Leader and founder of the band, The Reverend Tony Hughes comes from a long line of jazz musicians. His father played with Wes Montgomery and his grandfather played radio shows back in the 30's and 40's. So for him it was really the only thing he knew growing up. He has always had a love for music of all styles, and its apparent from the sound that Jesus Presley plays.
In 1994, while booking music for a club in Portland Oregon, he noticed that there was a lack of large show bands playing in live music venues.He had an idea for a band that payed music that was a little off center, mixed styles from swing, jazz, R&B to rock and the whole time making sure everyone was having fun. The whole concept was to include everyone in the experience, from the musicians to the folks going out to see live music. For the musicians in the band it was simple- they stopped worrying about the music industry and focused on music and entertaining people.
For the past 12 years Jesus Presley have amassed a following in the Pacific Northwest and received critical accliam for their live shows, musicianship and recordings. After achieving a cult status and playing every music venue and festival and event they could. They have learned a couple things, fun is fun and now matter what you do, it better be fun. Jesus Presley has some great events lined up for 2007 and this being the 7th year of the Miss White Trash Pageant they are really looking to light the fuse. Look for a Brand New Christmas release November of 2007.
Bud E. love, Dread Zepplin, El Vez, Alien Fashion Show, PinkMartini, Royal Crown Revue, Big Bad Voodoo Daddy, Tommy Tutone, Bo Diddley, Hit Explosion, Tuatara, Everclear, Cheap Trick, Bobby Torres, Johnny Martin, The Nightcaps, Tony Starlight, Hummingfsh, Rubberneck, Hank the Angry Dwarf, Super Sonic Soul Pimps, Billy Bacon and the Forbidden Pigs to name a few.
"Jesus Presley sounds like Pink Floyd meet the B52's meet Frank Zappa" - High Times 1997
"the dynamic dirty dozen of glitzy, over the top best band I've ever heard" - Anodyne Magazine 1997
"Jesus Presley not only brings it to you they get it all over you" - The Oregonian 1999
"it's a wonderful thing when talent meets mayhem" - Two Louies Magazine 2000
"brothers and sisters my ears have heard the glory" - T & A Times 2000
"Jesus Presley is by far the best band to ever come out of Portland" - Jam Magazine 2001
