Although born
in Lubbock Texas, on August 8, 1969, Chris grew up in Cheyenne Wyoming, where he
took up the bass guitar as a teenager. His early influences consisted of players
like Geddy Lee, Steve Harris, Rudy Sarzo, and Michael Anthony. Chris played in
the local bands Axis, Mistress Blitz, and The Edge, before moving to Phoenix,
Arizona the summer of 1987.
Wanting more
from his instrument, Chris studied Music at Phoenix College from 1988 to 1990,
where he played bass in the Phoenix College jazz band. His influences then
quickly changed to accomplished players like Stanley Clarke, Will Lee, Jaco
Pastorius, and John Patitucci.
Unable to
break free from his rock roots, (was it his long hair, the girls and the
booze, or the enjoyment of 8th notes and spandex? See the VH1 special,
"Chris Connally: Behind the Music"), Chris tried to "make it
big" in the early 90's with original rock acts Rip N Tear, Soul Shock
Remedy, and Shyboy. He also worked for the radio station Z-Rock, playing bass in
their show band The Z-Rock Killing Crew. After years of recording, showcasing,
and never getting that "big break", along with the takeover of grunge
rock, Chris and several other members of Shyboy formed the classic rock cover
band Dr. Ruth. After a decade of shows, and various lineups in the band, Chris
stepped down.
Enjoying time
with his wife Cindy, and his newborn daughter Mckenna, Chris became one of the
many local musicians filed in the "where are they now?"
Category.