Shawn Lane - Youth

Youth

Born in Memphis, Tennessee, Lane began playing piano with his sisters at the age of eight, but did not play guitar seriously until he was ten. At age 12-13 he began to practice heavily. At fourteen, he became the lead guitarist for Black Oak Arkansas (BOA), alongside members including drummer Tommy Aldridge toured over the next four years opening shows for bands including REO Speedwagon, Ted Nugent, Outlaws (band), Cheap Trick, and Blue Öyster Cult. During 1979 Lane played in The Streets and recorded studio demos with Andy Tanas on bass, Chris Craig on drums and Jimmy Henderson on guitar.

At age fifteen Lane saw Allan Holdsworth play guitar with the progressive band U.K., which inspired him to develop his own style of playing guitar. Lane also played in Savage Innocence with singer Jim "Dandy" Mangrum, guitarist Keith Plunk, keyboardist Billy Batte, drummer Chris Craig and bassist Kinley Wolfe who then played with The Cult. As the original members dropped out, Lane replaced them with players from his high school days. Lane began to play a style close to jazz fusion. During the 1980s and early 1990s, Lane played in The Willys, a band consisting of singer/bassist Rob Caudill, keyboardist Sam Bryant and drummer Russ Caudill. Lane also performed in the fusion band Out of Bounds with Barry Bays and DeGarmo and Key drummer Chuck Reynolds.