Andy Logan
Band Story
Andy Logan, an indie musician with a rich history in the music world, has spent decades crafting his unique sound, blending elements of bluegrass, folk, and rock. Growing up in Marin County, California, long before its housing market skyrocketed and stereotypes took hold, Logan nurtured three childhood dreams: becoming a musician, a comedian, and a professional football player—all at once if possible.
From an early age, Logan was immersed in music. His father’s records of Flatt and Scruggs played on repeat, instilling a love for rhythm and storytelling. Broadway musicals like *Oliver* and *Man of La Mancha* also influenced him, but it wasn’t until The Beatles entered his life that he picked up a guitar and began shaping his own musical identity. Early on, Logan idolized rhythm players like the Fogertys and Tom Johnston, channeling their energy before eventually exploring lead guitar work inspired by Ed King and Jerry Reed.
Logan’s first band, The Colours, formed during his college years in Santa Barbara. He and guitarist John Hussey embraced the jangly, harmonic sounds of The Byrds, even sporting turtlenecks and pointy boots to complete their homage. After winning a battle of the bands, Logan and Hussey moved to Los Angeles in a ’67 Cutlass convertible (which gave out just past Carpinteria), and later in a sputtering VW Fastback. The Colours evolved into Little America, a rock band that caught the attention of Geffen Records. Their single “Walk on Fire” became a hit, climbing to #10 on the AOR charts and earning the band a seven-month tour in a yellow Winnebago. However, by the second album, their momentum had slowed, leading to their departure from Geffen.
After Little America disbanded, Logan and drummer Kurt “Custer” Custer launched a duo, Custer and Logan, moving toward a raw, grassroots sound that diverged from their arena rock days. Their 1993 album was a lo-fi, earthy project that emphasized lyrics and melody, but the duo struggled to gain traction amidst other commitments. Custer’s gig with Lynyrd Skynyrd brought Logan into the orbit of legends like Ed King and Gary Rossington, but also disrupted their recording schedule.
In 1994, Logan relocated to Nashville, hoping the city’s storied musical community would embrace his Creedence-meets-CSN sound. While local icons like Steve Earle admired his work, success proved elusive. During this period, Logan and Custer formed The Johnsons, a comedic side project that allowed them to experiment with unconventional musical ideas, while injecting humor into their performances.
Logan’s solo career took flight with his songwriting accolades. His track “Shadow on My Trail” became a finalist in the 1998 John Lennon Songwriting Contest, inspiring him to build a home studio. By 2002, he released *Last Dance on the Wild Frontier*, a stripped-down, folk-blues album that reflected his vision more authentically than his earlier recordings with Little America.
Logan’s next release, *Ride* (2006), was a culmination of years of work. The album showcased his evolution as a songwriter, with standout tracks like “Ominous” and “Soul Inspiration,” featuring contributions from Custer and slide guitar legend Ed King. Logan’s reflective lyricism and commitment to organic production shone through, earning further acclaim in songwriting circles.
Today, Andy Logan continues to perform locally in Nashville, where he keeps his chops sharp and shares his ever-evolving sound. His journey—from Marin County to Music City—is a testament to his resilience and unwavering passion for creating music that resonates deeply with his audience.
From an early age, Logan was immersed in music. His father’s records of Flatt and Scruggs played on repeat, instilling a love for rhythm and storytelling. Broadway musicals like *Oliver* and *Man of La Mancha* also influenced him, but it wasn’t until The Beatles entered his life that he picked up a guitar and began shaping his own musical identity. Early on, Logan idolized rhythm players like the Fogertys and Tom Johnston, channeling their energy before eventually exploring lead guitar work inspired by Ed King and Jerry Reed.
Logan’s first band, The Colours, formed during his college years in Santa Barbara. He and guitarist John Hussey embraced the jangly, harmonic sounds of The Byrds, even sporting turtlenecks and pointy boots to complete their homage. After winning a battle of the bands, Logan and Hussey moved to Los Angeles in a ’67 Cutlass convertible (which gave out just past Carpinteria), and later in a sputtering VW Fastback. The Colours evolved into Little America, a rock band that caught the attention of Geffen Records. Their single “Walk on Fire” became a hit, climbing to #10 on the AOR charts and earning the band a seven-month tour in a yellow Winnebago. However, by the second album, their momentum had slowed, leading to their departure from Geffen.
After Little America disbanded, Logan and drummer Kurt “Custer” Custer launched a duo, Custer and Logan, moving toward a raw, grassroots sound that diverged from their arena rock days. Their 1993 album was a lo-fi, earthy project that emphasized lyrics and melody, but the duo struggled to gain traction amidst other commitments. Custer’s gig with Lynyrd Skynyrd brought Logan into the orbit of legends like Ed King and Gary Rossington, but also disrupted their recording schedule.
In 1994, Logan relocated to Nashville, hoping the city’s storied musical community would embrace his Creedence-meets-CSN sound. While local icons like Steve Earle admired his work, success proved elusive. During this period, Logan and Custer formed The Johnsons, a comedic side project that allowed them to experiment with unconventional musical ideas, while injecting humor into their performances.
Logan’s solo career took flight with his songwriting accolades. His track “Shadow on My Trail” became a finalist in the 1998 John Lennon Songwriting Contest, inspiring him to build a home studio. By 2002, he released *Last Dance on the Wild Frontier*, a stripped-down, folk-blues album that reflected his vision more authentically than his earlier recordings with Little America.
Logan’s next release, *Ride* (2006), was a culmination of years of work. The album showcased his evolution as a songwriter, with standout tracks like “Ominous” and “Soul Inspiration,” featuring contributions from Custer and slide guitar legend Ed King. Logan’s reflective lyricism and commitment to organic production shone through, earning further acclaim in songwriting circles.
Today, Andy Logan continues to perform locally in Nashville, where he keeps his chops sharp and shares his ever-evolving sound. His journey—from Marin County to Music City—is a testament to his resilience and unwavering passion for creating music that resonates deeply with his audience.
Bandmates:
Location: AMERICA NORTH: USA: Tennessee (TN)
Genre: Rock