BIOGRAPHY
Eddie Reddick is a native of New Orleans, Louisiana who migrated to California as a teen with his Mother, Father, and Sister. He grew up in Long Beach where he came in contact with several other musicians who had the same dreams and aspirations he himself possessed. That dream was to become successful and well known in the music industry. While still in high school, Eddie landed a steady gig with a local band in the Long Beach area working 3 to 4 nights a week. This was a big deal for him, making pretty good money and not having to work a regular day job. This was the ticket. Eddie was hooked and realized this was all he wanted to do in life.
One situation led to another as he became more experienced as a bass player, occasionally performing some lead vocals as well. The Long Beach band Eddie had proudly performed with all through high school lasted about three years before breaking up. Shortly thereafter, he hooked up with yet another group of talented guys from Long Beach and the L A area. The group quickly became very popular in Long Beach, Orange County and the LA area. After a year they expanded their connection to Canada. Things were looking pretty good for Eddie and the guys. Another year quickly came and went. Unfortunately the routine became just that, a routine. Working the same spots over and over again for a few years without a record deal took it's toll on the band as the burnout factor kicked in. Eddie knew the group had lost the incentive to keep up the drive necessary to succeed, but he still hung around for a few more months. The turning point came when one day a drummer/friend approached him inquiring if he would like to do an audition with his band because the original bass player had just been fired.
The band was called The Boppers, a back up band for a local singing group called Side Effect who was preparing to do some major touring. Side Effect had a couple of nominal hits on the R&B charts. Eddie jumped at the opportunity. He did the audition and made the cut. He gave his two weeks notice to his current band. He rehearsed 3 weeks with the Boppers then the touring began almost immediately. This is what Eddie had been dreaming of all the time. Even though he was in a back up band, he still received the gratification of playing concerts and playing to large audiences all across the country. On any given night he might perform on the same bill as some of his favorite Idols, including The Isley Brothers, Frankie Beverly And Maze, The Gap Band, Cameo, The Brothers Johnson and so many others. Eddie was thinking, this is the life, who could ask for anything more?
After a year of touring as a back-up band, another surprise came into play.. The Boppers landed a record deal with the same label Side Effect had been signed to. This was the biggest thrill for the Boppers. Everything appeared to be on track as the first album was being recorded and finally released. The first sign of things to come occured when The Boppers had to change their name because of a legal dispute with a group from Ireland with the same name. After two years The Boppers had to become The LA Boppers. That was fine with everyone, but things began slowing down considerably for Side Effect as their songs failed to reach the top twenty on the Billboard charts which caused an even bigger pause in the touring situation. The touring dates came far and in between.
The LA Boppers had not developed a large enough following to launch a major tour. The first album did not do that great sales wise. To top that off Side Effect decided to change record labels which meant The Boppers had to change labels as well. This was a huge set back because of all the legalities involved. This threw things way out of proportion for everyone. With no cash coming in, this put a huge strain on everyone.
It took almost a year to straighten things out but by then the band had gone through some major changes. Some of the members had to leave and pursue other financial paths. By the time another record deal came along there were only Eddie and three other Boppers remaining.. Things never really got back on track for the LA Boppers. The group released three more albums over a period of 4 years but because of poor management never attained a substantial hit. This was a big disappointment for Eddie but he never lost hope. After The LA Boppers broke up he managed to continue doing some studio work with various producers in L A. This kept him busy for a couple of years but things began to slow down a bit.
Again, Eddie didn't give up. He decided to form a band with the guitarist from the LA Boppers and named it The LA Bop Band. This turned out to be a great move. The band became very well known in the Orange County and The Inland Empire. Even though that was a long way from the touring and the bright lights, Eddie realized the important thing was to be able to do what you love to do and still remain true to yourself. The LA Bop Band continued performing on a smaller scale but had become very successful as a band on many levels. After five good years the band broke up. Shortly thereafter Eddie co formed another band with Will Donato, a local Saxophonist. They have been performing together successfully for over 20 years. When Eddie is not on the road or in the studio, you can catch him performing with The Art Of Sax in the Palm Springs area or in The Orange County area.
Eddie has been working in the L A area for over thirty years. He has recorded and performed with many artists such as Chaka Khan, Billy Cobham, Roy Ayers, Bill Withers, Wayne Henderson of The Jazz Crusaders, Bobby Lyle, Side Effect, The L A Boppers, The Dramatics, Jeff Kashiwa, Steve Oliver, The Art Of Sax. Eddie says it doesn't' matter much anymore where his performances might be. It could be in a small dinner club or a huge concert arena. People are beautiful where ever they are. He is bringing to you all his years of experience on his solo CDs which features him as a vocalist, a song writer, producer, and bass player. He still remains true to the old school basics and still remains true to his overall philosophy which is, Create from your soul, Speak with your heart, Even if some don't agree, Most will listen to what you have to say.