Born in the backwoods of rural Alabama, the Dixieland Disciples have been forging their way to the frontlines of the Southern Rock/ Alternative Country music scene. Founding members, Dan Walton and Jeremy “Willow” Willis, met through mutual friends in the fall of 2005 and quickly banded over Steve Earle, Alabama football, and White Label Dickel. Willow has heard the picking of a guitar and the sound of drums all of his life. Being born into a family of musicians, Willow knew at a young age he was destined for the same. His uncle Dennis, or “Rock” as he was so fondly called, was one of the biggest inspirations for this young lad. Rock played with a long list of talented artists, including the Allman Brothers. It wasn't until around the age of 13 that Willow decided to pick up a guitar and learn to play because he knew that musicians always had a “way with the ladies”. From there, he has worked to polish his craft and played with amazing artists including, Caddle, 7 Day Binge, The Last Vegas, and Beithemeans. Walton learned early on the finest things in Southern living; Lynard Skynard, college football, and cold beer. Dan came from a long line of pickers and grinners. From their front porch swing to the backyard fire barrel and every local dive bar in between. However for Walton, it was more than just a witty lyric or a slick guitar lick; it was family. Growing up as a Southern man, it’s not that uncommon to reach an age of disagreement with your old man. But, not in this case. In the Walton home, father and son bonded many nights over the family album collection. Walton Sr. would visit the local record shop to share his finds with his boy. The years Walton spent sharing tunes with the old man didn’t just build a scrapbook of good playlists and good times, but a generation of knowledge that would later help him hone his craft to the next level. Musically, Walton spent his early years acoustic in hand as a singer/song writer style player. Known for being the life of the party, be it a dropped tail gate or a bonfire, if there was a crowd willing to listen, he had a tune. That same passion shared with his late father is what carried him to become a staple in every fraternity across the state. Stranded in a campus town of Jacksonville State University, Dixieland Disciples was a band built almost out of necessity. They quickly found themselves a permanent home at the campus hotspot…JSU’s very own, Cheers. From there the band has grown to include drummer, Ashton Morris and bass guitarist, Walt Dumas. Ashton’s first musical memory is derived from when he was very young playing “drums” on his mother’s pots and pans. At the age of 10, his pastor purchased his first drum set and the passion penetrated his soul. Ashton knew that God had given him a talent to play by ear and he worked to perfect this gift. His inspiration arises from his family and he desires to keep pressing onward to attain greatness. As a young man, he landed his first position in the band Shoot Then Ask. From there, Ashton was introduced to Walton and Willow via a mutual friend and quickly filled the position as the Dixieland Disciples drummer. As to date, Dixieland Disciples have played with The Lacs, Charlie Farley, Daniel Lee, Bottleneck, Twang and Round, and numerous other artists on the Average Joe’s Entertainment label. They have been packing local “watering holes” with eager onlookers to hear the rhythmic sounds from this up & coming band. www.dixielanddisciples.com www.reverbnation.com/dixielanddisciples www.twitter.com/dldrocks