Reverend Horton Heat

Biography

Reverend Horton Heat is both the stage name of singer-songwriter Jim Heath and the name of his three-piece psychobilly band from Dallas, Texas. Born in 1959 in Corpus Christi, Texas, Jim Heath began his musical journey playing in a cover band called Southern Comfort before attending the University of Texas at Austin. His exposure to the punk scene in Austin and acts like The Cramps significantly influenced his style. The Reverend Horton Heat band formed in 1985, initially playing in Dallas's Deep Ellum neighborhood. Known for their 'Country-fed punkabilly' sound, they blend country, punk, big band, swing, and rockabilly, often with humorous lyrics. Through relentless touring, they have built a devoted fan base across America. Their breakthrough came with albums like 'Smoke 'Em If You Got 'Em' on Sub Pop Records and later success with Interscope Records, particularly with 'It's Martini Time' in 1996. The band's energetic live performances have been a hallmark of their career, making them one of the most popular underground acts in the U.S. Over the years, the band has expanded its lineup, incorporating new members like Arjuna 'RJ' Contreras and Matt Jordan, while maintaining their psychobilly roots. Reverend Horton Heat is often referred to as the 'Godfather of Modern Rockabilly' due to their significant influence on the genre. Their music has transcended generations, inspiring numerous psychobilly bands and maintaining a strong cult following. The band continues to innovate and perform, with annual residencies at venues like the Continental Club in Austin, Texas, showcasing their enduring legacy in rockabilly and psychobilly music.

Fun Facts

• Jim Heath often played in the stairwells of his dorm at the University of Texas at Austin to avoid disturbing his roommate.
• The band's name 'Reverend Horton Heat' is a stage name for Jim Heath, inspired by his early days in music.
• Reverend Horton Heat is known for their relentless touring schedule, sometimes playing over 275 shows per year.
• The band's album 'It's Martini Time' was their first to crack the Billboard 200 chart, reaching number 165.

Members

• Bobby Baranowski - drums (drum set) (from 1985 until 1989)
• Jack Barton - double bass (from 1985 until 1989)
• Patrick "Taz" Bentley (from 1989 until 1994)
• Jimbo Wallace (from 1989)
• Scott "Chernobyl" Churilla (from 1994 until 2006)
• Paul Simmons - drums (drum set) (from 2006 until 2012)
• Arjuna "RJ" Contreras (from 2017 until 2020)
• Reverend Horton Heat - original

Original Members

• Jimbo Wallace

Musical Connections

Mentors/Influences

• The Cramps - early influence on Jim Heath's style (live performances) [late 1970s]

Key Collaborators

• Jimbo Wallace - upright bassist and longtime band member (numerous albums) [1985-present]
• Taz Bentley - former drummer (early albums like 'Smoke 'Em If You Got 'Em') [early 1990s]
• Arjuna 'RJ' Contreras - current drummer (recent live performances) [2020s]

Artists Influenced

• Tiger Army - influence on psychobilly genre (albums like 'Tiger Army II: Power of Moonlite') [late 1990s]
• Nekromantix - influence on psychobilly genre (albums like 'Return of the Loving Dead') [late 1990s]

Discography

Albums

Top Tracks

1. Psychobilly Freakout (Smoke 'em if You Got 'em)
2. Bales Of Cocaine (The Full Custom Gospel Sounds Of . . .)
3. I Can't Surf (Liquor In The Front)
4. Galaxy 500 (Lucky 7)
5. Marijuana (Smoke 'em if You Got 'em)
6. 400 Bucks (The Full Custom Gospel Sounds Of . . .)
7. Baddest Of The Bad (Liquor In The Front)
8. Bad Reputation (Smoke 'em if You Got 'em)
9. Big Red Rocket Of Love (It's Martini Time)
10. Bullet (Smoke 'em if You Got 'em)

External Links

• Spotify
• Wikipedia
• MusicBrainz

Tags: #country, #psychobilly, #rockabilly