R-Gang is a collection of the most talented vocalist and musicians in the Midwest. They have been performing as a band for the last 18 years all over the area. They also have entertained at every large venue in the city and suburbs including a stint as the on the field band for the Chicago Bears at the old Soldier Field.
Robert Davis
Lead vocals, Bandleader
Before R-Gang, Robert performed both as a soloist and previously as a member of the group Chambers of Time. He has performed live at venues such as Park West, Holiday Star Theatre and the Riviera Niteclub opening for the Staple Singers, Joe Tex and Stephanie Mills. An exceptional showman, Robert was a finalist at an open audition for lead singer with Kool & the Gang. Robert is also a keyboardist & songwriter.
Bill Syniar
Bass Player
Bass player/songwriter Bill Syniar is a familiar figure on the local music scene. In 1978 Bill co-founded the recording group Tantrum, producing three LP's on the Ovation label. He later joined Alan Hewitt & 88, making two appearances with the group on the nationally-syndicated TV show, StarSearch. Bill toured throughout Europe and the U.S. as bass player for CBS/Scotti Bros. recording artists Survivor, appearing with them in concert and on German television. He appears on Survivor's "Too Hot to Sleep" and "Greatest Hits" LPs. Bill also played bass on the Ides of March CD "Ideology," as well as the "High Gear" album by Christian metal group White Cross. Bill has writtten music for the Doobie Bros., as well as for solo albums for Kansas vocalist Steve Walsh, and for members of the band Toto. He has performed live at the Aragon Ballroom, Arie Crown Theatre, Chicago Amphitheatre, Park West and similar venues across the U.S.
Anthony Owens
Lead Vocals
Anthony (Rick) Owens rounds out the lead vocal talent in the group with his clear falsetto. Rick previously performed with Robert Davis as a founding member of Chambers of Time, opening for The Emotions and the Ohio Players.
Will Crosby
Guitar
Wil grew up in Chicago in a musical family surrounded by some of Chicago's jazz & blues greats. Wil's own blues credentials are as deep as his background in Soul & Gospel. He played guitar with Eddie Clearwater, and subsequently with many Chicago blues legends, including Mighty Joe Young, Willie Clayton & Otis Clay. But Chicago is the birthplace of Gospel music, and Wil's roots took hold in that genre as well, performing with Gospel greats, the Staple Singers, for over 10 years. Wil appeared with Pops Staples at the 1995 Grammy Awards in an all-star jam with Bonnie Raitt, Phil Upchurch, WahWah Watson, Isaac Hayes & Maria Muldar. Wil was the 1996 winner of the Albert King Award and was invited to perform at the White House in 1998. More recently, Wil has toured worldwide with Mavis Staples, who was honored with a Lifetime Achievement Award at the 2005 Grammy Awards.
Robert Davis
Lead vocals, Bandleader
Before R-Gang, Robert performed both as a soloist and previously as a member of the group Chambers of Time. He has performed live at venues such as Park West, Holiday Star Theatre and the Riviera Niteclub opening for the Staple Singers, Joe Tex and Stephanie Mills. An exceptional showman, Robert was a finalist at an open audition for lead singer with Kool & the Gang. Robert is also a keyboardist & songwriter.
Bill Syniar
Bass Player
Bass player/songwriter Bill Syniar is a familiar figure on the local music scene. In 1978 Bill co-founded the recording group Tantrum, producing three LP's on the Ovation label. He later joined Alan Hewitt & 88, making two appearances with the group on the nationally-syndicated TV show, StarSearch. Bill toured throughout Europe and the U.S. as bass player for CBS/Scotti Bros. recording artists Survivor, appearing with them in concert and on German television. He appears on Survivor's "Too Hot to Sleep" and "Greatest Hits" LPs. Bill also played bass on the Ides of March CD "Ideology," as well as the "High Gear" album by Christian metal group White Cross. Bill has writtten music for the Doobie Bros., as well as for solo albums for Kansas vocalist Steve Walsh, and for members of the band Toto. He has performed live at the Aragon Ballroom, Arie Crown Theatre, Chicago Amphitheatre, Park West and similar venues across the U.S.
Anthony Owens
Lead Vocals
Anthony (Rick) Owens rounds out the lead vocal talent in the group with his clear falsetto. Rick previously performed with Robert Davis as a founding member of Chambers of Time, opening for The Emotions and the Ohio Players.
Will Crosby
Guitar
Wil grew up in Chicago in a musical family surrounded by some of Chicago's jazz & blues greats. Wil's own blues credentials are as deep as his background in Soul & Gospel. He played guitar with Eddie Clearwater, and subsequently with many Chicago blues legends, including Mighty Joe Young, Willie Clayton & Otis Clay. But Chicago is the birthplace of Gospel music, and Wil's roots took hold in that genre as well, performing with Gospel greats, the Staple Singers, for over 10 years. Wil appeared with Pops Staples at the 1995 Grammy Awards in an all-star jam with Bonnie Raitt, Phil Upchurch, WahWah Watson, Isaac Hayes & Maria Muldar. Wil was the 1996 winner of the Albert King Award and was invited to perform at the White House in 1998. More recently, Wil has toured worldwide with Mavis Staples, who was honored with a Lifetime Achievement Award at the 2005 Grammy Awards.
Mike DelValle
Keyboardist
Mike was born in Litchfield Illinois. He began playing professionally at the age of 13 needing to be brought in the back door of clubs since he was too young to be there. Mike is a graduate of Western Illinois University where he played electric bass in the jazz band. After graduation, Mike ended up in Chicago where he retrurned to keyboards and doubled on guitar. He has played with several bands including Landslide, What the Funk, Magpie, and Manhattan Project. Mike joined R-gang in 2010 and has enjoyed a great ride ever since.
Anthony Napolitano
Drummer
Started playing drums at 8 years old and taking lessons in 5th grade
Played in college and in bars at 18 music college for two years
Has played in local bands and with radio personality Steve Dahl, A&M Records and Atco Records
Born in Oak Park IL
Reach us at rganglive@gmail.com
