The History
The Texas Jamm Band traces its roots to March 8, 1993, when a handful of musicians gathered at a small nightclub on the historic square in San Marcos, Texas, for what would become the legendary Monday Night Jam. The idea came from members of George Strait’s Ace in the Hole Band and Clay Blaker’s Texas Honky Tonk Band, who wanted a place for local musicians to sharpen their craft and for touring players to keep making music between road dates.
As word spread, the weekly jam became a destination for musicians from across Texas and beyond. Countless singers and instrumentalists took the stage, many going on to successful careers as recording artists and touring musicians. The house band soon earned a reputation of its own, receiving invitations to perform at dance halls, fairs, festivals, corporate events, and honky-tonks throughout Texas and across the country.
As demand for the group continued to grow, the once-nameless house band adopted the name Texas Jamm Band—a tribute to the Texas jam session where it all began.
More than three decades later, the Texas Jamm Band continues to deliver the timeless sound of traditional country music. Featuring longtime members of George Strait’s legendary Ace in the Hole Band, the group has become one of Texas’ premier live country bands, bringing authentic musicianship, rich harmonies, and classic dance hall energy to every performance.
The Band
Mike Daily – Steel Guitar
Mike has been with the Texas Jamm Band since its inception and is also a founding member of George Strait’s legendary Ace in the Hole Band. He comes from a proud Houston country music legacy. His grandfather, “Pappy” Daily, discovered George Jones and produced his earliest recordings, while Mike’s father, Don Daily, co-owned the legendary Cactus Records and was the first to record George Strait and the Ace in the Hole Band. Three of those original recordings are featured on the George Strait Box Set. Throughout his career, Mike has also performed with Rick Trevino, The Derailers, Aaron Watson, and Houston Marchman.
Ronnie Huckaby – Piano
Born and raised in Waco, Texas, Ronnie Huckaby began playing music at age six and formed his first band by eleven, performing country and rock music. After graduating high school, he moved to Austin to immerse himself in the burgeoning outlaw country scene. In 1983, an audition with George Strait led to his longtime role as bandleader and pianist for the country music icon.
Among the highlights of Ronnie’s career was performing at the presidential retreat at Camp David for President George H. W. Bush, First Lady Barbara Bush, and Canadian Prime Minister Brian Mulroney. Over the years, he has shared the stage with many of his musical heroes and collaborated with some of country music’s finest musicians.
Benny McArthur – Guitar, Fiddle, Vocals
Benny McArthur began playing guitar at age 13 and added the fiddle in his early twenties. After honing his craft in the honky-tonks and dance halls of Fort Worth, he moved to Austin in the early 1970s to join the acclaimed Country Music Revue, one of the city’s premier country bands. He later toured with Mundo Earwood as his guitarist, fiddler, and bandleader.
In 1983, Benny joined George Strait’s legendary Ace in the Hole Band, where he has remained ever since. A gifted guitarist, fiddler, vocalist, songwriter, producer, and studio musician, Benny also penned George Strait’s holiday classic, “When It’s Christmas Time in Texas.” He is also the co-founder of the Artist Exclusive Channel, a subscription platform connecting independent artists directly with their fans.
Rick McRae – Guitar, Fiddle, Vocals
For more than three decades, Rick McRae has toured extensively as guitarist for George Strait’s legendary Ace in the Hole Band. A versatile musician, he also provides vocals and plays fiddle and mandolin. In 2008, Rick was inducted into the Texas Western Swing Hall of Fame and has toured and recorded with acclaimed artists including Don Walser, Jason Roberts, and Asleep at the Wheel. When he’s not on the road with George Strait, Rick can often be found fronting his own bands throughout Central Texas.
John Michael Whitby – Acoustic Guitar, Vocals
For more than two decades, John Michael Whitby has been the keyboardist for George Strait’s legendary Ace in the Hole Band. Born in Austin and raised in Waco and New Braunfels, Texas, John Michael began studying classical piano at the age of three before discovering his passion for the honky-tonk styles of Mickey Gilley and Jerry Lee Lewis.
At just 21, he joined the western swing powerhouse Asleep at the Wheel, where he spent eight years. During that time, he also maintained a three-year residency with the Randy Rogers Band. Today, John Michael is widely recognized as one of Texas’ premier country keyboard players, bringing decades of touring and recording experience to every performance.
Tom Batts – Bass Guitar, Vocals
Tom Batts grew up in Port Lavaca, Texas, where he began his musical journey playing piano, saxophone, and guitar before finding his true calling on bass guitar and vocals. A dedicated champion of traditional country music, Tom is a 28-year veteran of the Texas honky-tonk circuit. His career highlights include performing on the legendary Grand Ole Opry stage, backing George Strait on two occasions, and touring with Dean Dillon on the acclaimed Legends and Lyrics tour.
Jon Kemppainen – Fiddle, Vocals, Guitar
Originally from Chapel Hill, North Carolina, Jon is a fiddler, multi-instrumentalist, and vocalist who began playing violin at the age of seven before expanding his talents to a wide range of instruments. He has recorded and performed with nationally acclaimed acts including the Squirrel Nut Zippers, the Two Dollar Pistols, and Rick Trevino.
Over the years, Jon has shared the stage with many of his musical heroes, including Pete Mitchell, Bert Rivera, Red Volkaert, Cindy Cashdollar, and Johnny Cuviello of Bob Wills’ Texas Playboys. Among the highlights of his career are meeting his longtime idol Johnny Gimble and opening for the legendary Merle Haggard.
Bobby Jarzombek – Drums
Bobby Jarzombek is the current drummer for George Strait’s legendary Ace in the Hole Band. A San Antonio native, Bobby began playing drums at age 10, studying both percussion and drum set before developing a passion for country music alongside his early love of rock. Inspired by legendary San Antonio drummer Mike Kennedy, he built a career defined by exceptional versatility and musicianship.
With more than three decades as a professional musician, Bobby’s impressive résumé includes over 30 major-label recordings and U.S. and international tours with artists including Rob Halford, Sebastian Bach, Gary Stewart, Fates Warning, and many others. His diverse musical background brings a unique energy and depth to the Texas Jamm Band.
Music
