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THUNDERHAND JOE 
From an early age I knew what I wanted to do. Play Music. 

I always knew. 
I always knew I was going to be a musician. Growing up in the town of Orange, CA, I recall seeing the Beatles on Ed Sullivan when they came to the US in 1964. 
The band's effect on my older relatives gave me my first clue that the power of music was an awesome force. As children we all have the power to dream. The Beatles just directed that power for me. 
There was a music store in the circle of Orange. I have long forgotten the name. When I was just 9 years old I would go in and dream of being in a band one day. Just like the Beatles just like Ringo. Yea Ringo. My eye was on this used Gretsch snare drum. All the great music of the time was recorded on Ludwig or Gretch drums ask anyone. We didn't’t have much money, dirt poor perhaps may have been a good expletive, but I believe even in those days even dirt had more money My parents had no money. 
I wouldn't’ even think of asking for a new drum…well maybe but I knew if I asked for a new drum, I’d be out of luck. So with some begging and a few tears the wheels were set in motion. One year later in 1970 on my 10th Birthday my mother purchased with $20.00 my first drum and unleashed my future. If she new now what she didn't know then she probably would not have made that purchase. 
I started my first band at 10 years old with one snare drum and a single dream. I still have that drum and that same dream lives on to this day. 


 

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THUNDERHAND JOE, while working as the powerhouse drummer for the recording artist Redbone, dazzled audiences all over the world. Redbone is the most successful Native American Rock & Roll band in the history of music. Joe's high energy and incredible showmanship was the driving force behind the band for 18 years. The band owes much of its success over the years to Thunderhand’Rock Solid Performances.   

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Beginning his musical career playing with one of the most successful Native American groups of all time, 'Thunderhand Joe' spent his musical formative years with the infamous Vegas brothers (Pat and Lolly). Touring with Redbone (remember '70's monster hits like "Witch Queen of New Orleans" and "Come and Get Your Love") was invaluable experience, learning the 'ins and outs' of the music business, production, writing and, of course, recording. By the early 1990s, 'Thunderhand Joe' was redirecting his creative energies into his own unique brand of rock and roll

 

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After sixteen years on the road, the journeyman drummer decided that the time was right. He went out on his own and formed 'Thunderhand Joe and the Medicine Show'! The result was an original blend of classic rock, funk and rhythm and blues. Becoming one of the hardest working bands in the Native music business, 'Thunderhand Joe' took his show on the road. On a whirlwind of nonstop touring, playing gaming facilities, fairs and festivals all across the country.

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Drummer for the recording artist Redbone. 

Recorded EP’s Masters with Redbone. (One World One Planet / 21st Century Medicine Man)
Worked with Jimmie Green Spoon of Three Dog Night (Recording Artist) 
Recorded for Luther Vandross (Recording Artist)
Worked with Gary Kats (WB) records (Producer) Steely Dan, Seals & Croft, Jim Croce, Chaka Khan, Pablo Cruse Dave Mason (Recording Artists) 

Recorded drums on Ain't no Make Believe WWE John Morrison Theme Song 

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On stage performances over the years: 
Fleetwood Mac * Steve Wonder * Rita Coolidge* Crystal Gayle *War *Tiara,* Three Dog Night, Robbie Robertson, *Pablo Cruse * John Michael Montgomery *Glen Fry *Dave Mason *Buffalo Springfield, *Uncle Kracker *Chris LeDoux *Doobie Brothers *Eddie Money *Malo HBO Special with Paul Rodriguez. MTV. *Eddy Money * Charlie Daniels * Eddie Rabbit, * Billy Vera The Beaters* American Indian TV, * Art & Entertainment Chanel How the west was lost., *Dance to the Oldies. Martha Reeves

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I always knew I was going to be a musician. Growing up in the town of Orange, CA I recall seeing the Beatles on Ed Sullivan when they came to the US in 1964. The band’s effect on my older relatives gave me my first clue that the power of music was an awesome force.

 

As children we all have the power to dream. The Beatles just directed that power for me.

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