Gray James began as a dream by Britt, Iowa high school classmates Jim Surat and Ron Lewerke back in 1971. The friends shared a vision that a band from the midwest could put together a rock show bigger and better than anything being produced at the time, especially in rural Iowa in the '70's. After enlisting fellow N. Iowans Dave Lambert on bass, drummer Barry Samson(and later drummer Jay Sheahan), they proceeded to build a stage set comprised of massive symmetric amplifier stacks, towering drum platforms, bombs, lights, radically shaped instruments, and stagewear that would rival anything put out by national acts like KISS, Angel, etc.

But all this would have been nothing without the music, especially the original material. Clubs of the time period hated bands doing original material(unlike today), but GJ wrote and performed such great, hook-filled guitar powered material that club owners either didn't notice or didn't care. In any case, the originals came off great. In addition to these tunes, the band covered great '70's/80's era acts such as Blackfoot, Aerosmith, Def Leppard, KISS, etc., and did it in style.

The band played most any kind of event requiring great rock music from 1975-1981; however, it was the ballroom in which Gray James shone. This setting was perfect for that combination of concert atmosphere, club intimacy, and great partying! Rooms like the Bancroft Ballroom, Chips, etc. were like second homes to the band and it's many fans.

Unfortunately, the band decided to call it quits in 1981 to pursue other ventures. But GJ and it's era will not be soon forgotten; in fact, new chapters may well be written over 20 years after the last power chord died out. The images and memories will be kept alive in cyberspace for those who experienced the music, as well as for those not yet born in the band's heyday. And a big Thank You to all who made Gray James one of the most exciting experiences we as band members ever had!

THANKS AGAIN-

Gray James