RUSH SPRINGS

Rush Springs Rocks Toby Keith’s I Love This Bar & Grill
Before a packed crowd, Rush Springs rocked Toby Keith’s I love This Bar & Grill, Saturday night May 5th in Oklahoma City’s Brick Town.
What a wonderful night full of energy from lead vocalist Beckie Jo Spradling, vocalist Walton McMurry, drums Rowdy McKinley guitarist and bass guitarist Wenona “Nonie” Taliaferro.
Rush Springs, a modern original country band, at it’s best, sang with soul, in heartfelt harmonies over a rhythm bed of alternately scoots, sways, and slams. From the first assertive and exuberant Wreckers song, “Leave The Pieces”, to the down home original Rush Springs very own “Cool Drink Of Water” was tossed in for the extra bite.
Rush Springs hit the stage with a rocking cover song by Miranda Lambert’s “Kerosene.” The crowd went crazy, it was electric in there! Rush Springs bolted into action feeding off the energy of the audience.
Beckie Jo’s capability to deliver Martina McBride’s “Independence Day”. All four band members had something special to bring to the night. There performance was larger than life. Rush Springs is the dream that will not die! - Gary Hicks The Lone Grove Ledger

1st Annual Oklahoma Heroes Benefit Concert Saturday, August 2, at the Coffee Creek Music Complex in Marlow Ok. Proceeds from this event will directly benefit Oklahoma wounded soldiers and their families. A public vigil will follow the concert honoring all of our fallen soldiers across the nation. We encourage everyone to come to this event and show our heroes how much we love and honor them and to pay tribute to our Fallen Heroes and their families as they have personally lived the ultimate sacrifice for their family and their country.
National TN recording artist Ricochet will be performing at the benefit concert, opening for Ricochet will be Rush Springs.
Watch for Rush Springs segment on FOX - FOX 25

Rush Springs the opening act for Ricochet at the CCMC I was really excited about seeing this show again. They took the stage sharply at 7:30 and began their set with "Cool Drink Of Water then onto Live Love & Laugh," Beckie Jo and Wenona made sure the fans were made to feel special. Without missing a note the two wave and smile at anyone who happens to make direct eye contact. Walton and Rowdy are also very good at working the crowd and like the gals, they love to include the fans.
The first few notes of "Desert Sun" began and the crowd burst into applause. Beautifully written lyrics and the arrangement of harmonies makes it one of the best military tribute song I've ever heard.
Continuing on, Rush Springs gives us a Linda Ronstats hit song “When Will I Be Loved” Honestly, I couldn't tell you which version I like better. Rush Springs harmonies are so perfect you just sit there in awe of all four.
After an introduction of the band" Rowdy McKinley then asked the crowd if anybody was proud of where they came from. This was the song everyone wanted to hear and the crowd rewarded the band with an eruption of applause as they lunged to their feet. "Famous In A Small Town" began and the crowd loved it! I don't think it's going to be very long until this band is headlining and they'll get that reaction to all their songs. They finished their set with Gun’s And Roses classic, Sweet Child O Mine. - Misty Baus

Johnny Bone ceo; Studio Projects Nashville, Tn. Talented musicians, strong vocals, original songs blended with favorite cover songs, a very live and intense stage show. The delivery and interpretation of their own original songs prove that Rush Springs has what it takes to be in the top league of artist. This group has captured a unique sound of their own, and is known in the business as something you definitely need - Johnny Bone

The song writing is very heartfelt, emotional and passionate lyrics; the compositions seem thought out; great production; nice hooks in each song, they seem like something I could see people singing along with as they’d listen. The band has a real consistency to them, they really appear to “gel” songs did seem to have all the elements to garner country music radio. The overall media kit looked great. There’s no doubt RUSH SPRINGS will appeal to today’s radio - Bart Stevens

I have known members of the Rush Spring Band for many years. This group is comprised of talented musicians and vocalist. They have recently decided they would like to share their talent and spread good wishes to the armed forces overseas; I would like to see this come to fruition. Rush Springs is the kind of band who will be up lifting to hear and fun to watch. They will have the troops singing and clapping their hands and momentarily enjoying a touch of home. - Oklahoma State Representative Greg Piatt

