TALENT SCOUT - Floyd Domino

Two-time Grammy Award winner Floyd Domino is a leading proponent of the Western swing genre. After jumping out with the band Asleep at the Wheel in the 1970s, Domino launched a career that has included critically acclaimed solo albums, most recently Floyd Domino’s All-Stars in 2018. He has appeared on 20 No. 1 hit singles and played sessions with Willie Nelson, Merle Haggard, and countless others. In 2017, Domino was inducted into the Texas Music Legends Hall Of Fame. Get to know our TALENT SCOUT Artist of the Week.NAME: Floyd Domino HOMETOWN: Berkeley, CAMUSICAL TRAINING: Childhood lessons, a high school summer at the Berklee College of Music, and asking a lot of questions when I met Earl 'Fatha' Hines, Al Stricklin, Glen D Hardin.FIRST GIGS: Besides a few in teenage bands, I lived in Stevensville, MT, in 1971, when it was a logging town. I rotated around Main Street playing the three bars in town. All of them had upright pianos. I only knew a few songs, so I’d play a four hour gig and make up songs. They all had structures and hooks. I wish I could hear some of those now! MUSICAL INFLUENCES: Al Stricklin, Oscar Peterson, Count Basie, Moon Mullican, the Beatles, John Coltrane, Merle Haggard, Ray Charles.WHAT I’M LISTENING TO RIGHT NOW: All of the above, plus Frank Sinatra, and Murray Perahia playing Mozart concertos MY BIG BREAK: Joining Asleep at the Wheel in 1972. They had few prospects at the time, but it was the perfect gig at the right time. We built something together.LATEST PROJECTS: Floyd Domino’s All-Stars, my 7-piece jump swing and Boogie Woogie band. Also, the Demonic Duo, with guitarist Redd Volkaert. FAVORITE KEYBOARDS AND WHY? My 1911 Steinway O. I’ve had it since 1976 and it’s all I ever want. I recorded with the Roland V-Piano. It’s as close to a piano sound and feel that I’ve played.WHAT’S NEXT FOR YOU? A Demonic Duo album with Redd Volkaert. ADVICE TO THE NEXT GENERATION: For side musicians, be a complete musician and always 'go for it.' If you’re young and not sure whether or not to take the great leap into playing full time and traveling, do it. You’ll never regret it, no matter the outcome. For more information visit floyddomino.com