by playing the music that he loves.