Rush Springs receiving the “Most Well-Loved Band” award after the 22 Ultimate Battle of the Bands. The only contender with female personnel, this band was fresh air with sweet southern comfort in vocalist Beckie Jo Spradling Ardmore. Beckie Jo’s Mother-In-Law Wenona Taliaferro harmonies had the love. Doug Hill Norman Transcript, Norman, Oklahoma. - The Norman Transcript

Family supports local Marine through music Steve Biehn Staff Writer The recording is an early rough mix, and the sound is muffled as it pumps through the cheap computer tower speaker. Still, Beckie Jo Spradling's powerful voice has such clarity that it immediately grabs the listener's attention. The lyrics paint a portrait of a warrior far from home in a hostile land.

"Pray that angels surround me, Until the job is done, As I face another day in the desert sun." Beckie wrote "Desert Sun" for her husband, Marine Corps Sgt. Tommy Sprading, who is currently serving in Iraq. "I tried to put myself in his shoes," she said. "If he was writing a letter back home, what would he say?" Beckie asked band mate Wenona “Nonie” Taliaferro to help her finish the song. The women play together in the country and western band, Rush Springs, with drummer Walton McMurray and guitarist Rowdy McKinley. "I helped with the second verse and the bridge," Nonie said. "Beckie and I have been writing together for years." The women met several years ago when they worked together for a contractor at the Michelin tire plant. They discovered a shared passion for music and performing. "I've played in bands since 1981," Nonie said. "I've always played the drums. I picked up the bass for Rush Springs because we needed a bass player." Her earliest musical influences were her great-uncle, Cord Taliaferro, who was a Western Swing bass player, and her mother, who taught her three chords on the guitar when Nonie was 11 years old. "I just took off with it," she said. "The passion for music consumes you. It's kind of an addiction." Beckie remembers singing in church before she started kindergarten. "I memorized the words because I was too young to read them," she said. "I took piano lessons when I was younger, and I'm trying to learn to play the guitar." As the women's friendship grew, Nonie felt comfortable enough to introduce Beckie to her son who was stationed in Afghanistan. Beckie and the young Marine began corresponding by e-mail and letters. The romance grew as the couple talked on the phone almost daily (it helped that he was assigned to a communications unit). Beckie and Nonie’s son, Tommy, were married in December 2003. "I found you the perfect wife," Nonie said over speakerphone while she and her daughter-in-law talked with Tommy in Iraq on Tuesday. "You did a good job," he said, in agreement. "I always have your pictures with me, Your smiling face brings the memories, It takes me to a better place." Nonie tries not to worry about her son's safety. "I think all of your emotions run wild," she said. "First, is being proud of him being there. But it's scary. It never leaves your mind. It's constant." Beckie admits that she's scared a lot of the time, too, and said she shies away from watching the evening news. "I'm proud of him and of what he's doing and what he's sacrificing," she said. The band jumped at the opportunity to participate in a weekend rally to support the troops at the State Capitol. Rush Springs is one of six bands selected to play for Operation America Rising in Oklahoma. "Desert Sun" will be on the band's set list. "I'll give everything I have, Until my war is won, As I face another day in the desert sun." Steve Biehn, 221-6546 steve.biehn@ardmoreite.com


- The Daily Ardmoriete

What's the meaning behind the band's name? Our drummer, Walton McMurry was competing in a high school marching band contest against a town called Rush Springs. Walton said if he was ever in a band he wanted to name the band Rush Springs. Due to the fact Walton thought the town name Rush Springs was cool he brought it up in a band meeting and the rest is history. There you go. Walton our drummer named our band Rush Springs.

How the band started?? The band Rush Springs was actually started by Lead Vocalist Beckie Spradling and myself bass guitarist Wenona "Nonie" Taliaferro. After a period of time I (Nonie) introduced Lead Vocalist Beckie to my son Thomas they married and Beckie became my Daughter in law. Around that same time my daughter Lindsey was engaged to a young man by the name of Walton McMurry who just happened to be a drummer. Beckie and I invited Walton to join the band. Rowdy McKinley Lead Guitarist a long time friend of mine as well as a band mate from other bands in the past was just a good fit for us. "The Rowdy 1"as we call him just came with the package.

