The 484 South Band began in 2005 when KeKe Schultz (Monticello, MS) and Twain Pigott (Dexter, MS) began playing Lynyrd Skynrd covers in local venues around the Baton Rouge area. Two years later, in the Fall of 2007, the full band was created when the lineup became set with Schultz (guitar), Pigott (guitar), David Johnson (drums/percussion), Jim Oakes (vocals), Brady Bagwell (guitar/vocals) and Don Hull (bass). Schultz, Pigott and Oakes began writing the original songs that would launch the band into the world of indie Southern Rock. With chords of Blues, Southern Rock, Alt-Country, Americana and anything left on the table from breakfast or in the bottle from last night, the band has continued to write songs from their experiences and their hearts. No rules, no cookie cutters, just what flows from the soul to the music.
The band’s first CD, Mississippi Nights, was recorded in the summer of 2009 at Route One Recording and was co-produced by indie pioneer Chris Hudson (co-owner of Black Dog Records with ties to Cary Hudson, Blue Mountain, John Stirratt of Wilco, etc.). The album received outstanding reviews, was a financial success, and continues to be a staple for any Southern Rock listener.
484’s energetic stage shows and broad fan appeal have led to performances before crowds of thousands (Atwood Music Festival, New Orleans Rock & Roll Marathon), opening for The Eli Young Band at the Varsity in Baton Rouge, opening for Wade Bowen at The Texas Club, and return engagements to many of the South’s famous, and not so famous, venues.
2010, however, was a time of change for the band with founding member Twain Pigott and vocalist Brady Bagwell leaving to spend more time with their families and pursue other interests.
In December of 2010 the unexpected passing of bassist extraordinaire Don Hull was a devastating loss for the band. His friendship, positive attitude and incredible bass playing will be missed by the band for many years to come. For more info please see the Tribute page
On December 14, 2011 the band released their second album “21 Miles of Bad Road.” It’s a second helping of the first album with more of the same loving spoonfuls of Southern Rock. You clearly hear the Blues, Country (some say Outlaw Country), rock and roll and everything inbetween. Founding member Twain Pigott returned to help write and record the studio album with the band and special guest Chalmers Davis (if you don’t know him, Google him – think Muscle Shoals) added the classic organ and piano that southern rockers have always loved, and Sidney Babin (who toured with the band during 2011) lended his hand to the bass tracks.
“The album (21 Miles Of Bad Road) is as straightforwardly Southern rock as it gets – they are not flashy, and they do not kid around. Don’t expect anything but honesty, and all the unfettered trappings that come along with it.” – Entertainment Editor, DIG Magazine, Jan. 2012
There was a time when there were no petty distinctions among country music, rock ’n’ roll and blues, and the 484 South Band does what it can to get those paths to meet up again on 21 Miles of Bad Road. – ALEX V. COOK (Author of “Louisiana Saturday Night”, 225 Magazine, April 2012
“The 484 South Band is barreling down the back roads of righteousness, preaching the verses of the artists who inspired them to make real music—and, of course, a dash of south Mississippi hell raising for good measure.” – Natalie Long, Jackson Free Press
In March of 2012, the new lineup was announced. Schultz (lead/rhythm guitar), Johnson (percussion/drums), Oakes (vocals), Phil Cangelosi (vocals/acoustic guitar), Bill Romano (bass), and Dayne Ashley (lead/rhythm guitar). After some time off, the band picked up where they left off by playing a heavy schedule of gigs in late 2013-14 (including headlining a SUNDAY IN THE PARK event in downtown Baton Rouge.
In early 2014 the band filmed a scene in the upcoming Danny Trejo/Danny Glover film BADASSES ON THE BAYOU set to be released in 2015. The song CRYSTAL SPRINGS will be featured in the movie and on the soundtrack! The band members participating in the film were Schultz, Johnson, Cangelosi, Romano, Pigott and Oakes.
Dayne Ashley left the band in 2013 and co-singer Oakes left in April 2014 to pursue a solo career. The current band has Chris Kent of the Big Papas filling in on drums at a number of gigs and co-singing along with Schultz, Cangelosi and Romano. They occasionally have Brian Layman and Randy “Da Animal” Porter fill in a drums also. Shout out to our best bud Sidney Babin (bass/sound) who left for one of those cold-ass states last year.
Teaser alert: Pigott and Schultz are rumored to be working on a new set of songs for release this decade. And, maybe goad the band members to finish their next album since they have at least half of it written!
NO VENUE IS TOO BIG OR TOO SMALL! IF YOU’VE GOT A PLUG-IN, WE’LL BE GLAD TO PLAY!
A few highlights for the band:
Filmed a scene in BAD ASSES ON THE BAYOU (Danny Trejo/Danny Glover) featuring their song CRYSTAL SPRINGS.
Opening for THE ELI YOUNG BAND (ACM Award Winners) at The Varsity in Baton Rouge, Louisiana.
Opening for WADE BOWEN at The Texas Club in Baton Rouge, Louisiana.
Playing for thousands at the Capitol Area Heart Walk in Baton Rouge, Louisiana.
Rocking the house down at HAL & MAL’S RED ROOM in Jackson, Mississippi.
Several gig stint at RINGSIDES @ SULLIVAN’s in Baton Rouge.
Multiple gigs at LAVA CANTINA on Perkins Rowe in Baton Rouge.
Playing a lot at Backstreet Lounge for Ms. Leslie and the gang.
