Johnny was born at Fort Sill, Ok. During his formative years, his family moved around a lot because his dad was a military man. His dad, Les Rowland, was also a music man, having played in several bands as a youngster in his native New York. While stationed at a military base in Graf Germany, Les met 3 important people. The first was his wife, who he married in 1959. He also met Elvis Presley, who was stationed there, and he met Charlie Pride, who did a USO show at the base. After returning to the States, Johnny was born in 1965. The family lived in Lawton, Ok. for the next 10 years. Another tour of duty sent them back to Germany, and this is where Johnny’s interest in music began to take roots. His dad bought him his first set of drums at the age of 10 . They lived in Germany for the next 3 years, before returning to Lawton, Ok once again. When Johnny was 15 yoa, his dad bought him his first guitar for a Christmas present. It was a Fender copy. By the time he was 16 years old, he had joined his first band. His first musical influence was Elvis Presley. Tho he still has a love for Elvis’ music, he now prefers the sounds of George Strait, Steve Wariner, Gary Stewart, and Clinton Gregory. He has played in local Oklahoma artist, Ralph Spears band, and also with Phil Samson. Phil Samson is the writer of the hit song, YOU’RE THE REASON GOD MADE OKLAHOMA. In 1988, he married his wife Lorrie, and they have a son, Zack, who graduated this past year from Wylie High School. They moved to Texas in 1994, and except for a brief period in 1998-1999, they have lived here ever since. During his sabbatical back to Oklahoma, he was a third place finisher in the 1998 JIMMY DEAN/TRUE VALUE SHOWDOWN contest. The following year, 1999 he was the Oklahoma state finalist in the same contest. Johnny has been a member of the Texas Legend Band as our drummer since 2001. In the last couple of years, since the retirement of Kenny Seratt, he has taken over the duties of master of ceremonies for the Opry. Johnny is a man of many hats, and is a very valuable member of the Texas Legend Band.