What's the message to transmit with your music?? We want to create music that will touch peoples lives. You know that song that brings a tear to your eye. That song that makes you laugh, that patriotic song. The music that makes you feel something when you hear it. Makes you want to get up and dance or maybe just a easy listening song you can relate to.

What's your method at the time of writing a song?? Beckie and I are the writing force behind the band. We write all different ways. I might have a great hook line we build around or Beckie might bring a great melody to the table. I grab my guitar and beckie brings her keyboard we just let the music flow. There's times a song will come together very quickly other times it might take us 2 years to finish a song. After Beckie and I have a rough cut version of the song we then take it to Rowdy and Walton. Rowdy and Walton apply their amazing music abilities to the song and there you go.

Which are your music influences?? We have a wide range of musical influences. Beckie and I have the pretty much the same influences Rebe McEntire, Emmy Lou Harris, The Judd's, Tanya Tucker, George Strait, Brooks & Dunn, Merle Haggard. Walton's influences consist of Phillip Glass, Buddy Rich, Ed Soph, Stan Kenton, JoJo Mayer. Rowdy's influences are
Brad Pasley, Keith Urban, Eric Clapton, Jeff Beck, and Ritchie Blackmore. Rowdy named his son Ritchie after his idol Ritchie Blackmore.

What plans do you guys have for the future?? Build a great relationship with our fan base. We just want to get better and better at our craft. Working toward that major record deal, writing and recording our original music. Book as many gigs for 2011 as possible. We would love to book a USO Tour. Last but not least we are so excited about the release of our 2nd EP scheduled for the Spring of 2011.

Which has been the funniest prank you guys have been or took part while on tour or after a show?? I would have to say the funniest thing that happened on tour was back in the day when we drove an old beat up motor home. We played a gig at a casino in Oklahoma. When we entered the beautiful fancy venue security came running out searched our motor-home. They thought we were terrorist. lol Talk about a shocker. We have better transportation now.

If you guys were stranded in the middle of nowhere after a show or while on tour. The help is 65 miles away from where you guys are, ¿Who would you guys send to look for help? And if while the rest wait, there's no food and the only way to feed yourself is by eating each other, ¿Who would you eat first?
We would most definitely send our muscled up hottie drummer Walton McMurry 1st. Walton is in the best shape to make it 65 miles. We would eat Rowdy our lead guitarist because he's a little guy I think Beckie and I could take him. (laughing)


Which country you guys would love to play? Australia would be nice I've heard is absolutely beautiful down there however we would love the opportunity to play any country our United States Armed Forces are based. Such as Iraq, Afghanistan, Japan ect.. We would be honored to play a USO Tour. Maybe someday soon.

With which bands you guys would love to share stage?? Lady Antebellum, Heart, Alabama, Van Halen.

Are you guys OK, with the direction the band is going actually? Yes, we have came along way. Our Drummer was at one time engaged to my daughter we went through the trials of a break up and still stand strong. My son Sergeant Thomas Spradling USMC who is married to our lead vocalist Beckie has survived 2 tours in Iraq and 1 tour in Afghanistan and were still standing strong. My Father had a stroke Christmas Day 2009 right in front of the entire family what a horrible day. By the grace of God he survived. We had a tornado rip through our little town of Lone Grove, Oklahoma. My parents house took a direct hit destroyed the house with them in it as well as my daughter, husband and unborn child. They all survived. All through these trails and tribulations we have stood by each other. We know when one of us is down and out we can count on the other band members to be there when we need them the most. Encouraging one another to keep on pushing. Never give up on your dreams. As for as goals we never stop were always pushing for that major record deal or that hit song as a song writer. The only losers in life is those who do not try.
- Vents Magazine

