James Whatton Band
Outlaw Country & Southern Rock from Minnesota
Formed in 2024, the James Whatton Band delivers a fresh take on outlaw country, blending Southern rock swagger with gritty, heartfelt storytelling.
Frontman James Whatton, originally from Louisville, KY, brings his Southern roots and deep appreciation for classic country to the band’s sound.
Drawing inspiration from legends like Merle Haggard, The Allman Brothers, and Waylon Jennings, alongside modern trailblazers such as Sturgill Simpson
and 49 Winchester, the band crafts a sound that honors tradition while forging its own path.
With their debut single, “You’ll Be Doin’ Fine,” set to release July 25, 2025, and upcoming support slots with Shane Smith & The Saints, Shakey Graves,
and Charlie Parr, the James Whatton Band is steadily making a name for themselves in the Americana and outlaw country scene.
Band Members:
James Whatton - Vocals/Guitar
Jeff Powell - Guitar
Jay Reis - Keys/Vocals
Jeff Norstrem - Bass
Ted "Teddy Ruxpin" Rustad - Drums/Vocals
Contact Info:
📧 jameswhattonmusic@gmail.com
TOUR DATES
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Whether tearing up a honky-tonk bar or lighting up a festival stage, the James Whatton Band brings raw, unrelenting energy every time. With fiery guitar solos, foot-stompin’ rhythms, honky-tonk keys, and the soulful roar of a Hammond B3, they’re staking their claim deep in the outlaw country, Alt-Country, Americana, and Southern rock scenes.
