Before I get too deep into this month’s column, the musician
in me feels compelled to remind everyone to make sure you have tickets to see
one of the world’s greatest rock ‘n roll bands. The Black Crowes are coming to
town March 8. You don’t want to miss the biggest concert event to ever come to Owensboro.
That being
said, I’d like to share a tale with you about a dear friend of mine who has
been around music his entire life. It’s a great story, so kick back, enjoy your
favorite beverage and read on…
Owensboro native, Steve
Chandler, dates his first memories of music to the 4th grade – hearing
the Beatles and the Beach Boys and beginning his first guitar lessons.
Steve
recalled about his elementary school days, “these music reps went around to all
of the schools and administered a music talent test that was based around
pitch. I took the test and didn’t think much more of it.” Later, when the folks
who gave the test returned to give the results, a gentleman proclaimed that the
highest score for the test in the entire state was right there at Thruston
Elementary. It was none other than Steve Chandler.
Steve
wanted to play in the school band. He played trumpet for a few years and then
moved on to the world of high school and rock ‘n’ roll. He started a band,
playing keyboards, until joining The Mags with friend, Larry Maglinger. The
Mags had landed a record deal with a label owned by Leroy Woodward, the founder
of WaxWorks. He even performed on some Dick Clark shows that came through town
and opened for Iron butterfly, The Buckinghams, and other legendary acts. Eventually,
Steve caught the recording bug along with Larry.
Steve
worked at Goodman’s, in Madisonville,
for a few years as a recording engineer. In 1977, he moved to Nashville to work for Pete Drake, a legendary
steel guitar player and producer for Ringo Starr. Steve recalls, “I really
learned a lot working for Pete. He got my foot in the door and I was able to
work with major artists like Ernest Tubb, Marty Robbins, and more.”
In 1982, Steve
moved back to Owensboro
and with friend, George Fullenwinder, purchased the recording equipment from
Goodman’s. Steve helped him set up the gear and produced projects for a few
years. “I started mixing some local bands and started getting deals from
Rounder Records. We had custom made, top end, professional recording equipment
and produced some incredible projects.”
Then in
1986, along with buddies Gordy Wilcher, Hank Starks and Bobby Blackford, Steve purchased
the studio gear from George and bought the building. Electric Arts Recording
Studio was born in Downtown Owensboro.
During this
time, Steve was also expanding his musical trick book doing some work as a broadcast
engineer. He helped a good friend of his, Larry Aiken, build up a local radio
station in Evansville
– WGBF. Larry Aiken brought in all of the huge concerts to Evansville. He was the biggest live concert
promoter in the tri-state. Steve stated, “I learned a lot from Larry, He
brought in the heavyweights.”
Steve still
works as a freelance engineer and producer. He has built up a large clientele.
“I know a lot of people in Nashville
and that keeps me working,” Steve said. His second job is Entertainment
Director for the Executive Inn Rivermont. Steve started working at the Big E in
the early 90s. Steve shared, “I absolutely love doing it. It is such a neat
phenomenon that Owensboro
hosts big shows that some major markets don’t even get.” Steve continued, His reputation for excellence, combined
with his perfect pitch ear and a lifetime of musical experience, keep him in
high demand throughout the Nashville
recording scene.
As our chat
winded down, I asked Steve to share some insight about his life. He said, “music
has always been and is still my passion. Being able to be on the creative side
means I’ll never retire. I remember my friend, Terry Woodward, saying to me one
day, ‘A person who retires is a person who hates his job. So I’ll never
retire!’ I feel the same way.”
Right on
Steve… Stop in and see a show at the Big E sometime and say hello and thanks to
Mr. Chandler. Thanks for all you do man! That’s all for now. I’ll catch you
next month with another tale about a hometown musical hero. Until then, jump in
the pocket and stay in the groove.
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