Chris Simmons

Chris Simmons is certainly not a newcomer to the world of music. Most recently, he spent five years(2007-2012)touring the world as guitarist with Leon Russell. Chris now begins a new chapter, launching his solo career. He is an extraordinarily talented blues man that will make you feel his emotion and heart in every single note.
Twelve years after his birth in Boaz, Alabama, Chris begged his mom for his first guitar. after watching music videos on MTV.
It didn't take long before Simmons realized he wanted to be a professional musician. He joined his first band at 15. At age 20, he decided one day to load up his musical gear and whatever else would fit in his van and hit the road. From there, Simmons roamed the southeast playing southern rock and blues in bars, house parties, etc. In 1997, he joined Cadillac Voodoo Choir(Atlanta, GA). While on tour in Texas with the Voodoo Choir, Chris was introduced to the musical mecca of Austin, Tx. He made Austin his new home in 2001. There, Simmons started Ultrasonic, and spent five years playing legendary venues such as The Steamboat, Antone's and the "Saxon Pub.' (See Timeline below)
He now lives just south of Huntsville, AL in the Lacey Springs community when he's not traveling.
He has been playing the guitar now for more than a quarter of a century. He's been traveling and performing professionally for the last 18 of those years. Over the 5 years sharing the stage with Leon, he traveled the world, making friends and fans at every stop.
He's now out there with his own band, sharing his music. It's an energetic Blues affair, seasoned with Southern Soul.
Chris Simmons and Royal Blue is a four-piece core, sometimes joined by an additional complement of female back-up singers, additional guitarist, piano and organ.
'We have fun. We take the music seriously, but we don't take ourselves too
seriously ' we have fun with it, and we have fun with the audience' said Simmons.
DISCOGRAPHY:
"Old News To Me", 2009.
"Hallelujah Man", 2011.
"The Blues Days of Christmas", 2012.
Chris and his guitar appear on 4 tracks on the new studio album from Leon Russell, "Life's Journey" release date Feb 26 2013.



THANK YOU LEON
It was an absolute honor to have been able to travel the world and to write and play music with the Legendary Leon Russell.
My musical journey with Leon was a truly wonderful time, but sadly my part of the tour has come to an end. The last five years has been a real blessing for me and my family. I've learned so much about music and songwriting and so much more' Knowledge that only the wisdom of more than 50 years in every part of the music business and 70 years on earth can impart.
Thank you Leon.