Texas Attitude

Texas Attitude was first assembled in 1993 after Lead Singer Justin Harper was released from Loma Linda’s ICU, Spinal Cord Injury Ward. Why do you say this band was assembled at this point? Country Corner’s Doc Bowman’s article on Justin explains. “Justin’s story is inspirational. His father played rock and country music, and Justin grew up around that music and loved to sing. But he was self-conscious and nervous about singing and did not pursue it professionally. What he did pursue was Super-Cross motorcycle racing. While racing professionally, Justin broke his back in a moto-cross race. He was rendered paraplegic and doctors told him he would never walk again. Justin had several realizations during his two months in the hospital. One realization was that he didn’t understand how he could make a seventy-foot jump on a motorcycle at a Super-Cross event, and yet be so afraid to sing in front of people. Another realization was that he refused to accept the doctor’s opinion that he would never leave his wheelchair. These two factors became inextricably related. Justin became determined to walk again and to begin his singing career. He now walks without any assistance, and he has been singing and playing Country and Southern Rock music for about 12 years now, 9 years with his current band Texas Attitude.” Doc says, “It is a simple story of legendary proportion. I doubt if any of us understand the pain and determination that are Justin Harper’s life. What I do understand is that Justin has the talent and singing ability to have a successful career in music. But more than that, Justin Harper has the Vision and perseverance to succeed.” As soon as Justin ditched his wheelchair, and yes, he did get rid of that thing within 2 years and this determination may have come from his upbringing as well as his illustrious and stellar Marine Corps career that also ended prematurely due to an injury that ultimately halted Justin's flight status as he was an award winning helicopter aircrewman for almost 8 years.
Texas Attitude was gigging in clubs and casinos in Southern California. Their first big gig was the “Fanfest 95” extravaganza in Pomona, Ca. Then later that year Justin Harper and Texas Attitude was a headliner at the Make a Wish Foundations’ California Country Jam in Long Beach, Ca, on the same bill as Ricochet and Kentucky Headhunters. A month later they opened up for their friend Johnny Lee. In 1996, Texas Attitude was invited back for “Starfest 96”, and of course, the band was staying sharp playing gigs in California and Nevada. In 1997 they cut their first EP, which received major airplay in Belgium, Germany, Denmark, Italy, Netherlands, and Holland. In April 1997, Texas Attitude was an invite to the Universal Studio’s Country Star Showcase, and they wowed the crowd, as usual. After doing a show in Greenville, North Carolina, Justin’s band was signed by On Air Productions. A letter from their office states, “Justin is a talented, young country singer with a heart bigger than Texas. His music mirrors his extraordinary life story. On July 25, 1998, we had the pleasure of working with Justin Harper & Texas Attitude. They were one of the featured performers at the 1st Wolf Fest, a festival to benefit the disabled Veterans held at the estate of the late Wolfman Jack.” “Their performance was fantastic! The guys stole the show! Our office has proclaimed them the Ultimate Live Band,” states Steven Baldwin, producer of the show. Later that year, Texas Attitude was named the CCMA’s Los Angeles Region, Band of the Year. Since then they have opened many a concerts for the likes of Johnny Lee, David Kersh, Kentucky Headhunters, Confederate Railroad, Berlin, and more. They have also been working steadily doing the normal gigs but most importantly, writing and preparing for their next CD that is the recording process as we speak. This CD will be ready for release before the end of 2005. TEXAS ATTITUDE consists of: Lead vocals and rhythm guitar, Justin Harper; Lead guitar #1, lead vocals, and backup vocals, Steve Lavoie; Lead guitar #2, lead vocals, and backup vocals, Terry Schambers; Bass guitar and backup vocals, Dave Anderson; Drums and backup vocals, Mickey Scott; and a new addition for select shows, Justin’s own father, Phil, who will be doing some lead and backup vocal singing for the band. “Every place this band plays, they leave people exhausted and totally satisfied. There is no band like them on the planet!” says Justin’s late and great friend, Paul Clavet. TEXAS ATTITUDE is the band of the future. It is hard to categorize them, but if you have to, they are a good old Southern Rock band. Their new CD is going to make a major impact on the music scene. “I hope this world is ready for TEXAS ATTITUDE, because we are ready for you!” says Justin.
For more info on this band go to www.TexasAttitude.com