REDD HOT MAMAS

Myspace Backgrounds What makes these two mamas REDD HOT? Just ask their husbands! Or you could ask their kids! If you want the musical scoop, just ask their loyal fans! Or you could always just ask the REDD HOT MAMAS themselves. They would tell you in a heartbeat, "God, Family, Country and Music, especially Country Music". Mix it all up with a little of their signature Redd Hot saucy style, and viola!, you've got the REDD HOT MAMAS.
Sisters, Elsa Dyer-Nine and Sonja Dyer-Williams come from a rich family experience in music. As all-American as baseball, hotdogs and apple pie, the girls were born and raised in the small northern California town of Pinole Valley. Music diversity has always been a part of their lives. Their father loved country music, while their mother was a classically trained opera singer and pianist. As youngsters it was routine to hear arias by day and Hank Williams by night. “Dad would love to bring home old vinyl albums of country singers and big bands from garage sales”, recalls Elsa. “We used to listen for hours and pick out the harmonies.”
By junior high the sisters had learned to play a variety of instruments, and by high school they were making musical plans. After Sonja graduated, they made the move to Lake Tahoe and before long they were hired by Caesar’s Tahoe to sing for the casino’s Special Events Shows. This new gig helped expand their musical style and live shows since they were performing a variety of cover tunes. “So it was Caesar’s on Friday and Saturdays and our church worship team on Sundays. It was a little controversial, but we had a really colorful pastor”, laughs Elsa.
After making their rounds in the Tahoe area, the girls were ready to take their shot at the big league. All roads led to the bright lights of Los Angeles. They officially became known as Mr. Dyers Daughters, naming the band in tribute to their father who has always encouraged his daughters to pursue their dreams.
During most of their first two years in L.A., they became avid songwriting students, attending numerous song craft workshops and sessions, writing and co-writing every chance they had. Meanwhile they also continued honing their performance skills at small clubs until they developed a large fan base. Soon they were in demand by several large L.A. Clubs.
It was while performing at the L.A. country bar and hot spot, the Cowboy Palace that the girls received their “big break” to be in a Patrick Swayze movie. British filmmaker David Carson and notorious musical director Dennis McCarthy were scouting locations for the upcoming film, “Letters From A Killer”. Both men were impressed by the look, sound and high energy feel of the girl’s live performance. The band was not only asked if they would like to appear on screen in a scene in the film, but they were also asked to write two songs for the movie as well! In less than two days they turned in their two original songs, “Desire”, a seductive ballad for a dance scene with Swayze and “Daddy Tried”, a spin-off of the timeless Merle Haggard classic, “Mama Tried”. Carson, McCarthy and Swayze loved the songs, as well as veteran film choreographer Patsy Swayze (Urban Cowboy). She is quoted in the L.A. Times regarding the girls, “They’re young, talented, extremely sweet and wholesome, and very home-and-family oriented. They’re a real class act.”
After catching attention from the film with certain key Nashville executives, the sisters decided it was time to move to Music City. With appearances as top events such as Fan Fair and the Country Radio Seminar, the group was making their presence known among fans and music business executives alike in Nashville.
In 2004, the group released their critically acclaimed CD, MY LUCKY STARS AND STRIPES on LuDon Records. Produced by veteran industry engineer/producer, Bob Campbell-Smith, (LeAnn Rimes, Trick Pony, Hank Williams, Jr.) the title track , “My Lucky Stars And Stripes” reached to 15 on FMQB’s Adult Contempory Chart the week of 9-15-04 while the accompanying video aired in rotation on GAC TV nationwide and on BTV worldwide to our troops and their families.
To support the CD release and to greatly encourage our military, the group embarked on a military tour which culminated in a personal invitation to the Pentagon and Walter Reed Memorial Hospital. The girls thought the Pentagon was impressive, but by far, their most memorable experience of the military tour was their visit to Walter Reed where they visited with and sang for the wounded troops and their families. “Nothing was more moving. God bless every one of them”, says Sonja.
Following the Dyers Daughters’ family military tour, Elsa and Sonja knew that they had reached a musical cross roads. Their sister Linda decided to leave the group, and with husbands and kids, Elsa and Sonja felt more like mamas than daughters. They wanted their music and stage show to reflect who they had become. The two sisters turned up the volume and evolved into the REDD HOT MAMAS. “We’ve grown up from daughters to mamas, and all that goes along with that!”, says Sonja.
The REDD HOT MAMAS are excited about the future. “What could be better?”, adds Elsa. “We get to bring our passions together in a big way! We love our husbands and families and we love singing and performing! We chose our new name because we are REDD HOT MAMAS in more ways than one!”