Today we’d like to introduce you to Reggie Stout.
Hi Reggie, we’re thrilled to have a chance to learn your story today. So, before we get into specifics, maybe you can briefly walk us through how you got to where you are today?
I am 76 years old, so I will skip over a long and varied tale, and start more recently (still 20+ years ago). I was working as a machine operator and living in Dundalk–at a rebuilding stage of my life, when a stranger got out of a car and hit me in the head with something. This left me blind in my left eye, unable to return to the factory job, but also, fortunately, led to connecting with the Department of Rehabilitation Services (DORS) and they helped my return to school. I started at CCBC-Dundalk, took some classes at the Catonsville campus, and then transferred to University of Maryland – College Park. I graduated with a two Bachelor’s degrees, English Language and Literature and Secondary Education – English, in 2011 at 62 years of age.
I have always had some involvement in music, writing songs, doing some open mics with the Songwriters Association of Washington, and doing sound for a friend’s big soul band. I had never really played out or been in a band, but a new teacher at my school and I were talking one day and discovered that I played guitar and she was learning drums. Shortening the story again, I started rehearsing and playing with two much younger women in what I called my ‘teacher band,’ and we later named Dusk Jam. we played out at open mics, my local VFW, a company Christmas party, and some charity events. They were teaching me tunes by Adelle, Megan Trainor, and Sia while I introduced them to some classic Chuck Berry and Elvis numbers.
As I rekindled my interest and involvement in live music, I also went out to hear local bands and started attending/performing at open mics and blues jams. The Tuesday Blues Jam at Hell’s Bottom VFW Post 350 is where I really connected with my passion, and where I started my own band (for the first time ever at age 68). My first performance as a band was at the VFW on August 18, 2018 when I officially became Reggie Right Eye and gathered the first iteration of my band, the Missing Pieces. We started as a four piece and eventually added saxophone and often keys. We have been performing now at various clubs, restaurants, bars, private events, VFWs, American Legions, for over 7 years, and at Celebrate Old Bowie Festival, WPFW Blues Festival, and the Silver Spring Blues Festival — Blues Week. I also play solo for private events and at the College Park Farmers Market, and formed a trio from the members of the Missing Pieces that plays about 20 times a year.
After a never really completed attempt at an EP release, I am currently working on recording an album of all original tunes.
We all face challenges, but looking back would you describe it as a relatively smooth road?
Well, aside from my personal struggles adjusting to one eye, limited depth perception, etc., and the usual stress of running a band and working a very full time job, my only struggles are around not knowing how to promote and release my music and not having time to work on booking the band. Oh, and I did have some health problems along the way over the the last few years–including a little stroke that luckily had no lasting effects.
Can you tell our readers more about what you do and what you think sets you apart from others?
Well, as stated, I started both my current career as a teacher and my music “career” later in life. Colleagues have been asking me “when are you going to retire” since my very first day on the job. So, I would say, getting my first degree at 62 and starting my band at 68 is something that sets me apart.
I have focused on blues with my band, although I do try to do covers of numbers that not everyone does. I also would say I specialize in original music. I have more than 30 titles registered with BMI; mostly blues oriented by really all genres. I am proud of my originals, and I forgot to mention, I am now part of another band, the Bottom Dwellers band, that does some of my non-blues originals.
I don’t know if it is really unique, but one thing I love is that I am a huge fan of the local music scene and the musicians I have met, and even as a relative new comer, I feel welcome and included in the thriving DMV music community.
Are there any apps, books, podcasts, blogs or other resources you think our readers should check out?
I am mostly an old school Facebook user (remember, I’m old), and I don’t depend on much digital platforms, but as I mentioned, I need to become more familiar since this is how marketing and promotion are done these days.
There is a podcast, I Hate Politics that I think is really well done, and Sunil uses local original music as his bumper music–featuring local music every show.
Mostly, I am at the start, yes the start. . . Even at my age, one should never stop learning and looking forward. . . the start of trying to discover things that can help me with life and my art.
Pricing:
- $500-1000 is our standard booking range
- $600 minimum if we provide our own PA
- $2-300 for the trio, Right Eye Duo +1
Contact Info:
- Website: https://reggierighteye.com
- Facebook: https://www.facebook.com/reggierighteye/
- Youtube: @reggierighteye9001
