Their front man and acoustic Guitar player is Splinter Middleton. He is a great singer/songwriter and formerly wrote for Mel Tillis Publishing as well as produced his own show in Branson, Missouri for 20 plus years with a big following. He has also been seen many times on RFD channel as a featured performer on “Midwest Country”. Two of his songs, performed by the “Honkytonk Renovators”, are being played on Texas radio on “Big G’s Texas Road Show” at KOOK 93.5 in Junction, Texas.
These guys are more than just a good dance band. They are an act with a direction that is nothing if not unique. One of the founders of the group is Jack Pearman, one of the best bass players you will ever have a chance to hear. He uses an upright “Doghouse” bass fiddle instead of the standard electric, and solidifies the foundation for every tune they play.
Their drummer is Steve Graham, another founder of the ensemble. He is also a great vocalist that stands as he plays only a kick drum and snare and that’s all he needs to keep this band “Rock-in”.
New to the band is Michael Johnson from Little Rock, Arkansas. Michael started playing guitar in junior high school after listening to Dwight Yoakam’s “Hillbilly Deluxe” album . Injury to his left hand had resulted in nerve damage and loss of feeling in all but 2 fingers but Michael was determined to play despite the setback.After forming The County Line Band they were invited to perform for Star Search and became champions for 3 rounds then was picked up by Milam Management who managed Toby Keith’s band in the mid-90′s. That spawned a 2 year road tour across the USA opening country shows for name bands and closing down bars with blues friends. No stranger to the Honkytonk scene , Michael joins the Renovators to help keep pure Honkytonk music alive.