Meet The Ezekiel 3-18 Band

Tim Mullenax - Trombone                                                  Ashley Couch - Vocals
Don Johnson - Drums and Vocals
Bill Hickman - Bass
Cody Pierce - Trombone
Josh MArtin - Trumpet and Vocals
Tori Covington - Trumpet
Brandon Simmons - Sound and Lights                                 

Gary Meggs was born in El Dorado, Arkansas. At an early age his passion for music was evident. By the time he was eleven, Gary had already learned to play the saxophone and the piano, and was always willing to sing or perform for those who would listen. Throughout his school years he continued performing at schools, teen centers and private parties. By the time he was 21 Gary had graduated from Henderson State University with a degree in music and was looking forward to becoming an accomplished professional musician. Gary’s aspirations of becoming a professional musician were put on hold however, when he was called into teaching and began a career as a performer/band director. His love for students set him on a path of preparing young people for a future in music while allowing him to continue his career as a performer.

Performing with well known musical groups and performers such as the Four Tops, the Temptations, Barbara Eden, Don Rickles, the Lennon Sisters, and Mickey Gilley gave Gary the opportunity to continue to pursue his dream of becoming a professional musician. This experience, along with being the featured saxophonist with the 106th Army Band, 531st Air Force Band, and many public school and college jazz bands has allowed Gary to build up a base of supporters that have grown to love and enjoy his musical talent.

In the 1980’s Gary formed the successful State Line Avenue Pop Band. The band toured throughout Arkansas, Texas, Louisiana and Oklahoma. Once again, Gary’s talent was evident and with a new band to back him up his fan base continued to grow. After collaboration with Bill Dees, co-writer of “Pretty Woman” and several other Roy Orbison songs, Gary and State Line Avenue moved to regional success with their record “I Need to Know.”

Gary is currently the saxophone instructor, director of bands and jazz band instructor at the University of Arkansas at Monticello. After many years of teaching, performing and recording Gary is still dedicated to instilling the love of music into his students. In his own life however, he has begun a new musical journey. As he and his wife Debbie were studying the Bible they came to Ezekiel 3-18:

When I say to the wicked man you will surely die and you do not warn him or speak out to dissuade him from his evil ways in order to save his life, that man will die for his sin and I will hold you accountable for his blood.

This verse changed Gary’s life. As he prayed for leadership and to be totally in the will of the Lord the focus of his music began to totally change. Gary is currently spreading God’s Word as fast as he can singing and performing in churches and other venues for people of all ages throughout the southeastern United States.

His new album entitled The Message produced by Brian Jefferies in Over the Edge Studios will be released in late February or March 2004. The Message promises to be a great success in spreading God’s word. His combination of vocals and saxophone tunes are hip, jazzy and truthful all at the same time. Gary will be performing and presenting his new music this spring and summer. For scheduled performances continue to check GaryMeggs.com or email saxman91254@yahoo.com.

Students that may be interested in studying saxophone with Gary should email Gary at saxman91254@yahoo.com.