An Oklahoma country band is hoping musical madness online will lead to a big break in the
music industry.
CMT has kicked off voting for its fourth annual Music City Madness. The top 64 finalists
for the annual online talent search have been revealed and must now compete for votes in a
single-elimination tournament over the next eight weeks. The finalists are unsigned artists
from 28 states across the U.S. and their song subjects range from honky tonks and Texas to
loving and leaving.
Representing Oklahoma is the Ardmore-based band Rush Springs with the song
“Chasing That Green Light.” The band includes Beckie Jo Spradling, lead vocals; Walton
McMurry, drums and backup vocals; Wenona “Nonie” Taliaferro, guitar and backup vocals
and Rowdy McKinley, Lead Guitar and backup vocals.
The contemporary country trio entered the online contest and was thrilled to be selected.
“I was like running through my office hollering. You could have heard me a mile away,”
said Taliaferro.
Rush Springs has been playing together for about four years. But Taliaferro and Spradling
have been making music together for a solid decade; Spradling is Taliaferro’s daughter-inlaw.
“We’d love to get signed. Music is definitely our passion,” Taliaferro said. “That’s what
we’ve been shooting for, that big record deal.”
CMT also has added star participants Jack Ingram, Jewel, Justin Moore and Jimmy Wayne,
who will support contestants throughout the competition. - The Daily Oklahoman By: Brandy McDonell

This is a special Music City Madness Top 64 Countdown show on CMT. Rush Springs is featured about 3/4 way through the clip. It's short so don't blink. ;-) - CMT

Family supports local Marine through music
Steve Biehn
Staff Writer

The recording is an early rough mix, and the sound is muffled as it pumps through the cheap computer tower speaker. Still, Beckie Jo Spradling's powerful voice has such clarity that it immediately grabs the listener's attention. The lyrics paint a portrait of a warrior far from home in a hostile land.

"Pray that angels surround me,

Until the job is done,

As I face another day in the desert sun."

Beckie wrote "Desert Sun" for her husband, Marine Corps Sgt. Tommy Sprading, who is currently serving in Iraq.

"I tried to put myself in his shoes," she said. "If he was writing a letter back home, what would he say?"

Beckie asked bandmate Winona Taliaferro to help her finish the song. The women play together in the country and western band, Rush Springs, with drummer Walton McMurray and guitarist Kyle Robinson.

"I helped with the second verse and the bridge," Winona said. "Beckie and I have been writing together for two years."

The women met several years ago when they worked together for a contractor at the Michelin tire plant. They discovered a shared passion for music and performing.

"I've played in bands since 1981," Winona said. "I've always played the drums. I picked up the bass for Rush Springs because we needed a bass player."

Her earliest musical influences were her great-uncle, Cord Taliaferro, who was a Western Swing bass player, and her mother, who taught her three chords on the guitar when Winona was 11 years old.

"I just took off with it," she said. "The passion for music consumes you. It's kind of an addiction."

Beckie remembers singing in church before she started kindergarten.

"I memorized the words because I was too young to read them," she said. "I took piano lessons when I was younger, and I'm trying to learn to play the guitar."

As the women's friendship grew, Winona felt comfortable enough to introduce Beckie to her son who was stationed in Afghanistan. Beckie and the young Marine began corresponding by e-mail and letters. The romance grew as the couple talked on the phone almost daily (it helped that he was assigned to a communications unit). Beckie and Winona's son, Tommy, were married in December 2003.

"I found you the perfect wife," Winona said over speakerphone while she and her daughter-in-law talked with Tommy in Iraq on Tuesday.

"You did a good job," he said, in agreement.

"I always have your pictures with me,

Your smiling face brings the memories,

It takes me to a better place."

Winona tries not to worry about her son's safety.

"I think all of your emotions run wild," she said. "First, is being proud of him being there. But it's scary. It never leaves your mind. It's constant."

Beckie admits that she's scared a lot of the time, too, and said she shies away from watching the evening news.

"I'm proud of him and of what he's doing and what he's sacrificing," she said.

The band jumped at the opportunity to participate in a weekend rally to support the troops at the State Capitol. Rush Springs is one of six bands selected to play for Operation America Rising in Oklahoma. "Desert Sun" will be on the band's set list.

"I'll give everything I have,

Until my war is won,

As I face another day in the desert sun."

Steve Biehn, 221-6546

steve.biehn@ardmoreite.com

- By: Steve Biehn