Skylites originated in the summer of 2001. Skylites made their debut at the Dacquiri Factory on the Richmond Strip & have been playing venues in and around the Houston area. Skylites have traveled as far as Shafter, TX for a wedding that took place at an exclusive resort.
Skylites are still going strong, playing in the Houston/Galveston area. Skylites members, all professional musicians, have a number of years of experience under their belts.
Meet the Members
First of all, meet Albert Moguel, guitarist, vocalist & leader of the band from Houston, TX. Albert started playing guitar at the age of 12. He played his first paying gig in Italy at the age of 13. After returning to Houston, he continued playing in local bands until he left for the Marines & 2 tours in Viet Nam. Returning home with 3 Purple Hearts & the Silver Star, he continued his playing with Cal Thomas (TSU Tornados), Calvin Owens, Wild Honey Hot Biscuit. You may have also seen him play with hot Tejano acts such as Augustine Ramirez, Rocky Hernandez, Latin Express, Elsa Garcia, Fama & Aviso, Houston's Powerhouse. Now his time, energy, heart & 'soul' belong to the Skylites.
Meet Tyrone Stewart, an original Skylite, from Berkeley, CA. This is where he started his own group, Mantis. They toured South America as one of the opening acts for the James Brown Show. Tyrone has made LaMarque, TX his home. He has played with great groups in the Houston/Galveston area. His vocals and experience on drums has added the perfect ingredient needed for the Skylites. In addition to playing and singing, he also writes, composes, & arranges some of his original music that has been recorded. He also arranges some of the music for the Skylites.
Now we come to a man called 'Una' aka Joe Rodriquez, another original Skylite. He started playing bass at the age of 23. He has played with numerous local acts and recording artists. He has also played with various Tejano bands such as Elsa Garcia and Josefa. His bass playing expertise has made him one of the most sought after bass players around.
Another original Skylite on percussions and vocals is Tony Puente (TP) from Houston, TX. Tony started singing at the age of 15. After graduating from San Jacinto Jr College, he continued singing with a 70s rock and roll band called Breeze. He continued playing with various bands including Night Owl. He toured with the Joe 'King' Carrasco Band for 8 years. Tony played with the Tejano star Little Joe y La Familia. His vocals and percussions add spice & flavor to the Skylites.
Duane Gourdin has been with the Skylites long enough to appreciate the talent he brings in to the band - musical director/synthesist. Started his musical career doing background vocals/cartoon voiceovers and transcriptions for TV and radio commercials in New York. As a musical director/synthesist for Gloria Gaynor, Evelyn'Champagne' King, Force MD's, The Joneses, Afrikka Bambatta and the Soul Sonic Force, he toured/played with a variety of artist such as Prince, Four Tops, Cameo, Larry Graham, The O-Jays, Harold Melvin, Chaka Khan, Stylistics, The Spinners, Jermaine Jackson, Barcay's, Con Funk Shun, Brenda Russell, Lionel Ritchie, Frankie Beverly and Maze, Kool and the Gang, Luther Vandross, Judy Garland, Carol Burnett, Frank Sinatra, and Count Basie, and many more. After performing at most of the major concert venues around the world he came to Houston, Texas and worked on his degree in Audio/Video Engineering.
Duane Gourdin is the musical director/keyboardist and sound engineer, he executes an impeccable sound and style that is almost impossible to copy. The unmistakable, rich and powerful sound of 'Duane Gourdin' resonates in the hearts and minds of all who hear him.
One of the newest members, Joey Flores started playing guitar at the age of 14. He was taught by Sister Helen, while attending Holy Name Catholic School in Houston, TX. He continued to play at church for several years. Then, he began playing in a rock & blues band. He expanded his talent by playing country, jazz, & Tejano. He also began teaching guitar lessons at H& H Music. He decided to retire from music in 1994. A few rehearsals with Albert and the Skylites is all it took to get him back in to 'it'. He has added fullness to the band with his guitar and his humorous personality.
The newest addition is Aubrey Dunham (The Blues Dog). Aubrey, a major recording artist, gifted musician and vocalist from Houston, Texas. He has perfected the art of playing the saxophone with the unique sound and style of the legendary 'Texas Tenors'. About the age of 14, Aubrey wasted no time putting to use what he had been studying- he began to practice & play. Aubrey's drive to perfect his skills led him to formal studies at Bishop College, in Dallas, TX and Texas Southern University (TSU) in Houston, TX. While at TSU, Aubrey performed with Kirk Whalen, Arnett Cobb, Hank Crawford, & Bobby Humphrey, learning & sharing musical knowledge. Aubrey graduated from TSU in 1980 in music education. He has performed on stages all over America. Now he adds and shares his talents with the Skylites.
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