Meet the Band

Bryan Graves began his music and stage career at a young age, performing with his father, Josh Graves, the legendary dobro player and original member of Flatt & Scruggs. In 1985, Bryan formed his original band, Lundon Angel, where he sang lead vocals and played lead guitar while touring throughout much of the United States. In 1992, Bryan began portraying Paul Stanley in a nationally touring KISS tribute production. The group performed internationally, with appearances throughout Japan, South Korea, South America, and across the United States. Bryan remained with the production until 1999, when he was cast in the musical Summer of ’66, directed by Ted Swindley, creator of Always… Patsy Cline. The show ran for two years. During that time, Bryan also gained national exposure by singing background vocals for many of the artists appearing on Crook & Chase on The Nashville Network (TNN). Bryan returned to the tribute genre in 2001 when he rejoined the KISS production with which he had previously toured. In January 2009, he founded Shigadig Productions, a company specializing in original music, commercial jingles, and motion-picture soundtracks. Bryan continues to share his passion for live performance with Soaring Eagles – A Musical Salute to the Eagles, drawing on decades of touring, theatrical performance, and music production to faithfully recreate the timeless music of one of America’s greatest rock bands. Bryan resides in Hendersonville, Tennessee, with his wife and children.

Vernon Roop discovered his passion for music at an early age while growing up in a musical family. Born in a small town in West Virginia, he moved to Miami, Florida, at the age of four and frequently performed with his parents’ band throughout his childhood. During junior high school, Vernon played keyboards in the jazz band while developing a second passion for television production. After high school, he performed with several local bands before returning to his family’s country band. Much of Vernon’s early professional career was spent as keyboardist and vocalist for South Florida favorites Buck Wild. The band independently released the album So Far, So Good, produced by Darran Smith, guitarist and co-producer for Tim McGraw. Vernon later signed an artist-development deal with Nashville-based Blue Desert Records, where he developed as both a performer and songwriter from 2004 through 2007. Throughout his career, Vernon has had the opportunity to perform alongside artists including Steve Holy and Justin Moore, performing hits such as “Good Morning Beautiful,” “Brand New Girlfriend,” and “Small Town USA.” He has also opened for the Charlie Daniels Band, Mark Wills, The Kinleys, Terri Clark, John Anderson, The Warren Brothers, Trick Pony, BlackHawk, and many other nationally recognized artists. Since 2006, Vernon has specialized in performing the music of the Eagles, recreating the band’s signature keyboard sounds and soaring vocal harmonies for audiences across the country. In addition to performing, he is an accomplished videographer, photographer, producer, and inventor. With Soaring Eagles – A Musical Salute to the Eagles, Vernon proudly continues his nearly two-decade tradition of celebrating the Eagles’ music. His musicianship, passion for live performance, and attention to detail help deliver an authentic concert experience for audiences of all ages. Vernon resides in Bowling Green, Kentucky, with his wife, Rachel. When not on the road, he enjoys spending time with his family and performing throughout the Nashville area.

James Richardson grew up in Milford, Michigan, just west of Detroit. He began singing three-part harmony and playing acoustic music in a folk and bluegrass trio with his twin brother, Shaun, and cousin, Carmen. Performing as Cats and the Fiddler, the trio entertained audiences throughout the Midwest for nearly 15 years. James first discovered the music of the Eagles through his Uncle Vince during family gatherings, where the band’s remarkable songwriting and unmistakable vocal harmonies left a lasting impression. As a teenager, James developed a passion for jazz harmony and vocal improvisation. He earned a bachelor’s degree in Jazz Studies from Western Michigan University and has since performed with acclaimed artists including Deborah Brown, Randy Brecker, Chico Pinheiro, and Ben Folds alongside the Detroit Symphony Orchestra. His vocal talents earned recognition from DownBeat magazine in 2016 and 2017, as well as from the Nashville Industry Music Awards (NIMA) in 2020. In 2019, he joined Nashville’s contemporary vocal ensemble SONUS, appearing with Audrey Assad and Dave Barnes at the historic Ryman Auditorium. When not performing, James enjoys arranging and publishing a cappella vocal music spanning jazz, pop, and choral styles. His work has been praised by renowned British composer Jacob Collier, who described him as “inventive and agile,” while acclaimed voice actor Gabe Kunda called his arrangements “fresh ear-candy.” James brings his extraordinary vocal talent and love of harmony to Soaring Eagles – A Musical Salute to the Eagles, faithfully recreating the rich vocal blend that helped define one of the greatest bands in rock history.

