The Hoyle Brothers Biography

The Hoyle Brothers Biography

The Hoyle Brothers are a honky-tonk country band based in Chicago. Founded by Jacque Judy, the band wanted to play the kind of music they heard as kids on AM radios. They began weekly residences at Chicago's The Hideout and The Empty Bottle in 2002 and have toured across the U.S. They released their debut album, Back to the Door, in 2004.  Judy is the band's primary songwriter, as well as lead singer and guitarist. He grew up in DeKalb, Iowa, listening to Chicago country station WMAQ as a child. Steve Doyle, lead guitarist, teaches at the Old Town School of Folk Music and has a music degree from Northern Illinois University. Pedal steel player Brian Wilke got his musical education at the University of Illinois and has recorded or toured with Alison Krauss, Pam Tillis and Lorrie Morgan. Josh Piet, on upright and electric bass, graduated from Columbia College's music program. Lance Helgeson, who has played drums in a variety of musical styles, says, "Country drums are not simple, because it's not about what you play, it's about what you don't."