Big Daddy's New Band
"A Big Time Needs A Big Band"
History
Big Daddy's New Band grew out of a dream of Frank A. Ranelli a.k.a. "Big Daddy" to form a blues, rhythm and blues, and soul band with a horn section and female vocalist. In 1994 he called upon other musician friends to find players who shared his goal-- rehearsals began. Of the original eight, two still remain. The goal is still in sight and they continue to play the music they love. The band has performed all over Birmingham, AL and the Southeast. Besides performing at private events, they have performed at Birmingham's "City Stages" music festival, the "Riverbend Festival" in Chattanooga, TN, "Schooners" in Panama City Beach, FL, AJ's in Destin, FL, Sandestin Resort, in Destin, FL, Ona's Music Room, The Club of Birmingham, and many other venues. Sticking to the principal of not being a "me to" band, the band plays music with a great beat that will have you dancing in minutes. The combination of a solid rhythm section and three powerful horns makes for a killer sound with dynamite vocals from Frank Ranelli, Benita Parsons, Brian Suggs and Harold Sudderth.
Members
Frank A. Ranelli "Big Daddy"
Drums and Lead Vocals
Frank comes from a musical family of drummers and has been playing musical instruments since the age of seven. First on piano, then trumpet, and played in his high school band. Frank started playing drums at age fourteen and started his first band in the eight grade. He has been performing ever since.
Benita Parsons
Lead Vocals
New vocalist, Benita Parsons, is a banker by day and a sultry songstress by night! She has sung with local bands for fifteen years, including Panama Jack & The Hangouts and Total Assets. Benita has performed at City Stages and warmed up for the legendary Four Tops. Her repertoire swings from soft and sweet to bluesy soul to high energy with songs by Etta James, Aretha Franklin, Bonnie Raitt, Bobby “Blue” Bland, Stevie Wonder and The Pointer Sisters. Benita is a welcomed addition to our group of veteran musicians.
Brian Suggs
Piano, Organ and Vocals
Brian has been playing the piano since he was a child and has played in a number of bands in and around Birmingham. For years he made a living playing in house bands at various clubs. His last job full time was in Gadsden, Alabama. Having started several businesses, owning his own air plane and giving flight instructions, he decided to stop the every night grind pf club playing and join us. He is very proficient at the piano and organ and is a talented vocalist too!
Harold Sudderth
Lead Guitar, Harp and Vocals
Harold Sudderth has been a part of the Birmingham music scene since his first band at age 12. In the "several" years since then, he has played everything from bluegrass to Motown to "Power Trio" hard rock. In his solo work, he is known as "Hurricane Harold" and specializes in good-time beach oriented music. With Big Daddy's New Band Harold plays guitar, sings and generally has a great time. Harold also serves in the Praise Band at Asbury Methodist Church.
Mike Hill
Bass
Mike
started playing bass in the UAB Jazz Ensemble from 1979-1980 under Dan
Strawbridge, playing standards and getting the basics of music theory. He
joined the Top 40 show band "Vagus" in 1982 and stuck with the same high school
friends/musicians to form "Ralston Valentine & The Casuals" from 1984-2004.
Diverse music is the key to playing in bands ranging from the "Casual3" a
jazz/bebop trio, "Jim Butt's Blues Band", "Thomas Henry" southern rock and the
power pop band of the "Gus Whitaker Band".
Chris Rothe "Sweet Lips"
Trumpet (Horn Section Leader)
Chris started playing trumpet in middle school, and was first chair in his high school band. He performed in the jazz band as soloist. Following high school, he played only on occasion before joining up with the New band from its inception. Chris leads the horn section. He is a founding member and Frank's best friend--they have been buddies for 27 years!
Mike Lingo
Trombone
Mike is known as Mr. Trombone in Birmingham! Playing everything from Jazz, Symphony, Broadway, Circus, Rock 'n Roll, or the best R&B, Motown and Blues you've ever heard. He is an arranger and an accomplished soloist as well.
Dwight Houston
Saxophone
Dwight is world renowned having played with greats such as Diana Washington! He has his own Jazz group "On Purpose" that performs all over. Dwight is in constant demand for studio work all over the Southeast. His solos can be heard on recordings with many greats from past years. He is an absolute dynamo on stage!
