Merritt Smith

Bass Guitar and Vocals

Merritt Smith's style is versatile, ranging from down home blues, to smooth jazz, to crunchy heavy alternative.

Merritt, who has been playing the guitar since the age of 7, is a powerful and energetic musician. There is a natural electricity that surrounds his smooth, and soulful playing.

He is a founding member, guitarist and backup vocalist of the now defunct, but once well-known Atlanta heavy band, Mighty Fine Haggis. As a member of Mighty Fine Haggis, Merritt performed at the 1999 Atlantis Music Conference in Atlanta, GA and the 2000 Atlanta Local Music Awards, won several band contests, and received local air play. In addition he is a founding member of the Atlanta area country band Southern Bred.

Merritt is heavily influenced by many genres including jazz, blues, bluegrass, heavy metal, rock-n-roll, country, folk and funk.

E-mail Merritt @ mfhaggis@bellsouth.net

Steve Hawkins

Drums, Lead and Back-up Vocals

Sammy Blue Band adds a new Drummer to the core three-piece, Steve Hawkins.  Steve brings funk/blues drums and solid vocals to make the group even stronger and more versatile.  

Steve has received numerous music awards, a platinum record, biography in "Who's Who in the South & Southwest," and "Who's Who Among Young Professionals," has played concert venues and /or recorded with name artists such as; Alice Cooper, Leon Russell, Doug Stone, Albert King, Rufus Thomas, Gregg Allman, Bertie Higgins, Joe Cocker, Percy Sledge and more.

E-mail Steve @ Steven@atlantamusicgroup.com