CO-LEAD SINGER

Born and raised in Orange County, Joanna has been singing ever since she was old enough to sign up for choir. As a Jazz Studies major in choir at SUNY Purchase, she was mentored by trumpeter Jon Faddis (solo artist and leader of Carnegie Hall Jazz Band). He impressed upon her the importance of immersing oneself in the music—listening to everything in the genre to develop an authentic sound. Since then, she has performed professionally in both New York and Los Angeles, as a solo act and as part of various music ensembles.

Her style is a mix of R&B, Jazz, and Pop, and her vocal versatility is perfectly suited for the various artists represented in Radio Royalty. Joanna grew up in the 80’s and holds the music near and dear to her heart. She loves to be able to perform her favorite music throughout the Southland, in many of the very same places where she first heard these fantastic artists!

CO-LEAD SINGER

Michele is originally from the South where she spent her early years performing with local bands in both Orlando and Atlanta before becoming a regional actress in musical theater. Once she moved to Los Angeles, she starred in over 20 musical productions throughout the area including Cabaret, Curtains, Nuncrackers, Legally Blonde, 9 to 5, and Mamma Mia among others. Her longest running role has been that of Patsy Cline in Always, Patsy. A role she has cherished.

Michele is very excited to once again be back one stage for live music as part of Radio Royalty. These songs have a residence not only with the band but so many of our fans.

SAXOPHONE/BACKING VOCALS

Kim Taylor is a performing musician in Orange County, California. Her musical beginnings were based in Chicagoland where she started in the school band on alto saxophone during the fifth grade. In those days, she played by ear because she thought everyone could and "Maneater" was the first song she learned. During high school, she played along with David Sanborn's recordings, took private lessons and performed with the Concert Band, Jazz Band, Choir and Orchestra. By her senior year, she had earned full music scholarships to UNLV.

Kim was a dual major in Music Performance and Education. Her experience at UNLV led to many opportunities including gigs with Kenny Rogers, traveling with the Runnin' Rebels, and unforgettable performances in New York City, Washington D.C., and Hawaii. Her college Jazz Ensemble was the first ever college band to play the Village Vanguard.

Kim has been teaching private music lessons on everything from flute to tuba, plus a little piano, for about 25 years. In other words, "No Strings Attached". Currently, she is the band and handbells director for grades 5-8 at St. Serra Catholic School in Rancho Santa Margarita. She has a growth mindset and is willing to try new things in music for the challenge and if it also means sharing music with more people.

GUITAR PLAYER

Don grew up on the South Side of Chicago and started playing Violin at 6 yrs old and started playing guitar at 8 years old. Don as a teenager became involved in the local music scene and by 16 he was playing in local bars and taverns performing R&B, Reggae, Blues and Classic Rock songs with notable other Chicago musicians. His musical pursuits led him overseas to Sydney Australia and Japan where he toured playing violin and guitar with some well-known bands in the Funk and Jazz Fusion genres. Don’s musical acumen ranges across all genres and led him to become a Bandleader of a local Southern California band. As Radio Royalty’s Guitarist he creates a sonic texture of lead and rhythm guitar playing backing the bands great vocalists.

DRUMMER

Since becoming a professional drummer, Rob has performed in music videos for a Warner Brothers country artist as well as an Interpol Records pop rock band. He toured with Contemporary Christian Rock Band Liaison. Rob is an Educational Endorser for Remo Drumheads, ProMark drumsticks and the DrumDial. Rob enjoys a full roster of drum students and has been teaching private lessons for almost 30 years.

In 1995 he won the California Country Music Association’s “Drummer of the Year” award, and in May 2000 he was profiled in Modern Drummer magazine. In the November 2015 issue of Modern Drummer, he was honored with a spot on Dom Famularo’s Teachers List.

BASS PLAYER

Bill is originally from the Bay Area and was very influenced by the large number of professional musicians that came out of the Bay Area in the 60’s, 70’s and 80’s. Bill has been playing bass for over 30 years and has played in a number of bands from alternative rock, classic rock and pop. As the band leader and having lived through the 80’s, Bill has been wanting to build a band like Radio Royalty for a while that plays hits from the 80’s that most bands just don’t cover. Many of these songs we have selected are very positive, upbeat and have an inspirational message. We want to leave our audience happy and inspired.