About the Creek Rats
THE CREEK RATS are a rock band from parts unknown in North Central Arkansas, playing mainly classic rock, blues, soul, and the occasional country song. The Creek Rats are the backup band for local singing dynamo Kelly Smith. The name “Creek Rats” originated after a campfire party near lead guitarist Lee Butler’s creekside home in Fulton County, where the nightly gatherings became too much for one of the participant’s wife. After staggering home, the poor guy was told he needed to leave immediately and just “go hang with your creek rat friends”.
Most people would be insulted by such a callous comment. But Lee was not insulted. Lee was inspired. He kept that name always in his head, and when he found the right musicians, they became the Creek Rats.
The Creek Rats are available for your private party, music venue, municipal event, restaurant, bar, or nearby Dollar General parking lot.
LEE BUTLER is lead guitarist for the Creek Rats. He has played in area bands for decades, and has traveled extensively as he pursued his passion. Besides guitar, Lee has also played bass in the Mike Gray Band, and later the Lauren Gray Band. Lee is known for his soulful, raspy vocals that have been honed by decades of cigarette smoking. But concerned about his health, he quit smoking a few years ago. Although his health and stamina improved, the vocals were just not the same. His supportive Creek Rat bandmates encouraged him to resume smoking, even suggesting he increase his intake to five packs of cigarettes a day. Now he can hardly put them away, but the vocals are back to where they need to be. Come hear Lee sing this Seeger classic and some other old Memphis songs.
SMOKEY GREEN is the drummer for Creek Rats. He has played in bands throughout the south, from Texas to Florida, but returned to his native Arkansas about 20 years ago. Smokey plays several instruments, and also has wide ranging vocal skills. “Smokey Green” is obviously not his real name, as he was given the name “Toke Greene” at birth by his parents at the hospital in nearby Salem. Mrs. Greene took her a look at her newly born son and said, “This boy’s name is Toke”. But as young Toke grew up, his name presented its own set of problems, and he took up the drums to release his frustration. When his schoolmates saw and heard his prowess on the drums, they all said “Man, he can smoke those drums!”. And that’s when Toke came Smoke, now affectionately known as “Smokey Green”.
LARRY COYNE plays bass for the Creek Rats. He played bass long ago before you were born in a soul and rock band in Crossett, Arkansas. He recently attained his BA (Barely Adequate) degree at The Bass School, majoring in three chord sixties rock songs in the key of G. At TBS graduation ceremonies, he was described by his instructor as “not sucking too badly, as long as he stays in the key of G.” Larry handles the vocals on the Booker T and the MGs classics, “Green Onions” and “Time is Tight”.