MEET THE BAND
Ricardo Williams
Drums, Percussion, Lead Background Vocals
Born and raised in Norfolk, VA, Ricardo was attracted to music at a young age. Ricardo learning to play drums in elementary school and formed Mass Production during his senior year along side his brother Tyrone and LeCoy Bryant.
Upon winning a multi-state talent song for bands, Ricardo and the group moved to NYC, where they were signed to Cottilion Records, a custom label of Atlantic Records and Warner Communication Company. During their stay at Atlantic, the group recorded eight albums. Ricardo wrote a large majority of the groups material, including the hit song “Firecracker”, which was sampled by the group ‘2 Live Crew’ for their recording “Me So Horny”, becoming the rap group’s biggest hit. Firecracker was also sampled by Megan Thee Stallion for her single Kitty Kat. Ricardo’s music can also be heard film soundtracks such as "The House Next Door: Meet The Blacks, Salon, Be Cool, Destrubia, and Central Intelligence".
Lecoy Bryant
Lead Guitar, Background Vocalist, Songwriter
Lecoy is an award winning musician and one of three co-founders of the world renowned funk band – Mass Production. He shares that nucleus position with Ricardo and Tyrone Williams. Lecoy has steadily held the position of Vice President in the four-decade old Mass Production Organization (Mass Production Band Brands, LLC).
Further advancing his music career at the tender age of 17, LeCoy, along with the other members of Mass Production, migrated from his hometown of Norfolk, VA to New York City. There, the group was signed to a contract with Cotillion Records, a label in the WEA (Warner, Electra, Atlantic) music family. It was with Cotillion, the band recorded its widely known, notorious hit, “Firecracker”, which debuted as an R&B chart topper , which has left its funky/disco footprint on the world. It later was sampled by the rap group , 2 Live Crew , for their hit single "Me So Horny.”
Tyrone Williams
Keyboardist, Songwriter
Tyrone was born and raised in Norfolk, Va. At only 9 years old, he had his first encounter with formal music training. Although he hated piano lessons, his parents insisted on Tyrone and Ricardo taking the lessons. After learning to play trumpet joining his school band, Tyrone earned a full scholarship to study music at Norfolk State University. It was during his college years the he became acquainted with electronic keys, Brass and Wind instruments, dabbled with percussions (mallets), and even lugged around a String Bass.
The original Mass Production trio, Tyrone, Ricardo, and LeCoy, added new members and went from a local hit act in Norfolk to touring the world. The instrument that Tyrone once had provided an awesome life and beautiful musical experiences with Mass Production.
Larry Marshall
Lead Vocals, Songwriter
Growing up in Norfolk and Detroit, Larry was surrounded by music at a young age from participating in local talent shows, church, school choirs, and family functions. Despite this, Larry was still unsure of what to do with his life. The turning point happened while attended high school, where Larry and his four friends created a singing group called "The Primes."
Following the groups breakup a few years later, fate would place Larry and LeCoy at the same party. LeCoy asked Larry to join his newly created band, Mass Production, and the rest was history. Larry became one of the messengers of the "Solar System Sound of LOVE".
James Drumgole
Trumpet, Lead & Background Vocals
Born and raised in Norfolk, VA, James began his musical journey in the sixth grade as a trumpeter and continued this fulfilling through high school. James had an equally satisfying run in a local band as part of a horn section where he also sang and arranged background vocals.
When that band broke up, James and guitarist Rodney Phelps joined Mass Production.
This reunited James with his best friend from first grade, Gregory McCoy and forever united him with folks who became his brothers and sisters for life.
Sam Williams
Drums & Vocals
Born and raised in Norfolk, VA, Sam grew up in a very musical household. Sam's mother sang in the church choir, his sister was an accomplished pianist, and all three of his older brothers played in school bands.
Sam joined two of these brothers, Ricardo and Tyrone, to create the sounds of Mass Production.
Sam is a prolific singer, songwriter, keyboardist, and well-learned musician with skills that flows in several genres of music including Funk, R&B, Gospel, and Jazz.
Sam is the 'Heartbeat' of Mass Production, his well-known funky "In the pocket style" locks down the groove.
Allison E. Rogers Jr.
Bassist, Songwriter, Singer
Allison began singing in the children's church choir at an early age and continued throughout high school. During his military deployment to Europe, he began playing the Bass Guitar and never looked back. Following his time in the military, he continued to hone his skills by studying music at the University of North Carolina-Wilmington. There, Allison played in several groups and talent shows around town.
Allison's extensive career included playing with "The Keith Nesbit Trio". Italian Jazz artist "Tiero Cavalieri" and sharing the stage with "The Ohio Players" "Slave" and finally Mass Production.
Allison met the members of Mass Production during a concert with Melba Moore. He stayed in touch with the band over the years until they asked him to join. Allison has described being apart of Mass Production as being part of a family, a team, and believing in the same vision all the way without doubt.
Tanya Williams Faulk
Vocals
Tanya is a native of Norfolk, VA and grew up surrounded by music and musicians. She began singing in various groups and choirs at a young age and had a close and personal connection to Mass Production since three of her uncles (Ricardo, Tyrone, and Sam) are all original members. She was there when the band started and practiced at their mother's, (her grandmothers) living room.
As some of the other members of Mass Production moved on, they were seeking a new female singer- but did not have to look far at all.
Being close to the band from the beginning helped Tanya fit in seamlessly. When you see Mass Production, you will hear the Superlative voice of Tanya Faulk, and be filled with pleasure.
