The CatDaddys existence today can be credited by a large degree to long time friend and Lynyrd Skynyrd bassist Ean Evans. When Skynyrd released their first studio album of several years, "Vicious Cycle" in 2003, Ean threw an invitation only listening party in his adopted home town of Columbus, MS. Mike Chain, Dale Robertson and Tony Foster, old friends and bandmates of previous bands were in attendance. Mike and Tony had spent time together in the band "Air Freight" in the late 70’s. Dale and Tony first played together when Dale recruited him to play a series of shows with his band called "Vizion" in the mid 90’s.

Tony Foster was in the midst of a then 3-year retirement from performing at the time of Ean’s release party. Other personal interest made him decide to end his 8-year tenure with the group "Swing Shift" in 2000. After "Air Freight" disbanded Tony formed the band "Tyme" in 1981, which had some local success and winning a battle of the bands in Birmingham, AL in 1982. It was "Swing Shift" that Tony was most often associated with however and still performs with them on occasion.

Mike Chain is a musical icon in the Golden Triangle area. Columbus’ own "Air Freight" was a very popular road band in the 70’s that worked for Southeastern Attractions of Birmingham, AL. Anyone who remembers "Air Freight" cannot help but think of Mike. The years after "Air Freight" found Mike playing with Charlie Burgin and some of the great bands like "Countdown" that played the infamous 45 Club or "Half 90" as it was called by the regulars. However it would have to be the band "Freeway" that Mike is probably the best known for. One of the best ever bands from the Columbus area.

Dale Robertson literally grew up playing on stage. Dale’s dad Gene Robertson was the bassist and bandleader of "The Echoes" who were the house band of the legendary Playmore Club in Columbus, MS for years. Dale ventured out on his own and in the late 90’s formed the original "KatDaddys" who played the area with great success. Dale continues to perform with his dad’s band today.

The spirit of the evening at Ean’s release party was contagious and after a few brews and some enthusiastic conversation the concept of a new band was formed. They all had been playing in working bands for years. Playing the required material, the standards if you will that working bands have to play. They wanted to included some of the classic rock songs of the 70’s from groups like Steely Dan, Led Zeppelin, Bad Finger, Grand Funk Railroad, The Eagles and Kansas. But what this trio were looking for first and foremost was fun…period. Starting out 4 piece with original drummer Frank Newsom their first gig was New Year’s Eve 2004 at the Princess Theater in Columbus. The group then without a name, asked the attending crowd for help and the overwhelming choice of the people was "The CatDaddys" showing the success of Dale’s original band wasn’t forgotten.

When original keyboard player Ronnie MaGee left, the band was lucky enough to add multi instrumentalist Bobby Shannon. Vocals, keyboards, saxophone, guitar, mandolin and harmonica to name a few, it would be easier to ask what Bobby doesn’t play. A veteran musician Bobby has performed since the 70’s with numerous bands. A founding member of "Air Freight", "Mariah", with Mike during their 45 Club "Countdown" days and the great "Freeway" band. Bobby’s extraordinary musicianship allows him to perform an excellent solo act that keeps him busy as well as playing with The CatDaddys.

The final piece of the puzzle was added when Keith Shaddix joined The CatDaddys on drums in early 2006. Keith is a road and house band veteran. He also contributed to the 45 Club legacy but in the early 70’s. Moving to Memphis Keith played with "Papa" Don McMinn. Known as "The Boogie Man" and leader of the legendary "Rum Boogie Band" of the famous Rum Boogie Café, McMinn was guitarist for Jerry Lee Lewis. Keith also played some shows with "The Killer" Jerry Lee himself. Before becoming a member of The CatDaddys Keith had played with Dale in "The Echoes" and with Mike, Bobby and Tony in "The Dawn Barham Band". http://www.thedawnbarhamband.com/