Steve always said, “I surround myself with talent, so no one knows I ain’t got any! All I say is here they are, there they were, and weren’t they terrific!” Of course, Steve was a very talented man and knew how to put a show together. Steve Hall passed away Dec 28, 2018 but not before he left us with some great laughter, music and entertainment.
Steve Hall’s 8-piece Country Comedy band included amazing Nashville musicians and vocalists. They performed a variety of music, including impressions of over 60 artists. The group traveled worldwide, performing shows on television and backing many other artists during package shows and were the Shotgun Red Variety Show Band. You can watch the Shotgun Red Show on DVDs at our General Store.
JENNIFER BRUCE was a featured singer, songwriter, and entertainer with the Shotgun Red Show since 2003. With the help of a mutual friend, Jennifer made a guest appearance at a benefit concert for Camp Confidence in Brainerd, Minnesota, in 2002 that Steve Hall hosted, and Steve liked what he heard. Less than a year later, Steve asked her to join his show. Jennifer’s strong, rich vocals bring to life impressions of artists like Patsy Cline, Loretta Lynn, Tammy Wynette, Wynonna, and many others. In addition to entertaining, Jennifer assisted Steve Hall as a road manager and managed the Shotgun Red Variety show on RFD-TV, as well as singing and playing on the show weekly. You can learn more and get Jennifer’s music at her official website: JenniferBruceMusic.com
ROGER FRANCIS worked as a featured singer, entertainer and guitar player with Steve Hall and the Shotgun Red Show for over 25 years. Steve first heard Roger while he was performing in Branson, Missouri. A friend brought Roger over for Steve to listen to and the rest is history. Roger has toured and performed all over the world, at the General Jackson Showboat and even The Grand Ole Opry with the Shotgun Red Band. Roger has been blind since birth, but that doesn’t stop him from being one of the best impersonators Steve has ever heard. Roger can do hundreds of impressions, everyone from Willie Nelson, John Anderson, George Jones, Ray Charles, Elvis, Paul Harvey, James Taylor, and many others. He is simply a fantastic entertainer.
TIGAR BELL was eight years old when he won his first fiddling contest and was asked to join Merle Haggard’s band, “The Strangers.” He toured with Merle’s band for three years. He has opened up for many artists over the years such as, Asleep at The Wheel, Tanya Tucker and the Bellamy Brothers. Tigar has played fiddle, mandolin, guitar, banjo, and sang harmony on many sessions, Including Ricky Van Shelton’s “Love and Honor” for Sony Music, and the soundtrack for “Bay Watch.” Tigar has toured with Ricky Van Shelton, Pam Tillis, Collin Ray, and Travis Tritt. He produced a new album for Ricky Van Shelton and is awaiting release. Tigar’s multi-instrumental experience made him a great addition to the Shotgun Red Band and the Shotgun Red Variety Show for RFD TV. Tigar Bell passed away in 2022. Rest In Peace Tigar, we will miss you, your great sense of humor, and your amazing talent.
MARK PETERSEN started out with Steve Hall and the Southbound 76 band. He came to Nashville when they won the battle of the Bands and met Ralph Emery. Mark has written major hits such as “Cadillac Style” for Sammy Kershaw, “Refried Dreams” for Tim McGraw and many more. Mark appeared on season one of The Shotgun Red Variety Show and in addition to performing his amazing impressions, performed one of Steve’s favorite songs, “Perfect World”. Find out more about Mark Petersen
ERNIE RENN also started out with Steve Hall and the Southbound 76 band. He played steel and electric guitar on various shows for Steve. He came to Nashville with Steve when he crashed Ralph Emery’s morning show. Ernie is an fabulous musician and a good friend to Steve over the years.
PENN PENNINGTON was a Grand Ole Opry member, and Jack Greene’s Band leader for 23 years. He produced his duet album that featured duet partners Georges Jones, Lori Morgan, and many others. Penn was the Audio recording engineer and Band leader for the Shotgun Red Variety show for RFDTV and performed on stage with the Shotgun Red Show for many years.
RAY VON ROTZ has performed every kind of music, from country to jazz, and is a well-respected drummer in the Nashville music community for over 30 years. He has backed many famous Opry acts, such as Jeannie Seely and Jack Greene. Ray played with Boots Randolph for 20 years. He is the drummer on the General Jackson Showboat since 2001 and has played on many recording sessions in Nashville. He was a regular member of the Shotgun Red Band and appeared weekly on the Shotgun Red Variety Show for RFD TV.
AUDIE SHIELDS who hails from Salt Lake City, Utah, played in his family band with his dad and four brothers for 25 years. While honing his musician chops during those years, Audie worked with many legendary artists: Hank Thompson, the Hager Twins, Ferlin Huskey, and Stonewall Jackson. Since moving to Nashville in 1999, he is a friend of many of the great Nashville musicians, especially the legendary Leon Rhodes, who played on Audie’s latest CD project. Not forgetting his family, Audie’s son and two brothers also played on this CD. Audie also likes musical challenges. One of them is transposing jazz guitar licks to the steel guitar.
