Sophie Clark / Lead Vocals & Percussion
Chuck Sullivan / Lead Vocals & Guitar
Lance Morris / Bass
Mark Sparks / Drums
Lou Tielli / Guitar & Vocals
Bobby Clark / Sound, Lights, DJ & Manager
After performing in a couple of bands that didn't last, Sophie decided to start her own band. It wasn't until shortly after moving into her new house that the name “Southern Heritage” would be the name of the band. The Southern Heritage band evolved from an Acoustic Group playing at local coffee shops into one of the most requested bands in the area. Booking events as far out as 18 months. That was 1997 and today it is no different. The Southern Heritage Band is still one of the most sought after bands in the area and continues to book dates well in the future.
Sophie Clark
Sophie's professional career began in the San Marcos area singing in the same clubs that George Strait sang in. Her influences roots back to Tanya Tucker, Patsy Cline, Janis Joplin, and many others that she and her mother sang along with on the radio. It wasn't until 1999 that she began singing again in public and was discovered by the late Rod Coffey. The band Weatherford Station was created and then the band Sundance was sprouted from it. She began to develop a fan base and received some air time on radio with Fort Worth based radio stations. After a short departure from the band scene...she woke up one morning and asked Bobby to find her some musicians. She said it was time to BEGIN. Thus, the band Southern Heritage was born.
Chuck Sullivan
Chuck is a professional guitar player. He has been playing guitar for more than 25 years. His accolades run deep with local bar patrons and some may remember him from the band Southern Express. It was an instant relationship when Chuck and Bobby met. Even though they worked at the same business and the two had a band that played at the same venues...it wasn't until they met one night that the two really understood what the two had in common. Chuck is the backbone to the Southern Heritage Band. His abilities to cover songs, play acoustic guitar and make people laugh is essential to the ever growing excitement that the band produces.
Lance Morris
Lance is the band's bass player. He comes from an extremely musical family. His parents were long time musicians and his brother is a bass player for a very well known Texas artist. After a short run with the band Sundance, Bobby asked Lance to come join Southern Heritage. His knowledge in music and ability to learn quickly was just what the band needed. His personality, willingness, and charisma instantly changed the way the Southern Heritage band was going. He brings excitement, laughter and fun back into playing music.
Mark Sparks
Mark not only plays drums...he plays drums very well! Mark and Bobby worked together at the Post Office and after seeing the Southern Heritage Band play one night. He asked Bobby if they every needed a drummer to let him know. It just so happened that after repeated requests that Bobby realized that he not only needed a drummer...he needed Mark! Mark's playing is second to none in the realm of fitting in with the band. The rhythm section between Lance's bass, Chuck's guitar, and Mark's bass lays down the foundation for Lou's sweet guitar playing.
Lou Tielli
Lou began his musical interest at the age of 9. His parents supported his interest and his first guitar was an Airline model bought at the old Montgomery Wards building in Fort Worth. Today Lou plays with various guitars by Gibson, Fender, PRS and others, and uses Mesa Boogie amps. When Bobby met Lou, he knew instantly he was the right lead player for the band. When he hit that first note on the guitar...the band knew he was the right lead player for the band. We are excited to have Lou as our lead player and his style of playing! Visit Lou's website at www.loutielli.com I truely believe the whole band would stop playing just to listen to him play guitar. He has the most wonderful tone and style. Watch the band when he goes into a lead...they will turn and give him their attention. It's fun to watch!!!
Bobby Clark
You wonder who this Bobby guy? Bobby is the band's Soundman, DJ, and Manager. He began his DJ career in 1988 as a Janitor in a Wedding Chapel in Arizona. Long story made short...he was the fill in when a DJ didn't show up one night. Ever since that date, he hasn't stopped DJing Weddings and creating a fun atmosphere no matter his speakers end up. While the band plays the music that keep everyone on the dancefloor...you will find Bobby walking around the venue with his iPad adjusting volumes, fine tuning and welcoming guests to the event. He wants everyone to have a great time and come back to see us. He also spends most of his time editing this website, taking pictures, and finding places for the Southern Heritage Band to play!
Sophie admits “we have a great following”. And it's no wonder why the Southern Heritage band continues to gather followers no matter where they setup. From the original “Posse” to the “Family (those at the Brazos)” to the neighbors who will drop by and watch rehearsal. And while audiences enjoy the music they hear, they'll be doing well to keep up with the musicians onstage. They laugh, smile, and have a great time.
