Rock Steady was formed in 2008.
Vern Johnson is Rock Steady's lead vocalist and plays rhythm and acoustic guitar. During his music career Vern has warmed up for nationally recognized acts including Alabama, Mark Wills, Don Williams, and David Kersh. He performed with Paul in Sundance during the mid-1980's and together with Phil, founded Lightning Creek, a country/rock band, enjoying club success and developing a following playing at premier clubs and casinos.
Dave Olson, lead guitar and lead/backup vocals, began his career in the early 1970's playing the LA club scene. While performing at the Grand Hotel in Anaheim, Dave was offered the opportunity to audition for Kansas. He passed on the offer and later moved back to his home state of Minnesota (who needs fame and fortune anyway?). Later, Dave worked with Patty Peterson and formed the group Charisma. For 12 years, he owned and operated Dave's Guitar in Minneapolis where he, along with Nicci Wikkid of Slave Raider, also gave guitar lessons.
Phillip Snell, drummer, is a graduate of Music Tech where he received substantial training in the field of studio recording. Together with Vern, he founded Lightning Creek in 1993 and before that worked with various groups throughout the 1990's including Southern Cross, The Outfit, Dixie Thunder, Stony Jam, and After Midnight.
Paul Johnson is the band's multi-instrumentalist playing keyboards, dobro, fiddle, and mandolin while also singing backup vocals. He began playing bass in the early 1980's with Vern in Sundance. Later, Paul formed his own group, the Steamin' Jacuzzis, playing keyboards and writing his own material for the band. He is active as a composer creating the score for the award-winning film Two Harbors, has served as the music director of In the Heart of the Beast Puppet Theater's annual MayDay Ceremony, and has had his work performed by various regional choirs and orchestras. He is also an avid bluegrass player performing with the group Minnesota Blue.
Howard Gillette plays bass for Rock Steady and he's also an excellent electric guitar player. Previously, he worked with Cherry Hill and Ground Zero performing original rock songs. Howard still spends much of his time writing and recording original material.
