The SJO Rhythm Section

Billy Moore - Drums
SJO TENURE: 7 YEARS.

To say we are lucky Billy Moore is playing with us is the supreme understatement. In his long and distinguished career he has worked on Broadway and in films, television and studios. He had his own percussion school in Los Angeles for twenty-five years where he taught many of today's working professional drummers. Along the way, Billy has played for Count Basie, Ray Charles, Earl Bostic, Lena Horne, Bob Hope, Sammy Davis Jr., Nellie Lutcher, Stevie Wonder, Dakota Staton, Redd Foxx, Oscar Brown Jr., Earl Grant, Billy Taylor, Percy Mayfield, The Four Tops, The New Christy Minstrels, Billy Daniels, Diana Ross, George Kirby plus countless others...and now we are privileged to have him play with us!

Mr. Moore has performed in many shows and movies, among them: The Wiz, Lee Wiley Story, Bob Hope Specials, Some Kind of Wonderful, Uptown, Lady Sings The Blues, Evolution Of The Blues, The Lucy Show and Midnight Special to mention just a few.

Be sure to visit Billy's website.

Dan Turner - Piano
SJO TENURE: 2 YEAR

After 27 years in SJO's piano chair, our friend Doyle Faler passed away in December of 2004. Filling those shoes was not the easiest thing we've ever undertaken, but we think we've exceeded all expectations. Please meet Dan Turner, a native Georgian, prodigious performer, award-winning piano player and an all-around nice guy!

Dan started out taking piano lessons in the early 60's and continued, studying with Charles Wade, Archie Mosley, Paul Mitchell, Don Reitan and Don Tweedy among others. While studying piano and synthesizers at the University of Georgia he also studied timpani and other percussion instruments. Dan has played with various groups in all sorts of musical genres; classical, country, pop and swing ... combos to large ensembles. He's played with: U. GA's Orchestra and Band, DeKalb County's Orchestra and Band, the Gwinett Community Band,After Hours Jazz Trio, Jazz Creed Sextet, Rocky Creek Band (sextet), Mike Rogers (quintet), Brothel Blues Band and the Atlanta Swing Orchestra.

Dan was awarded the Atlanta Society of Entertainers Lifetime Achievement Award in 2004 as well as their award for Best Blues Band (Brothel Blues Band) in the same year. In November of 2004 Dan was inducted into the Atlanta Music Hall of Fame! Seems to us that Doyle's piano chair is in great hands! Welcome Dan!!

Lauran Hunt - Bass
SJO TENURE: 18 YEARS

Lauran came to Atlanta as an infant from Boston, Massachusetts where he was born. He attended Druid Hills High School in Decatur where he played in both marching and stage bands. When finally he entered college he decided to major in music. He attended Georgia State University to pursue his degree and while there, played with the GSU Jazz Band.

He has also played with the Dekalb College Stage Band, The Baker Williams Big Band and several other area big bands and ensembles. He has his own trio/quartette called "Night Wind," and together with his wife they have a steel band that plays around the metro area. They have quite a musical family! He and his wife Karen (who is herself a fellow musician and accomplished percussionist) have two children, Christopher and Lindsay.

Jerome "Jerry" Aull - Guitar
SJO TENURE: 8 YEARS.

Jerry Aull grew up in Indiana as the oldest son of a family of nine children. He received his bachelor's degree from St. Louis University earning highest honors. He earned his master's degree while serving as a university fellow in the doctoral program in theology at the University of Notre Dame. Jerry had a successful sales career as a financial planner. He also worked for a decade as a teacher, football coach, and administrator in secondary schools and colleges. He has authored two textbooks.

Jerry has presented numerous seminars in time management and productivity and is a sought-after motivational speaker. His keynote and workshop clients include most of the Fortune 500; IBM, UPS, USPS, COCA COLA, PRICE WATERHOUSE, COMPAQ, AOL, SAP, CNN, TURNER BROADCASTING, THE NY TIMES, PHILADELPHIA INQUIRER, ELI LILLY, LEVI STRAUSS, GLAXO SMITHKLINE, VANDERBILT UNIV, et al. He has also shared the speaking platform with the likes of:Zig Ziglar, Peter Drucker, Denis Waitley, Stephen Covey, Elizabeth Dole, Colin Powell, & Jimmy Carter.

Today family life is Jerry's top priority. He and his wife, Cricket, have six children and spend a lot of time in family activities. Jerry continues his interest in music by playing with the SJO, performing solo jazz concerts, and is soon to release his third Adult Inspirational music CD. His music is also given to nursing homes, hospices, and prisons where he plays while on the road. He is also a fitness champion who has completed over 25 marathons and bicycles 50 miles a week.

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