Introducing the Chancellors

ROSS MILLER
Vocals, Guitar, and Bass

Ross started playing guitar in 1964, influenced by the folk and rock singers of the early 60's. He performed as a guitarist and bassist through his college years at Brigham Young and Boise State Universities, eventually writing over 300 songs. He formed many of his own country and rock groups, in the late 60's and 70's, including The Suns of Mourning, Free Dirt, Forrest and Miller, Wedge, Class-x and Trigger Happy.

In 1989, Ross reformed The Fabulous Chancellors, one of Boise's most successful and popular groups from the 60's, for which he has provided the promotion and marketing, and most of the songwriting. From its inception, The Fabulous Chancellors have enjoyed nearly a half-century of success, a legacy Ross seeks to honor with each new show.

JOE BALDASSARRE
Vocals, Lead Guitar, Keyboard, Harmonica, Flute, and Sax

Although he holds a doctorate in classical Guitar Performance (the highest degree possible), and is known internationally as a medieval musicologist, "Dr. Joe" is just as comfortable with his vintage Rickenbackers as he is his lute.

Born, raised and educated in the city of rock 'n' roll, Cleveland, Ohio, Joe started his musical sojourn under his father's tutelage at age four. By thirteen he was a regular on Cleveland television and radio as a guitar soloist, and in demand as a studio musician, regularly appearing on commercials and laying down guitar tracks for major recording labels.

Between regional tours and regular appearances with dozens of the most popular acts of the period, he pursued and completed his academic degrees before moving to Boise State University, where he has been Director of Guitar Studies and Coordinator of Music History for over 32 years.

Over the years, he has also found time to contribute articles for medieval, musicological and baseball periodicals, while continuing his performance careers, which has seen him perform on some 50 different instruments, live on stage throughout his life. His recorded legacy includes and award-winning solo medieval CD, two solo folk CD's, and he will soon add a rock album.

Joe played with The Fabulous Chancellors from their resurrection in 1989 and continued through 1990, he later rejoined band in 2001. In addition to his vocal and instrumental contributions to The Fabulous Chancellors, he is also the band's musical director - arranging music for vocals and instrumentation.

JAMIE JENSEN
Vocals, Keyboard, Sax, and Electric Violin

Making his debut with The Fabulous Chancellors in 1992 as one of three lead vocalists, Jamie has expanded his role as one of two multi-instrumentalists in the band. Hailing from a musical family where his brothers, Brent (who has released several jazz saxophone CD's, and is in demand at jazz festivals and concerts), and Jerry, (who is a classical pianist) schooled him regularly in all types of music. Jamie is a key to the versatility of the Chancellors' high-energy shows.

Professionally, Jamie is a counselor at Boise State University. However, music of all genres was always his first love. Growing up with his older brothers' penchant for classical and jazz music, Jamie also listened to collections of hits from the late 50's and 60's. Little did he know that one day he would grow up to share the stage with many of those same recording artists. Nobody really knows how or why he has acquired the moniker "Chainsaw" - he seems so "calm".

JON McKAY
Lead Vocals and Guitar

A Boise native and naval veteran of Desert Storm, "Big Mac" began studying music at age eight. Active in both choir and orchestra, Jon has been a member of a variety of collegiate and professional vocal groups including jazz, madrigal, a cappella, and concert choirs. During his junior and senior high school years - 1985 through 1989, Jon had the privilege of sharing the stage with such top performers as The Les Brown Trio, Dizzy Gillespie, and Wynton Marsalas to name a few. Jon attended Boise State University as a vocal performance major. In 1989 Jon became a member of the All Northwest Honor Choir, and was selected for a position with the America Jazz Choir. He has been a frequent contributor at vocal workshops and music festivals, regularly receiving superior ratings.

Since joinging The Fabulous Chancellors in 1994 Jon has shared the stage with such entertainment notables as Bill Pinkney's Original Drifters, Paul Revere and the Raiders, The Diamonds, Brian Hyland, and many more. His vocal talents are included on three albums of original recorded music by The Fabulous Chancellors. Presently, Jon is the assistant manager of Boise's Guitar Center store, which was recently named a top selling unit for the entire chain.

Greg Hackett hails from two well-known Northwest musical families. His father, Russ, was a jazz pianist who played with Lionel Hampton, Doc Severinsen and Sammy Davis Jr. His mother, Jeannie, performed with his father and then Gib Hochstrasser as a jazz singer and drummer. Gib was his step-father as well as noted leader of the Kings of Swing, drummer and vibe player - - a major musical force in the Boise area for over 60 years.

He started playing at age 12 and has done stints on the road since the early 70's with The Kings Ransom (Alaska, Washington and Oregon) and Kris and Songbook (California). He has also played extensively in Southern Idaho doing two stints with Dr. Joe in Chapter Three, Julie and Elias, Kris and Songbook and many others. He has also been active in his church's music as a drummer and bassist.

His favorite music include rock of the 60's, progressive rock and jazz/fusion, and his favorite drummers are Steve Gadd and Chicago's Daniel Seraphine. Like Jon, he served in the US Navy. It looks like the Hackett family will continue making great music as his daughter, Kendra, currently sings, writes and plays keyboard in the popular Jazz/Funk band, Polyphonic Pomegranate.

RANDY STEWARD
Vocals, Guitar and Drums

A real estate agent by trade, Randy began playing drums in 3rd grade in 1957 and by 1960 he was performing in bands. Throughout his musical career, Randy has performed in many different venues as vocalist, drummer and guitarist.

Besides having performed with many touring groups and back-up bands, Randy is also a gifted songwriter. He lists Gene Krupa and Buddy Rich as his drumming influences and James Taylor, Jim Croce and Jackson Brown as his song writing influences.

Joining The Chancellors in February of 2008, Randy is an adept lead and harmony singer, with an expansive vocal range from low bass to tenor. In addition to vocals, expect to see Randy playing rhythm guitar in performances, as well as drums when required. The Chancellors are proud to welcome Randy into the fold, rounding out a field of talent in the performance of classic rock ‘n’ roll.