Lightning Strikes

Lightning born, February 17, 1963 immediately began showing signs ofbeing a percussion prodigy, learning stick handling at the age of one. At the age of three Lightninghad alreadymastered snare drum rudiments, withinone year the percussionist had moved onto a full size kit. At age fivehe was enrolled into a percussion training school. Within twoclasses though the budding prodigywas already well aheadin the art thanany of his peers. Lightning had acquiredmore knowledge from his legendary father than anyone had realized. Learning intricaterhythm patterns, stick handling techniques, and foot rudimentsthat can only be truly learned through constant practice, and continual guidance from a professional entertainer.
In 1968, at the young age of five,Lightning began performing professionally on stage with some of the best musicians in St. Louis.

During the next few years Lightning, and his younger sibling Richard (Guitarist) would perform together honing the skills they acquired throughout their teenage years. Eventually forming a few groups that performed locally throughout the bi-stateregion at many prominent venues such as Club Imperial, and Stages.

One of these groups Lost Cause, eventually ended upstarting Lightning on hispath to recording music. After recordingthe group Lost Cause disbanded, Lightning then performed with various talented musicians throughout the late 1980's, and early 1990's.
In 1995 Lightning decided to form the group OUTTALINE, making a few calls to some local musicians whom he had come in contact with throughout his carreer, OUTTALINE performed for two years. Realizing that the musicians didn't have the drive to succeed, Lightning shelved the OUTTALINEproject.
In 1997, Lightning was asked to join Lickity Split, where hemet up with bassist Action Jackson. The duo instantly clicked and formed one of the tightest rythm sections in the area. Lickity Split performed for about three years before the duo parted ways to persue other projects.
In 2000 Lightning decided to use the OUTTALINEproject once more with a few different musicians. The group instantly became popular in the Midwest. After about two years of performing, Lightning realized that the members were not really interested in taking the group to the next level.
In 2002, Lightning called upon his longtime friend, and bassist Action Jackson to see if he would be interested in joining OUTTALINE. Action Jackson agreed that reforming the rhythm section between the two would bea great experience. The duo then held auditions for a guitarist that could handle the direction that the band would take. Lightning, and Action Jackson found a left handed six string grinder with the potential to take the band OUTTALINE to the next level. Psycho brought a different style of performing to the group.OUTTALINEbegan working on the debut release "WE GOT YOU COVERED"which was released in 2003. Action Jackson's relentless work on contributing to the disc, garnered the group the hit single "Chainsaw" which was picked up by commercial airwaves across the nation.
In 2004, OUTTALINE recorded a live dvd. The dvd included the video for the single "Chainsaw" which was picked up by VH1, and Fuse TV gaining the group a larger fanbase, and a strong foothold in the entertainment industry.