Steve “Speed” Nowell

Upright Bass/Vocals

Steve started out around 8 years old learning to play upright bass while standing in a chair at home and quickly turned that into band contest entries and performing with the local family band The Bluegrass Partners of Starkville, MS. Then while still in high school, jointly formed the very popular Perfect Tyming, a bluegrass group which traveled extensively throughout the United States in the 1980’s and 90’s.

Steve has also appeared and performed with other bluegrass greats including Mr. Bill Monroe, Larry Sparks, John Hartford, Chubby Wise, Mac Wiseman, Carl Jackson, and other fine artists.  While co-managing the band, bus, and busy tour schedule, his musical talents were sought after by some very popular artists; with inquiries from The Trio, Emmylou Harris & Nash Ramblers, The McCarters, The O’Kanes, and others.

With his solid and tasteful bass lines and strong vocals, Steve’s four decades of experience provides defining elements which help create a distinctive sound for Magnolia Drive. Steve also writes and publishes many of the songs the band performs and has recorded today.  Behind the stage or studio, Steve also adds tenured IT experience to the band’s efforts. Combining his knowledge in technology and music experience, he brings unique skills as an audio and video engineer and co-producer to the band’s recording and media projects. The current band recordings have been recorded at his resident-located studio. In addition to those things, he also manages the band’s web sites, social media content, and many other industry-specific performing artist sites.  Steve also promotes and markets the band by making a phone call or two and just plain ole’ sitting down and talking about it!