The Robertson brothers grew up with music all around them. 

Instead of bedtime stories their father sang them old folk songs to get them to go to sleep.  They never strayed too far from the campfire circle that was filled with family and friends picking their guitars until their fingers bled or they passed out drunk.  As they got older and started listening to music closer to their generation, they began to learn how to play and create their own music.  Both of the brothers played in rock, metal, and punk bands through most of their teen years – but never together.   

In 2005 Joshua, Jed and their father (Papa Willie) all found themselves residing in Tahlequah, OK.  For most of the year their father hosted deck parties and all the local musicians were invited.  The Robertson brothers were present for all of the deck parties and reconnected with their roots.  After time went on they decided it was time to put their efforts together and start a project that fused the music of their roots and the metal/punk influence they found in their youth.  During the fall of 2005, Red Eye Gravy was born. 

With help from their father they put together a band and started writing songs.  Joshua played acoustic guitar and took the lead on vocals, Jed played the drums and Papa Willie played acoustic guitar. Mark Teddington played bass, Josh Hamit was on guitar, and Patrick Callaway on mandolin.  Most of the writing was done in a small house in Tahlequah were the two Joshes resided.  The band experienced early success opening for Jason Boland and The Stragglers in January 2006 and was touted on Hank3.com as “A true Oklahoma cowpunk band from the ashes of Woody Guthrie.” 

After laying a solid foundation with the original members, the band decided to take it on the road.  Mark and Papa Willie took their leave in early 2006 and allowed Joshua and Jed to chase their dream.  In April of 2006 the brothers brought in Ryan Lester to take over the bass guitar duties and Jason Legg to bring in the sound that was needed to bring to life the idea the brothers had.  The raunchy style of lap steel brought a piece to the band that got them closer to creating a sound of cowpunk all their own.  

Touring most of the spring and summer in Oklahoma and Missouri, the band started to get more serious about writing and getting ready to record in an album.  After the summer was over, Josh Hamit played his last gig in August of 2006 at Roxie’s Roost.  The band took a break that fall and winter to write and find a permanent lead guitarist.   

Steve Kirkpatrick, a cowpunk and Tahlequah music legend was added to the lineup in October of 2006.  He was a permanent piece in creating a sound that the Robertson boys had envisioned.  In December of 2006 Red Eye Gravy presented their new sound at Max’s Garage in Muskogee, OK warming up the stage for legend Junior Brown.  After the show Junior Brown had this to say about Red Eye Gravy; “I was given comfort to know that there was a band like Red Eye Gravy playing in Oklahoma.  The band had an electrifying stage presence and Joshua had an incredible voice.  It was a pleasure to have them open the show.”  
 

In 2007 the band would experience hardships and setbacks.  In February band started recording their debut album with hopes to release later that year.  Shows were hard to come by and few dates were booked.  Conflicting schedules caused delays in the studio and conflict within the band.  At the end of the spring Ryan Lester left Red Eye Gravy due to creative differences.  Frustrated and stressed the, brothers decided to take it as an opportunity to get the final piece that would complete their vision Red Eye Gravy.  Garron Marsh joined the band on doghouse bass in August of 2007 and was a crucial part of finalizing the cowpunk sound the band was going for. 

Described as having an “exhilarating live show that captures the audience from the first burst of piercing vocals to the last notes of their deep-rooted sound,” Red Eye Gravy stromed onto the music scene in 2008. With their stylistic blend of traditional country music and the fast-paced punch of punk, the band spent the year in the studio or on the road in Oklahoma, Arkansas, Missouri, and Texas. The boys were determined to make themselves known. 

Red Eye Gravy released their full-length debut album on December 20^th, 2008 to great reviews from fans and local critics alike.  The CD has been labeled as truly something different to come out of Oklahoma. 

2009 is shaping to be the best year for Red Eye Gravy so far.  Tour dates are set up throughout the year to promote the new album, along with a stop in Pryor, OK at Country Fever Festival.  New material is being honed in the studio and on the road, and the band hopes to be ready to record their sophomore album by fall. 

Red Eye Gravy will have you believing the Grand Ole Opry was just set on fire and burned to the ground. Whether playing original songs, traditionals, or the occasional cover, this band will deliver an unparalleled show. 

This ain’t red dirt.... it’s Oklahoma Cowpunk!