Brian Franklin was born into a musical family. His brother, Paul Franklin Jr., is a world-renowned pedal steel guitarist, and his father, Paul Franklin Sr., designed the legendary Franklin Steel Guitars. Brian began playing guitar at the age of 13 and was touring professionally by the time he graduated from high school at just 17 years old. Throughout his career, Brian has performed with numerous acclaimed artists, including The Kendalls, Mark Collie, Shenandoah, and Alan Jackson. Most notably, he spent 17 years as lead guitarist for country music legend Kenny Rogers. Reflecting on his career, Brian says he has been “blessed to be able to make a living playing music while seeing much of the world, performing alongside many incredibly talented musicians, singers, and entertainers.” Brian brings that same world-class musicianship and experience to Soaring Eagles – A Musical Salute to the Eagles, helping recreate the legendary guitar work and timeless sound that have made the Eagles one of the greatest rock bands of all time. When he’s not performing, Brian enjoys spending time with his wife, Rosie, and their son, Noah. A self-described athlete with a great sense of humor, he still finds time to keep his tetherball, air hockey, and hopscotch skills sharp—along with carrying his guitar rig to every show.

Tony Haan is a Nashville-based singer, guitarist, songwriter and multi-instrumentalist whose influences stretch from the groundbreaking rock music of the late 1960s to the classical traditions of the early Romantic era. Tony has spent most of his life working as a full-time musician in Nashville. His career has taken him around the world with several successful touring acts, including Savannah Jack, along with his work beside country artist Ward Davis. He has also contributed to numerous Nashville studio recordings for a variety of artists while continuing to develop and record his own original music. A largely self-taught musician, Tony plays electric and acoustic guitar, bass, steel guitar, violin, cello and piano, in addition to being an accomplished vocalist. He also holds an associate degree in sound engineering and production and engineered both of his solo albums, “Harmonic” and “Astronaut.” Beyond performing and recording, Tony has been developing a guitar and music-theory instructional manual designed for musicians and students. His long-term goal is to pass his musical knowledge and experience to future generations while continuing to grow as a performer, songwriter and recording artist. Tony’s history with the musicians behind Soaring Eagles reaches back years, giving him an established chemistry with the group long before he stepped into the current lineup. His expressive guitar playing, broad musical vocabulary, strong vocals and unmistakable personality make him a natural fit for the Joe Walsh material and an exciting addition to Soaring Eagles — A Musical Salute to the Eagles.

Jamie grew up in a musical family alongside three brothers and parents who all played music. Surrounded by music from an early age, he developed a passion for performing, singing, and creating. He became the lead singer of his first band while still in high school and has continued performing ever since. His experience extends beyond the concert stage into musical theater, television, film, and music videos. One of his most challenging and rewarding theatrical roles was portraying Judas in sold-out performances of Jesus Christ Superstar. His screen credits include appearances in The Walking Dead, Nashville, Netflix’s Messiah, several short films, and music videos for Tauren Wells and Anna Clendening. Jamie has spent years developing the rare combination of being both a strong drummer and an accomplished vocalist. He has performed with numerous worship bands and choirs, including the Christ Church Choir in Antioch, Tennessee, and the Bert Coble Singers in Lebanon, Tennessee. More recently, he performed on drums and vocals with the C-Dock Boyz at major clubs along Nashville’s Broadway, as well as venues throughout Kentucky and Florida. The group also appeared at Tootsie’s 65th Birthday Bash. The music of the Eagles has been part of Jamie’s life since childhood, when he listened to his father’s band perform many of their biggest songs. That lifelong connection—combined with his drumming ability, vocal range, harmony experience, and background as a frontman—makes him a natural fit for Soaring Eagles. Behind the drums, Jamie takes on the demanding Don Henley role, delivering both the rhythmic foundation and featured vocals that are essential to recreating the Eagles’ sound. Jamie moved to Nashville in 1991 and has been writing and performing original music since the age of 17. His education spans electronic engineering and physics, business, and information systems, reflecting the same versatility and attention to detail he brings to music. He later recorded, arranged, and produced the singles “Peace of Mind” and “Little Satellite” for his debut album, Satellites All Around Us, available on all major music platforms.