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Wes
King, Sr.
Lead guitarist / Vocalist for Landia
Wes was born in Fort Wayne, Indiana on June 21, 1959. He is the oldest
of six children, four girls and two boys! He has been playing the guitar
ever since he was a child! His studies began at the Indiana School of
Music. He graduated from Snider High School in Indiana and came to California
in 1977 where he served in the United States Marine Corps. He is now the
father of two, Wesley Jr. and Sharronda Ashley.
Wes has been playing the guitar professionally for over 15 years! You
can hear and feel the passion he has for music every time he picks up
the guitar. He has the uncanny ability to pick up a song in a matter of
minutes! Then he can add his own personal touch, transforming the material
into something magical and exciting!!
This guitarist has a style that is all his own, though! That’s what makes
him the perfect fit in the Landia band. Whether it’s the slow, sexy leads
in the ballads, the highly melodic fills on the mid-tempo tunes or the
frenetic string bending solos of the high energy songs, Wesley represents
a new breed of electric guitarist!
Born to be a performer, his charming smile coupled with his awesome playing
simply mesmerizes the audience! This makes him the ultimate lead player!!
But let’s not forget to mention his vocal talents! Wes can hit the "highs"
that allow the band to deliver four part harmonies!! His writing and arranging
skills make him a powerful member in an already stunning group!!!
"Anything is possible through God", states Wesley. His strong
religious beliefs have kept him very active in the Church community. His
hobbies include football, basketball, wrestling, kempo and boxing. Do
not pick a fight with this man!!
Musical influences include Norman Brown, Eric Clapton, Stevie Ray Vaughn,
Maze featuring Frankie Beverly, Cameo, Eddie "Spanky" Adford,
and Ernie Isley.
Wes’ brother, Dennis, introduced him to David Landia in 1996 just after
Dennis had joined the band. Wes had known Chris Chambers for many years,
as they had both toured with the Chambers Brothers band. He introduced
Chris to the band when the bass position opened up. Within a short period
of time, everyone realized what fate had brought together! It’s these
four together that make the magic!!
Wes is very proud of his equipment! The BC Rich electric guitar, Jarrod
Lee "hooker" series lead amp, Guild Hollow Body and Fender M80
Amp give him all the various tones necessary to execute the many sounds
in Landia’s repertoire.
The character that he is, Wes has earned him the nicknames: "Sweet
PE", "Wild Bill" and "Big Dawg". Whatever he
may be called, though, you must see this man create the most intense guitar
leads we’ve ever seen!!!
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