TERRI WHITNEY
Terri Whitney, lead singer and manager for Country Express, has been singing since she was a child when she sang in the church junior choir and the elementary chorus in school. She formed a band in high school to play for school events. In recent years she participated in the local Ultimate Idol competitions where she placed second overall, performs at local Christmas tree lighting and sock hop events. She was lucky enough to perform with Kenny Rogers on stage. Terri is from Franklin, NY.
JOHN DEMAILLE
John DeMaille, who plays pedal steel guitar for Country Express, has played guitar and pedal steel since his teen years. Having played for many bands during his music career, including Johnny Paycheck, John has opened for George Jones, Flying Burrito Brothers, Freddy Fender and Tom T. Hall. He is renowned in recording studios for his back-up abilities and has done many recording sessions. Since moving to Halcottsville, NY, he's continued playing with his own band and the Country Express band. Congratulations on making it into the NYS Country Music Hall of Fame!
DARLENE DEMAILLE
Darlene DeMaille, who plays bass guitar and adds vocals for Country Express, has been singing and playing guitar and bass since high school. While living in Long Island, she sang with several country bands, including her own band. Since moving to Halcottsville, NY, she has worked in her own band as well as with Country Express. She had the opportunity of opening for country music legend George Jones and performed with country music stars Merle Haggard and Jack Greene.
KEN WHITNEY
Ken Whitney studied percussion at the Tony Monforte School of Modern Drumming in Binghamton, NY. Ken began playing country music with E-Z Feeling Band, Country Melody band, Phoenix band which he formed and managed, Route 66 band and Alderhollow band. During his career he has opened for country singing legends Dottie West, Billy Walker, The Whites, Little Jimmy Dickens and Randy Travis. He currently plays with both Country Express and Dirt Road Express. Ken lives in Greene, NY.
JOHN THOMPSON
John Thompson grew up in a musical family and began playing professionally at the early age of 13. His father, Dick Thompson was widely known throughout upstate New York as the leader, vocalist and bass player of “The Driftwoods”. John plays multiple musical instruments, but has found playing guitar to be the most satisfying. During his years in Nashville he was a popular “sideman” with singer/songwriters as well as a session drummer at legendary record producer “Cowboy” Jack Clement’s historic “Cowboy Arms Hotel and Recording Spa”. His passion for traditional country music includes a deep understanding and knowledge of the history of the genre. Although John has deep country roots, he’s also been a member of “Big Fish Combo”, “Off The Record”, “Hop City Hellcats” as well as several jazz, rockabilly, pop and classic rock and roll bands during his forty plus years of performing.
