our story

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Gregory Lee founded Chain Lightning in 1994 along with co-founder, Chuck Worden (deceased 2004).

In 1994, Greg met Chuck Worden at St. Paul's infamous Peppercorns, where Chuck was a bouncer and got up to sing with Greg's current band. A legacy of songwriting and performing music began. The duo added some of the top players in MN and played several nights a week all while travelling to reach the music out of MN to Denver CO to the West, International Falls to the North, Rockford IL to the East and Conesville IA to the South. Chuck's untimely death in 2004 caused Greg to step back and try to determine the next step for Chain Lightning. Currently, 2 of Greg's kids and his wife, Kathie, have joined in the fun to continue to the legacy of Chain Lightning.

Greg began playing guitar at a young age. His first gig was played alongside his drummer sister, Debbie, performing a popular Loretta Lynn tune, "To Heck With Ole Santa Claus". 

By the time his teenage years began, he could often be found "jamming" with his friends in basements and garages. His first band was formed with these friends. Greg also began to write songs at this time and still continues this love of writing.

While in his 20's, Greg played in many local MN bands at some of MN's most popular clubs. He loved playing heavy metal! When he wasn't playing, he was almost always found doing something to do with music such as recording or attending the local jams that could be found nearly every night of the week.

Eventually, Greg wanted to play his own music and had a knack for southern rock and blues. Greg's talents are brought from his vast variety of music from country to heavy metal to classic and southern rock and blues to his own original music!

Monny Ray was inspired by music as a baby. He would rock his body to any Lynyrd Skynyrd song he heard. By the age of nine, he started to learn guitar by asking his dad or listening and figuring out how to play it. He played saxophone for school band but his true love was guitar playing.

Monny Ray formed his first band, No Existense, with his brother, Gabe, and good friend, Casey, when he was just 11 years old. 

When Monny Ray was 14, his Dad, Gregory Lee, invited him to play in Chain Lightning. Without hesitation, he joined and continues to play guitar and write music alongside his Dad. His dueling guitar with his Dad is unlike any other band in the area!

Gabriel Joe, also known as "The Machine" enjoyed banging on pots and pans, plastic containers, and bowls with any utensils he could find handy as a baby. He loved percussion and bought his first set of drums at the age of 12. He is still playing this custom Ellis drum kit! He formed his first band with brother, Monny Ray, and their good friend Casey when he was just 12 years old. He still continues to write and play music with both of them to this day. Gabe joined Chain Lightning at age 16. His bottom end and unwavering back beat is notable at every Chain Lightning show!

Rich has been playing with Chain Lightning for several years sharing the position of keyboardist with longtime keyboardist, Johnny. When one of them isn't available, the other one is. 

Rich has played in some of MN's top musical acts throughout his career as keyboardist. Chain Lightning met Rich while he was playing (and winning!) the Best Blues Band of MN. A new relationship with music was formed. His talent is beyond anything the band imagined. Rich continues to bring forth the snazziest solos and duels back and forth with the guitar players for a musical jamming experience every time!

Sam is the newest member of the Chain Lightning Band.  He brings that soul to make the music lure you to the stage. Sam's awesome smile and southern style round out Chain Lightning 's guitar army. Sam also has a family history with the band as his Uncle Joe Rice played the lap steel on Chain Lightning's first album, "Aint Just Whistlin Dixie".

Johnny has been playing with Chain Lightning since the 1990's sharing the position of keyboardist with Rich. When one of them isn't available, the other one is. 

Since his start with Chain Lightning, Johnny has been an integral part of original music as well as being able to play whatever the band throws his way. He has a long musical history of playing in many local original bands around MN. Johnny continues to amaze and entertain the crowds every chance he gets!

Scotty started out as part of Chain Lightning's road crew and stage manager. When their lead singer became very ill with cancer, Scotty stepped up to the plate to bring in the lead vocals. After all, he had been around this band since he was just a kid. He was the guitar player, Monny Ray's best friend. Scotty's southern style vocals and personality always brings many fans back to hear the music they love!

Kath has been with Chain Lightning throughout the many years whether she was singing, booking gigs, or keeping the guys in line. She enjoys filling in the background vocals along side her husband, Gregory Lee, and 2 of their kids, Gabriel Joe and Monny Ray.  She is honored to be a part of the Chain Lightning Legacy!

Melanie, aka Mel, brings her melodic background vocals to the forefront of the band. Be sure to check out her famous dance moves layin' down the groove too!