Tommy Hall- Guitar, Keyboards, Vocals
Born August 31,1960 in Miami. Began playing piano at age 8 and guitar at age 11. In the late 70’s formed the band “Napoleon” and with Mr. Nice Guy bandmate John Quinn toured Europe and Asia for the U.S.O. and played frequently in the Virgin Islands. In 1983 moved to Northern Virginia and played in somewhat Cheezy Hotel Lounge bands for about 6 years. During the same time did studio work playing on numerous advertising jingles. In 1990 moved back to South Florida (the Ridge), and shortly after began playing with the Backbeats along with M.N.G. drummer Dave Webster.
In late 2002, formed Mr. Nice Guy. In 2003, played guitar and keys briefly with former Bad Company vocalist Brian Howe. Shortly after began playing Bass Guitar with M.N.G. keyboardist John Quinn in the “Livesays”. In 2005 began playing lead guitar with 'Foghat' original member Tony Stevens and continues doing shows currently under the band name “Slowride”. At present is co-writing, producing, performing and engineering the Mr. Nice Guy debut CD and performs frequently with MNG in the South Florida area.
Jimmy Conner- Vocals, more cowbell
Born in Tampa (before there was fire), Jim was raised in a large, close-knit family headed by his grandmother. When he was about three or four years old, Jimmy heard Elvis on the radio and did his best Elvis impersonation for Granny and his aunts and has been singing and entertaining ever since. Jimmy credits his high school choir teacher, Gene Cech, at Coronado High in California with helping him to "enunciate the line clearly, hit the note accurately, and sing from the heart with passion". (Two out of three ain't bad!)
Jim will tell you that singing is his therapy. "I never wanted to be a cowboy, cop, doctor, lawyer or astronaut; all I want to do is sing."
Richie 'Pocket Change' Jay- Sax, Congas, Vocals
Born in New York City, Richard Jay's Cuban parents and family moved to Puerto Rico when he was very young. His mother, with her teaching degree and love music, established a Music Academy. It was here that young Ritchie learned to play piano and later the sax. While in Puerto Rico, he also learned to play the guido, bongos, and congas.
At age 10 he moved to the United States. His first teacher was the well known Armando Mena, a multi-talented musician/bandleader who played at Miami's famous El Cento Espanol.
As squad leader in his high school marching band, they won the 1981 state competition for Overall Superior Performance. Also, playing in a Latin jazz band at the University of Miami in 1982, Ritchie was awarded the "Outstanding Musician of the Year" [Editors note: geez Ritchie, you make the rest of us look like chumps].
Ritchie has been performing professionally throughout south Florida with the TTF band, opening up for acts like the Manhattans and The Fat Boys. He also played with Native Tongue, Cool Beans, King Bria, Flashback, and Playeros.
In 2002 Ritchie started playing with MNG. The addition of his excellent sax and percussion playing adds a flavor and excitement to the band that has shaped the MNG sound into a unique experience. Bascially, everybody loves 'Pocket Change'!
John Quinn- Keyboards
Brought up in New England John played around New Haven/Hartford areas. Soon after high school he moved to Florida where he played in a local band that toured the Midwest. Finally settling in Miami, he met up with Tom Hall and a group named Napoleon. This group toured all over the world playing concerts and clubs for the military (USO, DOD, PACAF). The band played many bases in Europe, the Middle East and the Orient. Napoleon made its home in the Virgin Islands where it had a house gig for a couple of years playing covers and originals.
John then met a group called the Livesays which was playing all original music. The band was opening shows for national acts at big concerts. The Livesays played with such acts as Cheap Trick, Edgar Winter, Foreigner, Steppenwolf, Moody Blues, Bo-Diddly, and many more..... John and Billy Livesay [of the Livesays] ended up joining The Clarence Clemins Band in '98. The Big Man with Bruce Springsteen's E-Street Band, John played with Clarence for a couple of years. Mr.Nice Guy was soon in the picture.
Magoo- Bass, Vocals
Many attempts have been made to secure a Magoo bio, all have failed. The only thing we know for sure is that somehow, he manages to show up at our gigs.
Dave Webster- Drums, additional cow bellage, no vocals
Born in Fairbanks, Alaska, January 2, 1955 (for the record, it was 52 below zero, not the best day to come out of the womb). Being an Air Force Brat, I lived all over the country during my youth. Started playing guitar at age 11, but then caught the Beatles on Ed Sullivan. When I saw Ringo shake his head and make hundreds of girls scream, I thought "I gotta learn how to play drums".
At age 15 started playing nightclubs (illegally). Somehow survived disco in the 70's, then moved north to play and record with local groups in Pittsburgh and Long Island. Came back to Florida in the 80's, and played in a few local hair bands (with less hair) and Oliver Twist. Stopped playing for a few years until a call came from Brooks Reid and Tom Hall who were looking for a drummer for The Backbeats (this is all their fault, I was happily retired).
Started MNG in 2002 with Tom Hall, and here we are. Hope to keep playing and entertaining people as long as my extremities are working.
Some of my favorite drummers are Ian Paice, John Bonham, Steve Gadd, Chad Smith, Stuart Copeland, and George Berkowitz.
