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Formed in 1998 in Poteau, Oklahoma, Sixth Wind travelled throughout the states of Arkansas, Louisiana, Oklahoma, and Texas, bringing with them an over-the-top, party till you drop, kick **** live show coupled with melodic songs and searing vocal harmonies that quickly garnered them a reputation in places like Fort Smith, Ar and Shreveport, LA. The original members of Sixth Wind, Gabe Cunningham, Paul Riggs, Troy Hollinger, and Johnny Reed, go back several years before the formation of the band. Paul and Johnny have been close friends since the third grade and both started playing guitar the same week in 1987. Troy came into the picture in the early 90's and played with Paul and Gabe in the bands Rock Jail Road, Purple Burning Dogs, Ivory Joe Love, and Ellie Mae's Monkey (EMM). After the breakup of EMM the guys formed up with Johnny to create a new sound and direction. The band took a year to practice and write before ever playing a show. Several of their most requested songs were written in this period. Twinkle, Attempt To Submit, Silver, This Is Me, and Trip Me Down all came to life during those long, hot practices in garages and bedrooms, barrooms and living rooms. They played a party where a HORSE was ridden into the living room while they were jamming! There was the time they played the Saddle Gap and a man named "Mountain Man Bob" got "in touch" with himself while the band played a ZZ Top cover (He must have REALLY liked ZZ Top!). Alas, all good things come to an end, and Sixth Wind called it quits after a couple of line-up changes and some inner turmoil. Paul left the band eventually and was replaced on bass by Terry Warren (only to return on guitar after Johnny left) who played with the band untill the final breakup. The band recorded in Nashville with Tom Harding and Gabe wrote a song with Bryan White at BMI. The only official Sixth Wind release "Controversy" can be found on CD Baby. UPDATE: They're at it again! Paul, Troy, and Johnny are back together writing and recording and will be playing a place near you SOON!!!!!!!! UPDATE ON THE UPDATE: Gabe will be doing a couple of Sixth Wind reunion shows with us in the near future. Look for a show in Poteau and a show in Fort Smith. Get there early, these suckers are gonna be packed!!!!!! Keep checking back to this site for more info! . |